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RECENT headlines have once again brought to light the devastating impact of “revenge porn” in South Africa. In a recent case, a 38-year-old woman attempted suicide after her ex-boyfriend sent pornographic videos and images of her to her family, including her son, mother and work colleagues. According to reports, the incident was triggered after she had allegedly updated her WhatsApp status with a photograph of her new partner. In a fit of rage, her ex allegedly went to her residence, where police had to intervene. When she blocked his attempts to contact her, he allegedly retaliated by sharing intimate videos of her performing sexual acts with him – without her consent. The shocking case has sparked renewed calls for stronger laws and enforcement against non-consensual sharing of intimate images, widely…

A VIDEO showing a white woman berating a Muslim woman for wearing a niqab at a Pretoria restaurant has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights activists and religious leaders. Filmed by content creator @Kissmyabby, the video showed a woman approaching a table of Muslim women. She then confronted the Muslim woman dressed in a niqab. In her video, the creator said the confrontation was completely unprovoked. “She just walked up to these women dressed in their niqab and started asking them, ‘Why are you wearing that?’ “And stated that ‘wearing those garments are disrespectful to people of South Africa,’ ” the creator said. As she walked away, the angry woman could be heard saying: “Western country this, okay. You need to respect the custom of the country that has given…

IN EMONA, Tongaat, families who have farmed the same land for generations are facing a crisis as illegal invasions threaten their livelihoods and heritage. Despite opening cases with police and approaching municipal authorities, the landowners have been left frustrated as large permanent structures continue to be built on their private properties. Now they are calling for urgent government intervention as the situation escalates According to the landowners, the invasion started about two decades ago but it had worsened over the past two years. A landowner, farmer and businessman, who declined to be named for the fear of his life, said his various plots of land – which totaled 100 acres – was acquired by his grandfather in 1892. It was passed down to his father, and now to him. He…

DESPITE the passage of time and lack of physical evidence, adult survivors of childhood rape still have legal options. Legal expert Desiree David explains how South African law supports victims seeking justice years after abuse, and why delayed reporting should not be a barrier to pursuing cases Desiree David, a lecturer at the Department of Criminal and Procedural Law at the Nelson Mandela University, said historically, it was believed that rape was supposed to be reported soon after it occured due to the need for DNA evidence. But she said the law allowed for cases to be opened years after sexual crimes occurred. “There are many reasons a victim will choose to wait for a long time before thinking about opening a case. “A very young child may have reported…

DEBUT author Alia Khan Koumantarakis has turned a turbulent chapter of South Africa’s past into a moving literary piece, bringing to light the silent echoes of history in her novel, RIOT. The official book launch will take place at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on December 6. Khan Koumantarakis, 20, who lives in Cape Town, said she began develop- ing RIOT as a screenplay shortly after the unrest and violence that took place in Durban in July 2021. “During the 2021 riots, I remember the shock and fear that spread through communities, and I couldn’t help but wonder if something like this had ever happened before. That’s when my mother told me about the 1949 riots, a time when the same city, the same streets, and the same communities…

LONG-STANDING traders at the historic Tongaat Daily Market are struggling with inadequate facilities and security concerns after being given just three days' notice to vacate for renovations. With the busy December period approaching, traders with decades of history at the market are questioning both the timing and the eThekwini Municipality's handling of the relocation. The stallholders said they were not opposed to the renovation but the abrupt eviction, lack of communication and inadequate temporary facilities which had left their businesses and livelihoods in disarray. Viresh Rampurtab, a fruit and vegetable trader, from Plane Street, who has worked at the market for 31 years, said his family began trading there in 1977. He said the municipality first informed the traders about the renovations in 2023 and said at the time that…

