Table of contents for 2025-11-26 in Post

Carrina Moodley, 32, of Chatsworth, said as a child it was always her goal to make her parents and herself proud, which led her to tackle every challenge head-on. She was the head prefect and recipient of the Dux award in primary school. Moodley said after completing matric, she pursued her passion for civil engineering and earned a N6 qualification in 2013. She said from 2016 to 2018, she completed in-service training with Basil Read Construction, where she gained practical experience and obtained a national technical diploma. “I always believed we should not try to be like others but be better versions of ourselves. I found myself competing with every challenge I encountered. I later decided to choose a career that was challenging to me and one which would help…

THE newly-elected KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Disability Council and Department of Social Development (DSD) have formed a strategic partnership to address pressing challenges facing people with disabilities, including the rising concern of substance abuse within the community. Last week, KZN Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga and disability council chairperson Sindy Cebisa committed to a renewed partnership tackling accessibility barriers and substance abuse affecting people with disabilities. The initiative seeks to unite stakeholders in creating comprehensive support systems throughout KZN. During the engagement, the council outlined priority issues affecting people with disabilities across KZN, including accessibility barriers, socio-economic marginalisation, limited access to assistive devices, and the need for strengthened community-based support services. The DSD committed to working closely with the council to jointly develop strategies, programmes and advocacy initiatives that will address these…

ACTRESS Neha Dhupia’s daughter, Mehr Dhupia Bedi, turned 7, and her mom shared a heartfelt note on social media. She wrote: “The number 7 never felt as lucky as it feels today. “My heart is full. I’m all choked up as I write this. We love you so much, our Mehrunissa (sic).” She added: “Stay curious, calm, creative, collected, just the way you are. Happy 7th birthday, our doll.” Dhuplia shared some unseen, precious moments of Meher. One of which showed them hugging. The actress married actor Angad Bedi, the son of former Indian cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi, in a private ceremony on May 10, 2018. On November 18, 2018, the couple welcomed their first child, Mehr. On October 3, 2021, they became parents for the second time to…

A CHATSWORTH couple facing charges of attempted murder and brutal child abuse of the woman’s sister, who was 10 years old at the time, have denied responsibility. They claimed the woman’s mother-in-law and sister-in-law inflicted the injuries. This emerged in the Durban Regional Court this week, where the couple are on trial for allegedly inflicting years of torture and abuse on the child. In October 2021, the child was placed in the care of her sister after their mother died. It emerged in court that the child, now 12 years old, had sustained brutal and unimaginable injuries due to the torture. This included being stabbed several times, assaulted with a hammer on her face and head which caused her to lose her teeth and hair, and burns from boiling water…

IT SEEMS Vodacom has finally made an out–of–court settlement to Kenneth Makate. This was for his so-called invention of the “please call me” facility of Vodacom. It is quite apparent that Vodacom being such a big corporate company does not have a “conditions of employment” document that most large companies implement for their skilled employees. One of the clauses within this document would be regarding intellectual property. It would state that any invention or innovation created by an employee remains the property of the company, and cannot be sold or distributed for gain. The employee could be rewarded at the sole discretion of the board of directors. This obviously did not happen with Vodacom, and it paid the price. The government should consider implementing such a document, and one of…

WHEN Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India urged the G20 to take decisive action against drug trafficking, he was not resorting to diplomatic theatre. The head of the world’s largest democracy was addressing a crisis that corrodes societies, finances terrorism, and undermines economies. Modi proposed the formation of a global anti-drug group under the G20 platform to counter drug networks across the world being used to fund terrorist organisations. For South Africa, Modi’s words strike at the heart of one of the country’s most pressing challenges. South Africa’s illicit drug trade is staggering in scale. Research published in the Journal of Illicit Economies and Development estimates the combined markets for cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine at $3.5 billion – or R60 billion – annually, about 1% of the national GDP. This…

A RECENT post by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha rightly condemns the creeping opulence and ostentation of funerals in South Africa. It is equally important to scrutinise the conduct of funeral service companies whose unethical practices tarnish the sacredness of an event as inevitable and tragic as death. In a recent interaction with a funeral service in Phoenix, my family and I were confronted with a disturbing reality: behind the façade of “compassion” and “support” lies a calculated attempt to extract as much money as possible from grieving families. We are perhaps used to funeral salesman trying to guilt grieving families into upgrading the optional features, for example, the hearse model or the addition of doves to the ceremony. Although distasteful, this tactic is at least one that families…

IN THE article “Beyond fear politics: what SA can learn from Mamdani’s New York victory”, the POST, November 12 – 16, Roshan Jainath writes that the story of New York’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, “starts not in America, but in Cape Town, and that his childhood in South Africa during the end of apartheid gave him a first-hand look at inequality”. Really, could this be? At 5 to 7 years old, the child of a privileged family, and being schooled in expensive private schools and cocooned from the wider South Africa gripped by the ravages of apartheid, having “a first-hand look at inequality”? The reality is that the hubris surrounding Mamdani will be undone by his populism and TikTok politics that showcase a political naivety and shallow intellectualism (despite his…

