Table of contents for 2025-05-07 in Post

1 cup dried chickpeas 1½ tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 small onion, chopped ½ cup fresh coriander ½ cup fresh parsley 2 tbs chickpea flour 2 large garlic cloves 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 4 tbs water 2 cups vegetable oil for frying Soak the chickpeas for 12 hours or more. Drain, rinse and dry the chickpeas thoroughly. Place the chickpeas, cumin, coriander, chilli flakes, fresh coriander, fresh parsley, onion, chickpea flour, baking powder and salt in a food processor. Blitz, adding the water until it resembles a coarse paste-like mixture. Roll the mixture into balls. Heat the oil on medium heat, and fry the falafels for about 2 minutes each side until golden brown. Tahini sauce: 2 tbs…

1.5kg chicken wings Flour coating: 1 cup cake wheat or all purpose flour 1 tbs baking powder 1 tbs Cajun spice 1 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper Sauce: ¼ cup or 62.5g butter ¼ cup Wellingtons red pepper hot sauce ¼ cup habanero sauce 2 tsp Cajun spice ¼ cup honey Ranch dip: ¼ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup sour cream ½ tsp hot sauce ½ tsp dried parsley ½ garlic powder 1/8 tsp dried thyme ¼ tsp mustard powder salt pepper Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Cut the wings into wingettes and drumettes. Use a kitchen scissors to cut off any excess skin or hair on them. Mix the flour coating ingredients together. Pat the chicken wings dry with…

1 x 400g canned chickpeas 3 tbs tahini 1 large clove garlic, peeled and chopped 2 tbs lemon juice 2 tbs olive oil ½ tsp ground cumin salt 3-4 tbs water sumac or paprika Rinse the chickpeas a few times and rub them between your fingertips to loosen the skin. Discard the skin and set the chickpeas aside. Add the tahini, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Add the chickpeas and cumin. Process for at least 2 minutes until smooth. Add small quantities of water as you go along until it is creamy. Drizzle the other tablespoon of olive oil on top and sprinkle some sumac or paprika before serving.…

175g butter salted ½ cup chocolate chips 4 large eggs, room temperature 1 cup light brown sugar 2 tsp vanilla essence ¾ cup cake flour, sifted 2 tbs cocoa, sifted 150g good quality dark chocolate, chopped Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Lightly grease a 23cmx23cm baking pan and line it with parchment paper. The paper must slightly overlap from the pan for easy removal. Place the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe bowl and melt for 50 seconds, or more if required. Set aside. Place the eggs, vanilla essence and sugar in a bowl, Beat with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes on a medium speed until the mixture doubles in volume. Slowly drizzle in the chocolate mixture and keep beating, about 10 seconds, until everything…

125g butter, soft, at room temperature 2 tbs vegetable oil 2 tbs castor sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 1 tsp vanilla essence 1½ tsp baking powder 1½ to 2 cups cake wheat or all purpose flour Shortbread base: Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Line a 20cmx 25cm baking tray or ovenproof dish with parchment paper. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, oil and sugar until light and creamy. Beat in the egg. Mix in the vanilla essence. Add the baking powder and add a little flour until the dough is soft and pliable. The dough must be of a consistency that can be rolled out. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Place one half of the dough in between parchment paper and roll it out into…

125g or ½ cup butter salted ¾ cup castor sugar 2 tsp vanilla essence 4 large eggs 2 cups cake wheat flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 tbs vegetable oil 1 cup milk warm Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Grease a 20cmx25cm baking pan and line the base. Sift the flour and baking powder, and set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar for 4 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Start at a low speed and increase to medium speed. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until each one is well combined. Mix in the vanilla essence. Add 1/3 cup flour/baking powder mixture and 1/3 cup milk together with the oil. Mix until combined. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk.…

A WOMAN is an embodiment of shakti, or pure energy. When this energy is channelised in the right direction, there is nothing that can stop her from achieving what she sets her eyes on. When it is disturbed, it creates chaos inside her and all around her. Emotions become the primary reason for disturbing this force in a woman. When a woman is emotionally disturbed, it has a direct impact on her reproductive health. The common occurrence of symptoms like polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, irregular menstrual cycle, and other reproductive disorders is a direct result of emotional congestion. Sanatan Kriya, which is an assimilation of the eight limbs of Ashtang Yog, is a potent practice that helps a woman achieve a state of balance in various layers of existence…