ELDER abuse in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has reached “widespread, silent, and fast-growing” proportions, with organisations reporting several cases weekly. As we commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, community workers reveal the shocking reality of physical violence, financial exploitation, and neglect facing the elderly, often at the hands of family members. They said community intervention and government action are urgently needed to protect vulnerable seniors. Daniel Chettiar, founder of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) North Coast, said they responded to at least four reports of elder abuse a week. “As much as inter-partner violence is a major concern in our country, the abuse of the elderly sits at the same level. However, the problem persists because the elderly fear where they would go or what would people think if they…

THIS year for the first time during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV), the United Nations embarked on a powerful campaign to highlight digital violence. Digital violence is real. It is not a harmless comment, a joke, or a passing post. It is a weapon. It uses technology to humiliate, defame, threaten, stalk, and silence. Once shared online, it never disappears – it becomes a permanent digital footprint that follows the victim for life. Abusers often incite hate, garner others to join and did you know online fighting can become a compulsive and potentially addictive behaviour driven by the release of dopamine and adrenaline? For five years, I have been subjected to digital violence because I dared to stand up against racism and injustice. I have…

PRESIDENT Donald Trump announced, a few days ago, that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit, which would be hosted in Miami in the USA. He included that payments and subsidies to South Africa would cease immediately. On the face of it, this appears to be a symbolic diplomatic snub. Trump cited South Africa's refusal to formally hand over the G20 presidency at the close of the Johannesburg summit. At a deeper level, there lies a potential material fallout not only for South Africa, but also for the G20's credibility, and for economic realignment among Global South nations. The United States boycotted the G20 summit, and Professor Jeffrey Sachs (US) aptly characterised the American absence as the result of Trump's conduct, which he likened to that…

India spinner Kuldeep Yadav said he felt as though he had been taken back almost a decade after witnessing Virat Kohli’s innings against South Africa. He opined that the former captain is still batting the way he did between 2016 and 2019. Kohli turned back the clock with a blistering 135-run knock against the Proteas on Sunday as the two teams squared off in the first ODI of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The 37-year-old scored a composed 50 and was quick to convert it into a century, taking on the opposition bowlers with flair and style. Although he could not remain unbeaten at the end of the innings, his fireworks proved sufficient for India’s win, earning him the Player of the Match award.…

The year 2025 was one of contrasts for South African athletics. While several individuals delivered standout performances, TeamSA once again struggled on the world stage. A contingent of 49 athletes tried to end an eight-year medal drought at the World Championships in Tokyo but returned with just one medal – the 4x400m relay bronze – underscoring the ongoing challenges of aligning the domestic season with the global calendar. For athletes like Bayanda Walaza, the year ended in heartbreak as injury robbed the young sprint sensation of a realistic medal chance. Simbine: Early-season spark The year began brightly with encouraging signs from South Africa’s sprint king, Akani Simbine, who won bronze in the men’s 60m final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing on 21 March. His fine early-season form…

The draw for the men’s 2027 Rugby World Cup takes place in Sydney today at 11am. It will be the biggest Rugby World Cup yet, featuring 24 teams compared to the 20 seen in recent editions. Here, we look at how the draw works and the teams involved. How does the draw work? The 24 teams will be placed into six pools of four, labelled A to F. The top two in each pool, plus the four best third-placed teams, will progress to the last-16 knockout round. For the purposes of the draw, teams are split into four bands of six based on the world rankings. Band 1 comprises South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France and Argentina. Those six nations will be kept apart in the pool stage. Each…

EVERY year, the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign reminds us that abuse doesn’t always appear in extreme forms. Sometimes, it hides in plain sight – in boardrooms, office corridors and casual comments that make women feel small, uneasy or unsafe. For many South African women, the workplace represents both progress and pressure. It’s where we build careers, break barriers, and prove our worth. Yet, for too many, it’s also a space where unwanted advances, subtle bullying, or misuse of authority leave lasting emotional scars. These experiences are often dismissed as “harmless” or “not serious enough to report”, but they are part of a deeper problem – a culture that excuses misconduct and silences women. Silence protects the problem, not the person In…