HELLO all – welcome to “South Africa – The Movie” premiere – note not the “premier”. So, haul out the popcorn and Coke, and get ready for the ride of your life. You need not add spice to your popcorn because this column promises to be cheesy, cheesy enough! Our country is undergoing a metamorphosis that is actually unprecedented. We are daily ear and eyewitnesses to parallel commissions whereby sensitive goings–on are being uncovered and laid bare unlike previous ones in which there was no real minute–by–minute live coverage. In the Madlanga Commission and the ad hoc committee investigating irregularities alleged by a senior police official, dirty linen is being aired openly, shocking corruption is being unearthed for the citizenry to see first–hand. I put it to you that…

It’s that time of year again — BLACK FRIDAY is HERE! And this year, we’re going BIGGER than ever with a massive sale across ALL Kingfisher branches, running Thursday through Sunday! Enjoy 20% OFF storewide! (Excludes bait, items already on sale, and Shimano rods & reels — which are still going at 15% OFF while stocks last!) Find your nearest Kingfisher branch:Durban (Hunter Street & Kingsmead), Warner Beach, Kloof, Pietermaritzburg, Ballito & Salt Rock. Black Friday Sale Dates & Times: Thursday 28th: 8am – 5pm , Friday 29th: 8am – 5pm, Saturday 30th: 8am – 1pm, Sunday 1st December: 8am – 1pm Don’t miss out on these incredible deals — stock up, gear up, and save BIG this Black Friday at The Kingfisher! This Black Friday isn’t just about…

The Krishna Rabilal Foundation (KRF) and Merebank comrades pay tribute to Sunny Gerjar Singh, a fearless anti-apartheid fighter who spent 10 years on Robben Island, served in MK’s leadership, and remained committed to liberation until his final days. His legacy of selflessness and unwavering dedication continues to inspire South Africa’s freedom movement IVAN Pillay, the former Sars deputy commissioner and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) commander who co-ordinated Operation Vula, captured the essence our late comrade aptly when he said: “Sunny Singh is one of those rare persons who eschewed self-interest. He placed others before himself, and the nation above all else.” In his tribute on behalf of the Merebank comrades, Dr Ashok Chandika, convener of the Merebank Justice Network – the vehicle that was used to raise funds for the…

Entrepreneur Mira Rajput, who is also the wife of Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, is thrilled that her 8-year-old daughter, Misha, recently set up her own baking stall, and in no time, all her cookies and muffins were sold. Rajput shared videos of the delicacies on social media. “So proud of my baby today. Mish Mash Bakery: youngest founder in the fam,” wrote Rajput. Earlier this month, Rajput, who has been multitasking at being a mother, wife and entrepreneur, shared an endearing gesture done by her two kids, Misha and Zain, that she said kept her going through tough times. She shared a photo from her table that looked like her workstation. The table had two paper stands on it that had messages by her children. Her 6-year-old son wrote: “Happy…

CONSUMERS are in for a retail revolution in all spheres – store location demographics, store concepts , speciality stores and product diversification are just some of the innovations aimed to enhance the shopping experience. Over the past few decades, the gradual gentrification process saw the birth of regional shopping malls in rural areas to service the surrounding villages. Two such malls are in Jozini and Tugela Ferry. These commuter-centric properties were recently snapped up by the Fairvest Group for a combined price of R673m. Lenz Quarter is a R250m single–storey lifestyle and convenience shopping centre that has just been unveiled in Lenasia. Down the coast, there’s another success story. A state-owned shopping mall has opened at the Isipingo station. Developed on Prasa property, the Isipingo Mall is an example of…

THE landmark decision of the Constitutional Court in Jordaan vs Minister of Home Affairs stated that either spouse can take the other’s surname, alternatively resume a previous surname, or add a previous surname to their current one without gender distinction. This was followed by Dr Rajendran Govender’s erudite response – “The surname ruling of the Constitutional Court: when law overlooks living tradition”, the POST, November 5 – 9. In a few words, far from the headlined conclusion, that judgment affords spouses a choice while it does not “overlook living tradition”. Before that the hitherto rule only allowed women to assume their husband’s surname which it struck down on the ground that it violated the constitutional guarantee of equality. It permits either spouse the choice of either adopting the other’s…

RAINBOW South Africa experiences some of the world’s highest levels of violence against women. The murder of women in our blood-soaked land is five times higher than the global average. Crime statistics reveal that during the first 90 days of 2025, 137 women were murdered and more than 1 000 raped. A woman is raped every 12 minutes, and one is murdered every three hours. Gender-based violence costs the nation R42 billion per year. These statistics are a grim reminder of the perils we all face in our lawless country. Women are killed and assaulted daily – 15 000 were seriously assaulted over a three-month period. Assaulting women is a serious offence. The assaults are inconsistent with the standard of a civilised country. It creates a moral imperative to act.…