India has taken the highly significant step of suspending the 1960 Indus waters treaty, which governs water sharing with Pakistan, as part of its response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed at least 26 people. India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, said that “the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism”. India holds Pakistan responsible for the attack, and has responded by putting in place several other measures including telling Pakistani nationals to leave the country. The attack happened in Pahalgam in the part of Kashmir controlled by India. Both India and Pakistan claim the region, which has been the site of several military conflicts since 1947 and a long-running…

WHAT’S happening to us as Indian South Africans? Why are we allowing the traditional family ties and friendships that once pervaded our lives, to just fade away? That’s the theme of a popular meme doing the rounds on social media this week, posing some searching and pertinent questions about relationships among Indian people. The originator of the meme, whose identity is not revealed, recalls the days when homes in Chatsworth, Phoenix, Merebank, Isipingo, Tongaat and beyond were warmed by a spirit of togetherness. “Cousins were like brothers and sisters. Siblings stood shoulder to shoulder. Neighbours became family. Sundays were for visiting, not for rushing. Eid, Diwali, weddings, funerals – whatever the occasion – we showed up. No invite needed.” Somewhere along the way, the writer bemoaned, something precious appears to…

There has been a lot written about the Great 1913 Strike. The strike first sparked in the coal mines of Newcastle. The strike then ignited the plantations of the North and South coasts of Natal. There has been though little focus on the strike in Durban, where the city’s workers rose up by laying down their tools of trade. It was noteworthy that the very first strikers joined on November 16. This was, of course, the day on which the very first indentured workers arrived in Natal. In the wake of the commemoration of Workers’ Day we take a look at the strike and its stunning impact on Durban. AS STORIES of the strike spread from the northern coalfields, there was a palpable sense of something in the air. In…

After two unsuccessful attempts to get the 2025 national Budget passed, Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, is facing growing calls for his resignation from different sectors of society. By now though, South Africans should be used to the fact that no ANC leader has resigned under pressure. As expectations grow that President Cyril Ramaphosa will dismiss him should he not succeed in his third attempt to have the Budget passed later this month, do not hold your breath. ANC presidents from Thabo Mbeki to Ramaphosa have defended the likes of Jackie Selebi. The failure to table the 2025 Budget that is acceptable to all Government of National Unity (GNU) partners has made Godongwana come across as not fit and proper to serve as minister of finance. Section 92 (1) of…

Kohli reflects on captaincy Former India and Royal ChallengersBegaluru captain Virat Kohli said that he moved away from the leadership role after more than eight years as it was getting “really tough” for him to meet the demands of it. Kohli first led the U-19 Indian team to the U19 World Cup in 2008 and then went on to take up the leadership role for his franchise as well as India. The talismanic batter did exceptionally well in the leadership role for India but failed to lift the title for RCB. “At one point, it did become tough for me because there was just too much happening in my career. I was captaining India for a period of seven to eight years. I captained RCB for nine years. There were…

Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill reckons Kagiso Rabada is in need of more net time after the South African pacer was omitted for yesterday’s IPL match against the Mumbai Indians following his return from a drug ban. Rabada left the Indian Premier League to head home last month to serve a provisional suspension for taking a recreational drug. “He is back in time, but we thought he might need a couple of more practice sessions to be able to get back in the groove,” Gill said at the toss at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Gujarat had announced Rabada’s return and availability for the team on Monday, saying he “accepted responsibility and regrets his mistake”. Rabada, who has played just two matches for Gujarat in this season of the T20 tournament, was”…

Nottingham Forest’s bid to qualify for the Uefa Champions League suffered a setback as they were held to a damaging 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side needed a victory to keep pace with their top five rivals. But Eberechi Eze's second-half penalty put Palace ahead and, although Murillo equalised soon afterwards, Forest left south London outside the Champions League places. Sixth-placed Forest’s attempt to appear in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 1980/81 is now out of their hands. They sit two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and fourth-placed Newcastle, with third-placed Manchester City three points ahead of Forest. Forest have three games left, with winnable fixtures against Leicester and West Ham before what could be on a final-day shootout against Chelsea. “We…

Residents from Chatsworth were treated to a free live music concert at Truro Prevocational School in Bayview to honour musicians that passed on over the years. The recent event featured nine bands from Durban.…