THIS year tested resilience across all zodiac signs – emotionally, financially and spiritually. But December opens a gentle cosmic gate toward peace, prosperity and emotional clarity. With Jupiter shifting its energy and Venus harmonising relationships, this final month reminds you: every fall this year was preparing your rise. Below is your detailed December forecast with an end-of-year remedy to clear karmic residue, and start 2026 with strength and serenity. Aries (March 21 – April 19) Theme: Rebuilding confidence. After months of self-doubt and mental restlessness, December reignites your inner spark. Career goals realign and delayed projects start moving. Personal relationships heal through open-hearted conversations. Focus: reorganise priorities – choose passion over pressure. Remedy: offer red flowers to Hanuman on Tuesdays to boost confidence and dissolve anger. Taurus (April…

THE DA’s mayoral candidate in eThekwini, Haniff Hoosen has stepped in to assist the farmers whose land has been illegally occupied. Despite numerous police reports, the farmers have received little help from authorities. Hoosen engaged with traditional leadership and government ministers to address what he described as criminal elements masquerading as traditional leaders. Hoosen said he had been approached by the land owners for assistance. “I was invited to a meeting with a group of farmers who were desperate for help. These are pioneer farmers who had been operating for decades. They have called on every government department for help, but they have been ignored. They have had several criminal cases opened at the police station, but the perpetrators are still occupying their land, and no action was taken against…

The consecration ceremony of the Sri Chinmaya Annapoorna Devi Temple in Chatsworth was held on Monday followed by the official opening and cultural performances that evening. At the event were:…

IT GIVES me great pleasure to open this important annual conference with a message of support as Democracy Development Program (DDP) first women’s chair. Today, we are proud as an organisation promoting democracy at a regional and national level and to be spearheading the global call for women in politics and in positions of leadership across the globe. From time immemorial, men have ruled the world. However. there have been some outstanding exceptions. Before Cleopatra’s reign 1 500 years ago, a remarkable woman led Egypt as king and pharaoh: Queen Hatshepsut. Under her leadership, the kingdom opened up new trade routes, commissioned hundreds of important construction projects, and created an environment for innovation and experimentation – yet she was nearly erased from history. In biblical times, women led alongside men…

Dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi I greet you in the name of my Indian heritage and my Tamil linguistic identity. Your presence at the G20 summit coincided with the 165th anniversary of the arrival of indentured workers in South Africa. India’s deep history with South Africa is well known and so is the contribution of the Indian community to the development of this country. I wish to bring to your attention an urgent matter that affects not only women in South Africa, but women globally: gender-based violence (GBV). The scourge of GBV in South Africa is primarily focused on the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10. Many women can walk away from abuse, but countless…

But I still feel sad when I drive past. It has become an eyesore. I wonder what learning takes place there. Perched up on a hill on Lenny Naidu Drive in Bayview, the school is on a downhill run. The entrance to the school says much of how the first secondary school in Chatsworth has sunk so low. It has become a dumping site. How could the principal, the teachers and the pupils turn a blind eye to the rubbish being dumped in front of their school? How could they walk past this filth every day without batting an eyelid? And what about the DA councillor? Does he not he see this ugly sight in front a school which has been going on for years? Several prominent Chatsworth men…

A FORMER Phoenix primary school teacher dismissed by the Department of Education (DoE) faces trial in the Durban High Court for allegedly grooming and raping a pupil over two years. Santosh Maharaj, who taught at Woodview Primary School, allegedly began grooming the victim when she was just 12 years old and is accused of multiple instances of sexual abuse at various locations including the school classroom. He allegedly told the girl that he was “madly in love” with her. It has been alleged that Maharaj raped the girl on multiple ocassions including in a classroom and at a lodge where security guards kicked them out, when he (Maharaj) could not produce an identity document for the girl. The girl’s guardian found suspicious text messages on a hidden cellphone Maharaj allegedly…