“Community divided over food and alcohol bans, and live-streaming rules at Clare Estate Crematorium,” the POST, November 12 – 16 refers. With regard to the utterances by the Clare Estate Hindu Crematorium chairperson, Pradeep Ramlall, and the SA Hindu Maha Sabha vice chairperson, Professor Brij Maharaj, I must state I find it to be completely reprehensible, most insulting, grossly exaggerated, unsympathetic, and in some cases, devoid of any truth whatsoever. Loitering, vandalism, littering, animals, picnic site, public urination and disruptive, disrespectful and unlawful conduct are some of the harsh terms used. Maharaj also stated that feasting, serving of alcohol, entertainment, etc, also occured at the crematorium. He further stated: “Funerals must be conducted with utmost respect, restraint and adherence to scriptural principles. In recent years, funerals have become opportunities for…

AS SOUTH Africa observes National Disability Rights Awareness Month, disability rights advocates highlight the persistent gaps between policy and practice. Despite progressive legislation, people with disabilities continue to face barriers in education, employment, transport and housing. Experts call for practical implementation of inclusive policies, and systemic changes to create genuine accessibility rather than mere compliance. Veetha Sewkuran, president of the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society, said people with disabilities continued to face numerous barriers to full inclusion. These include limited access to quality education and training, which affected their employability and career growth. “Many workplaces remain physically inaccessible, and lack assistive technology or reasonable accommodation. Discrimination and stigma also persist, leading to fewer job opportunities and limited participation in mainstream sports, recreation and social activities. “Public transport, infrastructure and communication…

WOMEN with excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum or HG) may be at a 50% high risk of mental health conditions, according to a study. HG affects up to 3.6% of all pregnancies. It is the most common cause of hospitalisation in the first trimester of pregnancy, and the majority of HG cases (but not all) resolve in the second trimester. Women with HG experience severe nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and weight loss. In the study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, UK researchers examined 24 neuropsychiatric and mental health-related outcomes reported within a year of diagnosis in 476 857 pregnant women. While research had shown that women with HG are at an increased risk of anxiety, depression and PTSD, the new study…

AS THE burden of disease and trauma rises, KwaZulu–Natal is facing a shortage of intensive care units (ICU) beds in the province’s state-run health facilities. The shortages are present at all levels of care where the service is provided, and across all disciplines – from paediatrics to cardiology – and are compounded by a critical shortage of specialised nurses and ICU doctors. Expanding the number of beds within hospitals is not simply about infrastructure. It requires trained staff and resources which are extremely difficult given our provinces current fiscal climate. For example, Grey’s Hospital alone has identified a need for at least 10 additional ICU beds, and while management believes it can manage with current staff numbers, it would stretch existing capacity. Such shortages also mean that regional hospitals and…

I RECENTLY came across a powerful social media post by Rakhi Beekrum that reminded us of the many forms of gender-based violence (GBV). It struck me how easy it was to fall into the habit of equating GBV only with physical harm. The truth is far wider and far more complicated. Violence against women does not always leave physical scars and bruises. Sometimes it leaves a woman sitting in a senior position feeling small and alone. Sometimes it follows her home and strips her dignity behind closed doors. Sometimes it enters the boardroom wearing a suit and tie. As societies push for more women in leadership roles, in Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields and in positions where they have historically been excluded, their visibility comes with a cost.…

IT WAS Wednesday, early evening, November 19, as I sat at my desk in Sandton, when my peace and tranquillity were suddenly shattered by the sound of a supersonic, military jet flying over. A few minutes later, another jet thundered past, and yet again another. And I wondered: we never heard such fear-inducing jets flying over South Africa when the riots of July 2021 took place. It would have meant that this pathetic excuse that we call our government had cared for us. No, these jets flying over Johannesburg were a show of force to impress the international guests who arrived for the G20 summit at the weekend. Whenever such an event takes place in Johannesburg, all the roads are cleared of the beggars, and general security is beefed up.…

THIS my response to all Zohran Mamdani praise singers, especially Roshan Jainath whose eulogy on Mamdani accuses Prseident Donald Trump of “fear and division” in contrast to Mamdani’s “inclusion”. Their hero combines duplicitous victim-hood games, and overt bigotry to denigrates those he detests, such as Hindus. He has “imported old, bloody and distant sectarian grievances right into the heart of the Big Apple – exactly where they don’t belong”, and has an agenda to inject himself into India’s political issues”, as one commentator said. He has called the first Hindu-American elected New York State Assembly woman, Jenifer Rajkumar, a puppet of “Hindu fascists”. In 2020, Mamdani was part of a group in New York’s Times Square, who chanted “all Hindus are bastards”. LaGuardia Community College psych professor…