6 small sweet potatoes 2 tbs olive oil 1 small onion, finely diced 1 small garlic clove 1 green chilli 1 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1/3 cup Cheddar cheese 2/3 cup Mozarella cheese 3 tbs fresh cream salt pepper paprika sour cream (optional) chives (optional) Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Scrub the sweet potatoes, pierce them a few times and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 45 minutes or until soft. Cool the potatoes a little and slice them lengthwise. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and fry for a minute. Add the chilli powder and cumin, and cook for 30 seconds. Set aside. Scoop out the sweet potato flesh, leaving a thin…

500g lamb mince ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs 1 small onion, grated 2½ tsp ginger-garlic paste 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp paprika 2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional) ¼ cup fresh coriander, chopped 1 tsp salt 1 small lemon 2 tbs vegetable oil Soak wooden skewers in some water for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the lamb mince with all the ingredients. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon and mix well. Using damp hands, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape it around the skewers. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the lamb kebabs, for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Serve with naan bread and a yoghurt dip with a crunchy…

5 medium potatoes, cut into thin rounds 1 cup gram or pea flour ¼ cup cake wheat flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 tbs cornflour 2 tsp salt 1 tsp turmeric 2 tsp coarsley ground cumin 2 tsp coarsley ground coriander 2 tsp chilli flakes ¾ cup water vegetable oil for deep frying Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Rinse and pat dry. Mix all the other ingredients together. Pour a little water at a time to form a thick batter. You may not require all the water. Rest the batter for 10 minutes. Heat the oil on medium heat. Dip the potato slices into the batter. Ensure they are coated well. Drop the battered potatoes into the oil and allow them to fry until golden…

250g or 1 cup butter, at room temperature ½ cup castor sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 1½ tsp vanilla essence 1½ tsp baking powder 2½ cups cake wheat flour 225g apricot jam Preheat the oven to 160ºC. Grease and line a 27cmx23cm pan with baking paper. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg and combine well. Mix in the vanilla essence. Add the flour and baking powder, and mix until well combined. Do not add all of the flour at once. You may require more or less. You should have a soft, biscuit-like dough. Press about ¾ of the dough into the baking pan using your hands. Flatten it…

125g or ½ cup butter at room temperature ¼ cup or 60ml castor sugar 1½ tsp vanilla essence 1½ cup cake wheat/all purpose flour chocolate or royal icing for decorating Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla essence and mix. Slowly add the flour, a little at a time. Mix until a soft dough is formed. Add more or less flour as required. You should have a soft and pliable dough. Wrap the cookie dough in clingwrap and refrigerate for an hour. Roll out the cookie dough and cut into shapes. Refrigerate for another 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 160ºC. Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes until slightly brown along the edges. Cool the cookies completely…

4 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil ½ cup orange juice zest of 1 orange ½ cup milk 2 cups cake wheat or all purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 3 tbs granulated sugar for sprinkling on top Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Line a 22cm springform pan with baking paper and cover the outside with foil. Set aside. Beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until light in colour and triples in volume, at least 5 minutes. Mix in the orange zest and olive oil. Add the flour, baking powder, orange juice and milk, and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the springform pan. Sprinkle the sugar on top and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick…

From ‘mourning’ for her two children who were diagnosed as deaf, to ensuring that they would achieve success as adults, Nayantra Kanaye, the deputy president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society and a former teacher, shared her journey from childhood and motherhood, to retirement. DISCOVERING that both her children were deaf, Nayantra Kanaye felt as if she was “mourning the loss of a loved one”. However, the 70-year-old deputy president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, and a former teacher, said despite the first years being the most difficult, she knew she needed to do everything possible to ensure they had a bright future. In addition, Kanaye, of Mount Edgecombe, has made a difference to the lives of others, who are also deaf, through various programmes during her…

MOTHER’S Day is more than just a celebration – it is a moment to pause and reflect on the immense physical, emotional and spiritual dedication that they have to their children and families. While we shower mothers with flowers, cards and love, it’s also the perfect opportunity to support their well-being in a deeper, more meaningful way. This Mother’s Day, let us honour mothers by addressing their health needs holistically. Nourishing a mother’s body: the foundation of well-being Motherhood demands a lot, whether it’s during pregnancy, nursing or running a household. Yet, many mothers prioritise everyone else’s nutrition before their own. Nutrient deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, B12, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids are common among moms, and can lead to fatigue, mood swings and burn-out. Tips Include…