IN THE National Assembly last week, MK Party MP Visvin Reddy questioned why the trial of 14 Chatsworth police officers charged with the torture and murder of Regan Naidoo had been delayed for seven years. Reddy raised the matter after appeals from the victim's frustrated family, with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia citing multiple postponements due to legal complications, defence strategies, and procedural issues. Frustrated at the ongoing delays, Naidoo’s family appealed to Reddy to enquire about the delays at the National Assembly. Reddy questioned Cachalia about the delays, the reasons for the postponements of the case, and the steps taken by police to ensure that justice was served for the Naidoo family. He also questioned the measures implemented by the police to hold the implicated officers accountable and prevent…

AS WE MARK 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Democratic Alliance (DA) again acknowledges a crisis that has lived with us for far too long. The fact remains that behind every statistic is an individual whose dignity has been shattered, a family whose peace has been broken, and a community left with wounds that may never heal. While we welcome President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recognition that gender-based violence (GBV) is a crisis, it is a declaration – not a solution. It is a statement rather than action. And 16 days – no matter how important – are simply not enough. They have never been enough. How do we fit a lifetime of trauma into 16 days? How do we compress the fear of millions into…

OUR history is unique. Nowhere else in the world has a country walked a path that we did and survived the way we have. This is the beauty of South Africa where citizens always chose growth over destruction. And we owe it to those who sacrificed their entire lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Our freedom story is carved into the memory of this city by men and women who stood tall when everything else sank into fear. The real irony of the story today, is that we destroy the very freedoms that those before us fought for, when we make embarrassing decisions in their name. One such embarrassing decision is the one taken by the eThekwini Municipality to spend R22 million on statues to honour our freedom fighters.…

Arne Slot admitted yesterday that “superhuman” Mohamed Salah was unhappy about being omitted from Liverpool’s team for their vital 2-0 win against West Ham, but praised his attitude. The Egypt forward was an unused substitute at the London Stadium on Sunday as Liverpool boss Slot made changes following a terrible run of nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions. Misfiring Salah, 33, has scored just four Premier League goals this season – in stark contrast to his haul of 29 last season, a tally that won him the Golden Boot. Slot revealed that during his reign as manager at Anfield, Salah had been a “superhuman being” but that he had not been at his best in recent weeks. “As with all players around the world, there are phases in…

England head into tomorrow’s day-night second Ashes Test against pink-ball masters Australia needing a rare victory at Brisbane’s Gabba to get back into the five-match series. Travis Head’s whirlwind century as a makeshift opener carried Australia to an eight-wicket victory inside two days in Perth, giving them a 1-0 lead. The hosts are again without captain Pat Cummins and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood, leaving swing king Mitchell Starc – expected to be a force in humid Brisbane under lights – to carry the attack. England, who capitulated in four frantic hours in Perth from a winning position, cannot afford to slip 2-0 down with three matches to play, if they are to have realistic hopes of regaining the urn. They will be without their own pace spearhead, Mark Wood, who…

GENDER-BASED violence (GBV) is not just physical. While we may imagine physical abuse, bruises, broken bones and outbursts of rage, GBV can be so subtle that we don’t always recognise it. While some forms of abuse leave physical scars, others leave emotional wounds. If we are to fight against GBV, we need to recognise the not-so-obvious presentations. Emotional and psychological abuse: this can include constant criticism, humiliation, intimidation, gaslighting and emotional manipulation. Victims of emotional abuse may start to doubt their own reality, and their self-esteem may begin to erode as a result of the constant abuse. When someone constantly receives damaging feedback and harsh criticism from their partner, they may over time internalise these messages, which affects how they see themselves. This eroded confidence can impact on all…

