Table of contents for 2025-05-14 in Post

The Tamil Association of South Africa (Sata) honoured two stalwarts of the media industry, the late Mala Lutchmanan; and journalist, author and former Radio Lotus station manager Fakir Hassen, with Lifetime Achievement Awards when the organisation marked Kalai Thiruvhiza at the Patidar Theatre in Lenasia on Saturday. The event featured a wide range of cultural items from mainly the expatriate Tamil community, which Sata represents, and a few local artists. “Some voices don’t fade … even in silence, they echo. Today, we pause to honour the life and legacy of a formidable voice, a champion of Tamil culture, and a beloved stalwart of South African radio – the late Mala Lutchmanan,” said MC Shasti Shulochan. “Through her unwavering dedication to promoting Tamil language, arts and identity, Mala became more than…

PULKIT Samrat is gearing up for his new project, Glory, and he is taking his fitness journey to the next level. Taking to Instagram, the actor shared that he was “training in silence” to get into “beast mode” for his role, showcasing his dedication and commitment to his craft. Samrat posted a couple of monochrome photos boxing at the gym and wrote: “Training in silence so the punches speak loud. What’s your soundtrack for beast mode? Suggest some kickass workout music.” Samrat also added the song Flex Up by Lil Yachty to the photos. In March, Samrat announced the completion of a shooting schedule for Glory in Punjab. The sports crime drama marks his debut on the OTT platform. In the series, he plays a boxer. It also stars Divyenndu…

Anupam Kher shared a personal moment on social media as he recounted a phone call with his cousin, Sunil Kher, in Jammu, shortly after the region was targeted by drone and missile attacks from Pakistan. Taking to Instagram, Anupam shared a video sent to him by Sunil showing the impact of the escalations in the region. Anupam wrote: “My cousin brother sent this video from his home in Jammu. I called him immediately and asked him if he and his family were okay. He said: ‘Brother, we are in India. We are Indians. The Indian army and mother Vaishno devi are protecting us. Anyway, we are not letting any missiles get to the ground. Hail to the mother. Hail Mother India.” On May 9, Pakistan carried out a series of…

Popular television actress Rupali Ganguly has bashed Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for blocking her on social media after she called his remark on Operation Sindoor “shameful”. Ganguly wrote on X: “Unfollowing me won’t bring any betterment to your country. First ask your government and army to stop terrorism against India, this will be the only way for the betterment of Pakistan. Your following or unfollowing may make a difference to an artist but not to an Indian. And I'm an Indian first. A proud Indian. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.” Khan had tweeted: “My deepest condolences to the families of those injured and killed in this shameful attack. I pray for the souls of the deceased and strength for their loved ones in the days to come. A respectful request to…

4 chicken breasts, cut in strips ½ tbs salt ½ cup buttermilk 2 cups flour 1 tbs black pepper 4 tbs sesame seeds 1 tbs crushed chilli 3 tbs garlic powder 2 tbs of lemon zest 1 red onion, sliced 1 red and yellow pepper, sliced 4 cloves garlic, sliced 1 piece ginger, sliced 2 red chillies, sliced 300g wild mushrooms, sliced oil salt 3 tbs black pepper 1/3 cup sweet chilli sauce ¼ cup tomato sauce 1/3 cup soy sauce 4 tbs lemon juice 2 tsp chilli paste 2 tbs fish sauce Add the salt and buttermilk to the cut chicken breasts and mix. Let it rest for 15 minutes. In another bowl, add the flour, black pepper, sesame seeds, crushed chilli, garlic powder and lemon zest, and…

DESPITE a high demand for babies in Phoenix, the adoption rates remained low, particularly for black infants, with only three babies a year being placed by child welfare. Aroona Chetty, director the Phoenix Child Welfare (PCW), said the low rate of adoption was due to the demand for Indian babies only. “There is a demand for Indian babies, but we do not have many. We place about two to three babies in adoption for a year, but that is only if we have a baby that the potential parents want. “We struggle to place our black babies. This is unfortunate and we hope that people become more open-minded when considering adoption,” she said. She said the PCW followed a strict adoption process and all children who qualified for adoption…

AFRICA Month, culminating in Africa Day on May 25, is far more than a symbolic nod to history. It is a deeply significant annual reminder of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 – now the African Union – and a call for Africans everywhere to recommit to unity, dignity and self-reliance. It is also a moment to reflect on our collective progress as a continent and to ask bold questions about the future we are building for generations to come. As South Africans of Indian descent, our relationship with the continent is often viewed through a dual lens: one grounded in the history of our forebears who arrived here under colonial rule, and the other in our ongoing cultural and spiritual connection to India, the land…

LET us Hindus and Muslims approximate past experiences as a united, cohesive, progressive and tolerant as well as vibrant society. We found common purpose in our survival during the colonial period. We survived the 1949 pogrom of hate and annihilation, and found strength through unity. We can show those warmongers in Pakistan and India the way out of the morass. The trillions that India and Pakistan spend trying to annihilate each other would best be spent for uplifting and enhancing the capacity of their people to find common bonds between them, and to neutralise those hate merchants. Let’s strive for Kashmiris becoming the drivers of their freedom train. Permit me a detour, madam editor, as I briefly sketch the formative days of my life in the areas I…