IN 1860, the first Indian indentured labourers arrived on the shores of Natal, each carrying a little more than hope, and a simple tin tag stamped with a number and an estate name. These small metal discs, worn around their necks, were their only form of official identification in an unknown land. Today, they are rare relics of a courageous journey that helped shape South African history. We call on descendants across the country and the diaspora: search your homes, your family trunks and your memories. A forgotten tin tag may still survive, a silent witness to endurance, sacrifice and pride. Finding one is not merely discovering an old object. It is reclaiming a priceless piece of our collective soul. The original identity tags These tin tags, or “tin…

IT’S only fitting that retired judge and human rights campaigner, Thumba Pillay's birthday falls in April – what we in South Africa call Freedom Month. Freedom, after all, has been the watchword epitomising his impeccable character, strong values and unyielding principles all through his life. Some people say it runs through the veins of this 89-year-old veteran. Barathanathan Thumba Pillay was barely 10 years old when, travelling by bus from his Clairwood home to the Durban city centre, his curiosity was drawn to a crowd of protesters at a Passive Resistance rally in Gale Street, calling for an end to racial discrimination. That’s when the first seeds of his political awareness were planted. And it later grew during his school days when he avidly followed radio reports of global political…

WILLAIM Blake is regarded as one of the most widely anthologised poets of the 18th and 19th centuries. His poetry explores powerful themes such as divinity, innocence and experience, social injustice, religious and spiritual beliefs, and political commentary. One of his most well-known poems, The Tyger, with its central questions about God and creation, can also be examined within the context of the war between Israel and Palestine – or indeed, every other violent conflict currently taking place in the world. The speaker in the poem describes the fearsome creature of the tiger. With his characteristic flair, Blake creates a powerful visual impression of the tiger’s “fiery” eyes, its “fearful symmetry” and its powerful physique. The speaker wonders which immortal being could have created such a powerful and terrifying creature,…

A PHOENIX granny suffered severe injuries after being attacked by a neighbour's pit bull while returning from church. Thawanie Perumall, 62, was mauled by a dog belonging to her fellow church-goer, on Baileybridge Road, in Stonebridge, while walking home after Sunday service. Her daughter, Nikosa Perumall, said her mother walked the same route daily to attend church, but this was the first time she had encountered the dog. “The dog's owner is my mother’s friend. They were both walking home from church, which is 10 minutes away from our home, when the dog escaped from the yard and attacked my mother. “My daughter was also walking with my mother but she decided to walk faster so she could reach home quicker. We are lucky that she was not there. She…

Arsenal must stick together in PSG showdown Martin Odegaard has urged Arsenal to “stick together” after their recent failures as they aim to defy the odds in tonight’s decisive Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners head to the Parc des Princes faced with the daunting task of having to beat the French champions to reach the Champions League final for the second time in their history. Mikel Arteta’s side trail 1-0 from the first leg after Ousmane Dembele’s winner in north London. PSG have already eliminated Premier League champions Liverpool in the last 16 and Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, after beating Manchester City in the group phase. Arsenal, who have never won the Champions League, are on the brink of becoming PSG's latest English scalp this…

Did you know that the last South African to be chosen as the world’s best Under-20 player was Juarno Augustus? Yes, the same big No 8 that starred for the Northampton Saints in last weekend’s epic Champions Cup semi-final triumph over Leinster in Dublin. The former Junior Springbok stalwart was the player of the tournament at the Under-20 Championship in 2017, which took place in Georgia. So good was Augustus that he won his award despite the Junior Boks going down 24-22 to England in the semi-final. They at least won the third-place playoff 37-15 against a French side including current Test stars such as hooker Peato Mauvaka, utility forward Alexandre Roumat, flyhalf Romain Ntamack and utility back Mathieu Jalibert. South Africa were captained by Ernst van Rhyn, and several…

Sharks fans will agree that watching their team grind out wins in recent weeks has been like watching a rock being pushed up a hill, but defence coach Joey Mongalo is certain the summit is in sight. The Sharks host the Ospreys at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Friday night (7pm) in a homecoming United Rugby Championship fixture after hard-fought wins in Edinburgh and Belfast consolidated their fourth position on the URC points ladder. “It has been gritty, not pretty, but it says a lot about the character of the team, and we believe the cohesion we want is not far off,” Mongalo said before explaining why the Sharks appear disjointed at this late stage of the season. “We were always going to have this dynamic because we did not have…