THERE is a quiet truth many working women carry in their hearts, even when they cannot say it aloud: some days, it feels as though we are paying a tax simply for being women. A tax measured not in money, but in effort. In scrutiny. In expectations. In the endless work of having to prove again and again – what is freely assumed of others. Across my 25 years in the working world, I have watched this truth unfold in boardrooms, in open-plan offices, in interviews, and in the quiet corners where women gather to breathe for a moment before returning to their professional armour. I have lived it, too. The tax of proving yourself twice Many women learn early that competence is not automatically attributed to them. While…

Vande Mataram Productions celebrates a decade with ‘Om Shanti Om – Once Again’ Vande Mataram Productions will celebrate its 10-year anniversary, with the staging of Om Shanti Om – Once Again, which is inspired by the Bollywood blockbuster movie. The dance production will pay tribute to the company’s journey in promoting arts and culture, while offering a theatrical experience. Om Shanti Om – Once Again will be staged on December 20 at 6.30pm at the Pesco Hall in Phoenix. The show will celebrate the magic of Bollywood cinema and the rich talent within South Africa’s dance community. There will be a guest performance by Aunty Rumba (Jailoshini Naidoo), the dynamic duo 2 Unique, and Malika. For ticket details, log on to Quicket or call 083 557 2076.…

THE world's first Annapoorna Devi Temple outside India has opened in Chatsworth, symbolising a commitment to feeding the hungry. Led by the Spiritual Head of the Chinmaya Mission of South Africa, His Holiness Swami Abhedanandji, the temple will serve as the heart of the organisation’s “Nourish to Flourish” project, which already provides 2 000 daily meals to schoolchildren and underprivileged individuals in Chatsworth and surrounding suburbs. The consecration ceremony and official opening of the Sri Chinmaya Annapoorna Devi Temple took place on Monday at the Rajput Hall in Arena Park. This landmark event marked a significant stride toward nurturing both the body and soul of the community. The Sri Chinmaya Annapoorna Devi Temple is a distinctive addition to Chatsworth, being the world's first dedicated Annapoorna Devi Temple outside the Indian…

AIMED at bringing joy and comfort to children with medical challenges, especially those in hospital over the festive season, Preedibashny Parumaul has published her first interactive book, Benny’s Magical Adventure. Parumaul, a retired director of special needs and inclusion at Mirdif American School in Dubai, said the book was a “labour of love from someone who has walked the path”. “The book was written with genuine care and compassion, and from a place of kindness and empathy. After spending many years working with children with challenges, I have witnessed first-hand suffering compounded by social ills.” Parumaul, who lives in Umhlatuzana, Chatsworth, said the book not only offered a captivating, interactive story, but was also a colouring book designed to comfort and inspire children facing medical challenges. “Imagine a world…

WHEN a survivor of childhood sexual abuse speaks out decades later, people often assume the silence was a choice, but in clinical practice, it becomes clear that it almost never is. Silence is a survival strategy. Many rape survivors dissociate during and after the trauma; a psychological defence where the mind disconnects from an overwhelming reality. Survivors may feel detached from their bodies, struggle to recall parts of the assault, minimise it, or experience the events as unreal. This isn’t weakness; it’s the brain protecting a child from terror too big to process. In cases of long-term abuse, dissociation can become habitual, shaping memory, identity, and the ability to speak about the trauma. Childhood sexual abuse is especially damaging because the perpetrator is often someone the child knows and trusts.…

I AM HUMBLED and at the same time joyful to be invited to witness the grand consecration and opening of the Shri Chinmaya Annapoorna Devi Temple here in Chatsworth. The opening of this temple is a moment of religious significance for our Hindu community, and a milestone that reflects the rich spiritual and cultural diversity of KwaZulu-Natal. As we gather in this sacred space to celebrate the opening of this temple dedicated to Devi Annapoorna, the Goddess of Abundance, we are reminded of the powerful role that spirituality plays in guiding us toward a life of compassion, unity and service to others. The creation of this temple is a testament to the strength of faith, the unity of purpose, and the shared values of love and devotion that bind us…