If you head north on the N3, past uMhlanga, you would literally end up in what could be called a large hamlet. A town which was founded in 1850 by a group of 400 Methodist settlers from St Albans, UK, under the patronage of Earl Verulam, led by Thomas Champeon. They established a settlement in Natal and named it Verulam after the English town of Verulamium. If you recall the classic Robert Redford-directed movie, A River Runs Through It, starring Brad Pitt, Verulam could very well be eligible to qualify for that title. The uMdloti River has basically the banks on which the town lies. Here’s another mind-blowing fact: Verulam is the only place in the world where the main street (Wick Street) ends in a river. Go and visit…

IN A BID to resolve the listeriosis class action lawsuit stemming from the 2017 outbreak, which resulted in the loss of 218 lives including babies, Tiger Brands has presented settlement offers to some of the affected claimants. The outbreak started at Tiger Brands Enterprise Foods facility in Polokwane facility in 2017/18. In 2018, Kyle, 31, and Amelia Victor, 33, from the KZN South Coast made the heart-breaking decision to take their daughter, Summer, off life support. She had contracted listeriosis while still in the womb after her mother had eaten contaminated polony. The couple had joined the class action. In a statement, Tiger Brands confirmed that “the attorneys representing its lead reinsurer (QBE Insurance Group Limited) have presented a settlement offer to the plaintiffs’ attorneys as part of a road-map…

Raaiqhah Akoo, a 22-year-old law graduate from Verulam, has achieved remarkable academic success. Akoo graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, summa cum laude, after receiving 12 certificates of merit, eight Dean’s Commendations, and the Anand Nepaul Prize for the best criminal law student. Akoo was also awarded the UKZN vice-chancellor’s scholarship in 2022, 2023 and 2024. She said she always knew she was meant for the law field. “From a young age, something always drew me to law. I appreciate the kind of power that law has. “It is found in every aspect of life especially since it can be used as a way to make a real difference in people’s lives. “I used to be on the debate team in school. I always loved arguing and debating…

HAVING pursued his passion for religion and to serve others, Dr Mathias Yuvan Shunmugam is now hoping to make a difference as a military chaplain for the SANDF. Shunmugam, 28, of Pretoria, said as a young boy he was intrigued by archaeology, religion and human evolution. “At first I wanted to be a police officer. However, as I became more involved in different political and social movements, it led me to wanting to study religion. I found myself interested in being able to make an active contribution to society. “I was also involved in different sports and activities, and the military was something that intrigued and appealed to me. I liked the discipline, rigour, training and uniform; the overall idea of being a soldier. I also knew I…

“Let he without sin cast the first stone.” That’s Proteas coach Shukri Conrad’s clear message after he included Kagiso Rabada in the 15-player Test squad to take on Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next month. Conrad came out swinging in defence of his star fast bowler after Rabada recently served a one-month ban for failing a drug test. The 29-year-old talisman served his sanction between April 3 and May 3 and has since been cleared to play. And, at least according to Conrad, that’s all that matters. “I’ve been engaging with KG ever since I learnt about it. I don’t know why it’s an elephant in the room, because I’m just thankful that the process that was followed was in line with what the world standards…

Rani Sitaram, who has been writing and producing documentaries and working within the film, television and media sector since 2000, is finally reaping the rewards of her hard work. Her movie, Greytown Girl, which she wrote and produced, has been nominated in the Indie Feature Film category at the 2025 Cannes Film Awards in France in June. Greytown Girl was directed by Oscar-nominated Darrell Roodt and made under the banner East Coast Media, a South African-based production company. In this Q & A, Sitaram spoke to Candice Soobramoney about the movie, the nomination and her work behind the scenes. Q: Tell me about the real-life story of the couple who form the basis of Greytown Girl and why were you inspired by their story? A: Greytown Girl is a…

NIKITA Dutta shared that her childhood was marked by a strong sense of discipline, structure and routine. Raised in an environment where rules and responsibilities took precedence, she credited this upbringing for instilling values of order and perseverance – traits that continue to influence her personal and professional life. At a recent event, Dutta said she once wanted to pursue a career in the civil services. The Kabir Singh actress said: “I come from an army family. Everyone around me served in the forces in some capacity. Naturally, growing up in that disciplined environment, I was inclined towards a structured path. “At one point, I even wanted to appear for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams and pursue civil services. For someone like me, who has now chosen acting…

YESTERYEAR diva Zeenat Aman stars as Maji Sahiba in the drama, The Royals. Through Instagram, Aman thanked the team for keeping her comfortable during the shoot. She shared that filming left her exhausted due to age. She wrote: “This post is not studio-mandated. It’s my honest and earnest appreciation for the teamwork and effort that went into creating The Royals. “The truth is that as I get older, shoot schedules leave me exhausted. “At the end of a 10- to 12-hour workday that involves tedious time in the make-up chair, heavy costumes and jewellery, searing heat and frenzied activity, I am left with swollen ankles and drooping eyes. It’s all quite unglamorous, but then I watch myself on screen and see what a coup the team managed. “My character, Maji…