300g brocolli cooked 1/3 cup chickpea flour 2 tbs cornflour 2 tsp chilli flakes ½ tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1¼ tsp salt 1/3 cup water 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated 3 tbs oil for frying Bring some water to the boil and add the broccoli. Cook until tender, for about 8 to 10 minutes. You can use your discretion in terms of the time. Alternatively, cook the broccoli in the microwave oven for 7 minutes. Drain the water, and use a fork and mash the broccoli. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix the chickpea flour, cornflour, chilli flakes, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and water. You will have a thick batter. Add the broccoli and cheese to the batter and mix well. Heat 3 tablespoons oil…

3 cups mint leaves 1 cup fresh coriander 1 cup roasted peanuts 1 large clove garlic ½ tsp chopped ginger 2 green chillies 1 tsp tamarind paste, mixed in ¼ cup water 2 tsp lemon juice water salt Tempering: 1 tbs light olive oil or vegetable oil ½ tsp mustard seeds 1 small onion, finely diced 1 sprig curry leaves Rinse the mint leaves well a few times in a large bowl. Drain the leaves and the coriander, and set aside. Roast the peanuts on medium heat until slightly brown. Mix the tamarind paste in ¼ cup water. Roast the garlic with the skin on in a small pan until the garlic is soft. Place the roasted peanuts in a food processor and process into a smooth paste. Add…

Tamannaah Bhatia will share screen space with actor Sidharth Malhotra in the folk thriller, Vvan, which is slated to release next year. The Instagram handle of Balaji Motion Pictures dropped a haunting teaser, unveiling Bhatia’s foray into the world of mythology and mysticism. The spine-chilling clip opens with her stepping barefoot on to something sharp, flinching – but undeterred. With a fiery torch in hand, she ventures into the heart of a shadowy forest, setting the tone for a tale shrouded in mystery and magic.…

Mallaya-Pandya is a UK award-winning intuitive life coach and best-selling author. Visit her at www.mysticsisters-uk.com or mellissamallaya@hotmail.com or find her on social media @mysticsisters Aries (21 March – 19 April) You have got “go” energy, but May says slow it down. It’s not about charging ahead. It’s about smart moves. Bold is beautiful, but think before you leap. Highs: Long term wins. Lows: Impatience. Taurus (20 April – 20 May) It’s your season. You are glowing and grounded, but don’t get too comfy. Embrace the spotlight and speak your truth, not just the polished version. Highs: Personal glow-up. Lows: Comparison traps. Gemini (21 May – 20 June) You are full of charm and ideas, but don’t ghost your responsibilities. May rewards you for follow-through, not…

2 cups or 500ml fresh cream 1 can or 385g condensed milk ½ cup caramel 150g Lindt Caramel Chocolate, chopped into little pieces The cream must be really cold. Set aside 2 tablespoons of cream. Use an electric beater and whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the condensed milk. Beat the 2 tablespoons of cream into the caramel until smooth. Line a pan with cling wrap. Pour in half of the cream mixture. Add half the caramel on top, place little blobs of caramel and use a knife or skewer to make swirls. Sprinkle half the chocolate on top. Pour the other half of the cream mixture on top and repeat with the caramel. Sprinkle the chocolate on top. Cover with cling wrap and freezer for 6…

5 large egg yolks 2 cups fresh cream ¼ cup castor sugar 1 tsp vanilla paste 3-4 tbs granulated sugar Add the fresh cream to a saucepan and gently heat just until it reaches boiling point. Mix in the vanilla paste and turn off the heat. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks and the castor sugar until well combined. Slowly pour in a little bit of the cream and mix well. Use a spoon or a whisk but do not create too much air bubbles. Gradually add in little bits of cream and mix. Strain the mixture into a jug. It makes pouring easier, otherwise a bowl will do. Place 4 ramekins in a baking pan and pour the mixture equally into the ramekins. Half fill the baking…