WORLD leaders from across the globe have hailed South Africa’s hosting of the G20 summit as a triumphant event. Not even the tantrums thrown by US President Donald Trump could detract world leaders from a commitment of working towards a common purpose at the summit. Packed with high-level deliberations and side meetings led to a victorious closure of the summit. Down-played, however, beneath a very focused political agenda, was a cultural programme that gave world leaders an insightful experience and understanding about the diversity that weaves ordinary South African people together into a singular and rich tapestry rooted in multiple histories, traditions and practices carried through generations. It was a thoughtful, relevant and smartly inter-related cultural programme with the political gravitas of the summit, albeit it that it was downplayed.…

Seven years after Regan Naidoo died from torture in Chatsworth police custody, his widow and children continue to wait for justice as the trial of 14 police officers faces yet another delay. “The wheels of justice turn too slowly,” said Shanice Naidoo, who was pregnant when her husband was killed. The trial of 14 police officers charged with Regan Naidoo’s murder was due to start in the Durban Magistrate’s Court last week, but was postponed again due to delays from the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). Naidoo, 32, a security technician, was allegedly killed while in custody at the Chatsworth police station holding cells. He was detained at the station on August 28, 2018, for questioning regarding the sale of a firearm that had been used in the murder…

IF YOU have ever questioned why your monthly expenses seem to climb faster than Stats SA’s official inflation figures suggest, you’re experiencing what economists call the personal inflation gap. This disconnect between official statistics and lived reality was recently brought into sharp focus by the Reserve Bank’s latest policy shift, one that promises to reshape South Africa’s economic landscape for years to come. The personal nature of inflation The Consumer Price Index measures inflation by tracking a representative basket of goods and services, but as STANLIB senior economist Ndivhuho Netshitenzhe explains, “we live different lives”. Your personal inflation rate depends entirely on what you buy and how much you earn. Research by the Bureau for Economic Research reveals that lower-income households face significantly higher inflation than official figures…

Midway through the 2025 F1 season, you could have sworn it was a done deal for Max Verstappen’s title hopes. A season in which he was supposed to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of five straight world titles seemed unattainable – at least from the outside. But perhaps the flying Dutchman knew something we did not all along. His Red Bull looked horribly unbalanced, and the team had even sacked long-time boss Christian Horner. The introduction of Laurent Mekies as team principal was unpredictable, especially in an environment desperate for quick results. Yet, here we are, approaching the final race of the season, and Verstappen has re-emerged as a front-runner in the title race – effectively scooping the ice cream out of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris’s sugar cones. Verstappen has…

Durban City FC have moved swiftly to identify a successor after parting ways with head coach Gavin Hunt, with sources revealing that Rulani Mokwena, Simo Dladla and Roger de Sa are all being considered. Hunt’s departure – confirmed on Monday by “mutual agreement” following a technical review – has triggered an urgent strategic rethink at the newly promoted Betway Premiership side. Chairman Farook Kadodia thanked the four-time league champion for his professionalism, but the focus has now shifted towards securing a permanent replacement during the the Africa Cup of Nations break. Assistant coach Pitso Dladla will lead the team on an interim basis when they face Orbit College tonight in the Betway Premiership (kick-off 7.30pm). City head into that encounter in eight spot, having collected 19 points in the 14…

It was a weekend to forget for the Sharks after a disappointing 44-17 defeat to Connacht, and the returning Springbok contingent will likely be without Eben Etzebeth for some time. Etzebeth was red-carded at the end of the tour finale against Wales, and the Sharks will feel the impact of his suspension for eye-gouging, with the Boks not playing again until June next year. But there is good news for the embattled Durbanites: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has sounded a battle cry as he turns his attention to his club. After leading the Boks to one of their most successful seasons in history, Kolisi says the Sharks deserve similar fortunes after their underwhelming results in recent years. Kolisi told online rugby news site Rugby365 that he will take a short…