200g chocolate digestive biscuits ¼ cup butter, melted 500g full fat cream cheese 250g mascarpone cheese ½ cup or 125ml castor sugar 2 tsp vanilla essence 2 tbs cocoa 200g milk chocolate 100g dark chocolate 1 cup or 250ml fresh cream Line the base of a springform pan with parchment paper and set aside. Place the biscuits in a food processor and pulse until they resemble fine breadcrumbs. Mix in the melted butter. Place the breadcrumbs in the springform pan and press down with the back of a measuring cup. You can press some on to the sides of the pan if you wish. Refrigerate until the filling is ready. Whip the fresh cream until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate. Ensure the cream is cold when whipping. Melt the chocolate…

CHATSWORTH residents have accused the eThekwini Municipality of “blowing a situation out of proportion” after they were accused of threatening a water distribution officer (WDO) and preventing him from implementing the rationing schedule by shutting off the reservoir valves. On Monday, the municipality issued a statement that residents who are supplied with water from Chatsworth 4 Reservoir, in Moorton, would face a delay in the restoration of service due to staff members being threatened. “The delay is due to an unfortunate incident that occurred on Monday, when the WDO was threatened and prevented by a group of people from entering the reservoir to close the valves in order to allow the system to fill up. “This process is done as part of the rationing initiative which was communicated to all…

RESIDENTS of Verulam's central business district (CBD) are increasingly fearful as crime rates soar, with reports of theft, stabbings, and armed robberies becoming commonplace, leaving shoppers and business owners on edge. Prem Balram, head of Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), said crime was escalating because of the market for stolen goods. He said people were buying stolen goods at cheaper prices. “The challenging part is that the same people who complain about crime are the very ones purchasing the stolen goods. “We have found stolen goods in the possession of prominent people in the community, including businessmen and women, and religious leaders,” said Balram. “We have seen a drastic increase in crime in Verulam in recent weeks. Last week alone, we responded to over 30 crimes. We received a large…

FOR Durban comedienne and entrepreneur, Natashia Munian, becoming a mother has been a life-changing and rewarding journey. The 39-year-old, also known as Bash with Tash, and her husband, Deveshen Munian, took their son home when he was just 2 days old, last year. Munian said the past eight months with “Baby Munian” had been the most rewarding. “He has changed my whole world for the better. This kind of joy can never be matched. I also have someone to wake up to, even though I have ‘hunkle’ (Deveshen). “The adoption process was not an easy one, but through God’s grace we are here. However, there are always challenges, but the last couple of months have been amazing. “He was only 2 days old when he entered our home, and now…

Success is a lousy teacher, says Proteas women’s coach Despite having lost two consecutive games in the ongoing Tri-Nations series against hosts Sri Lanka Women and India Women, South Africa Women's coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes that the side is moving in the right direction. The side lost by 15 runs and five wickets to India Women and Sri Lanka Women, respectively, last week. In both matches, Mashimbyi has identified periods in which South Africa dominated. The only area of concern, according to Mashimbyi, is the side's failure to dominate for long periods to force a result in their favour. “I think we’re gaining a lot more than the results suggest,” Mashimbyi said on Tuesday. “You only learn the best when you lose, and as we all know that winning is…

France’s former interior minister Gerald Darmanin has apologised to Liverpool fans for wrongly blaming them for the chaos at the Stade de France during the 2022 Champions League final in Paris. Darmanin, now serving as the justice minister, admitted that security arrangements for the final between Liverpool and Real Madrid were inadequate, and that his previous public remarks blaming English fans were a mistake in reports carried by British media on Monday. Fans were caught in dangerous crowd congestion outside the Stade de France before the match, which was delayed for over 30 minutes. French police were filmed using tear gas on fans, who complained of heavy-handed treatment as they were herded into pens outside the stadium. Darmanin held a joint press conference with other French ministers two days after…

Lately, we have seen rain play a huge part in our golf games and playing in that type of weather can be all the more challenging. This week we take a look at your wedge play in these situations. Hitting wedge shots in rainy conditions can be a daunting task, even for experienced golfers. The reduced spin, lack of traction and unpredictable ball flight can make it challenging to achieve accurate and controlled shots. However, with the right techniques and adjustments, you can still master wedge shots in rainy conditions. When playing in the rain, it’s essential to consider the reduced spin and how it affects your shots. The rain can make the ball fly straighter and shorter, which means you may need to adjust your club selection and swing…