ACTRESS Anushka Sharma has expressed her gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces for their protection amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan She took to social media to praise the bravery of the defence forces, calling them “heroes”. Sharma said on Instagram: “Eternally grateful to our Indian Armed Forces for protecting us through these times like the heroes that they are. “Heartfelt gratitude to the sacrifices they and their families have made. Jai Hind.” Celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Raveena Tandon, Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan have acknowledged the bravery of the soldiers and their families, describing them as true heroes.…

4 red chillies 1 red pepper 1/3 cup coriander zest and juice of 1 lime 1 tbs black pepper 1 tbs coriander powder ½ tbs jeera powder 4 cloves garlic 1 piece ginger 1 can tomato paste 1 tbs sugar In a food processor, blend the chillies, red pepper, coriander, zest and juice of the lime, black pepper, coriander powder, jeera powder, garlic, ginger, tomato paste and sugar. Heat oil, add exotic mushrooms and fry until golden. Add Thai red paste and cook for 6 minutes on high. Add prawns and mussels with salt, and cook for 8 minutes.…

4 cups cooked rice ½ red onion, chopped 1 red and yellow pepper, chopped 4 cloves garlic, sliced 1 piece ginger, sliced 1 red chilli, chopped 1 tbs black pepper salt ½ cup chopped spring onions 3 tbs soy sauce 2 tbs sweet chilli 4 tbs oil or lard 4 eggs 16 prawns, cleaned In a pan, fry all the ingredients except the rice, for 7 minutes. Remove the ingredients from the pan. Clean the pan. Beat the eggs with salt. Add the oil to the pan with the eggs, and mix until cooked. Remove and add the vegetables. Marinate the prawns with the salt, chilli paste, garlic, honey and lemon juice. Fry on high until cooked. Add the prawns to the vegetables and mix everything together with the rice.…

A Phoenix attorney is living in fear of her life after a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown on to her property in a “revenge attack”. Vanie Govender, a resident of Eastbury, said last Thursday’s “attack” was the second incident in the past few months. Her vehicle was gutted in this incident. “In January, a petrol bomb was thrown on to my property, but thankfully my daughter was at my home at the time and heard the explosion. She managed to get help to quickly put the fire out. There was minimal damage to her vehicle. However, this time, my entire vehicle was burnt. Only the shell was left.” Govender said her husband received a call at about 1am about the fire on their property. “My husband was in hospital at…

The adoption process is often a profoundly emotional and psychologically complex journey for prospective parents. In South Africa, the legal pathway to adoption is intentionally thorough, requiring prospective parents to be able to provide a secure, nurturing environment for the child. While this structure is vital for protecting vulnerable children, it can also place considerable psychological strain on those hoping to adopt. The screening process includes extensive paperwork, interviews, physical and mental health assessments, police clearances, and home visits. These steps, though essential, can feel invasive and emotionally exhausting. The process may take six months or longer, with awaiting period that can stretch into years, especially when prospective parents specify preferences for the child’s age, race, or gender. Emotionally, this period is often marked by heightened anxiety, uncertainty, and even…

FOR a Durban couple the journey to becoming adoptive parents was not an easy one. They had endured poor service from welfare services and heartbreak before they decided to go with a private adoption. The 38-year-old woman said she and her husband, 39, began the screening process for a private adoption in 2017. “As someone who was adopted, I always knew that when I started my own family, I would want to adopt – that was the only way for me. “So, when I got married it was quite a difficult topic to bring up with my husband. “Fortunately, I have a wonderful partner, who was happy to go the adoption route,” she said. The mother said over the next few years, they were dealt several blows until they were…

Jordyn Joy Pillay Amandla awethu, Amandla awethu, Power is Ours! This is what my people in South Africa cried out, for freedom and diversity Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau, The ocean wide and vast Stretched out to an infinite limit, Mysterious, unpredictable, sometimes so tranquil and then so fierce I look at the ocean ... It scares me, I have to admit I am oblivious, unheeding and in complete confusion ... I pause, I look into the ocean … then so reflective, so transparent Wait … I am the ocean I am the ocean … I stretch out wide My attitude, my thoughts, behavioural responses, emotions … I cannot hide Wide and vast I cover the earth, like the waters there’s many of us I am the ocean I…

South Africa’s landscape of violence has regrettably escalated to alarming levels. A review of crime statistics over the past decade indicates that violent crime rates, in general, have been on the rise, despite multiple interventions by law enforcement and community members. Perhaps what we are losing sight of is the fact that the violence we observe playing itself out is a complex issue of significant scale with far-reaching socio-economic and public health consequences. Violence is likely a primary contributor to the loss of potential and productivity among the nation’s youth. A notion that is so frequently either ignored or misunderstood. Zooming in on KwaZulu-Natal, often regarded by many as one of the most violent provinces in the country, one would observe that violent crime (category specific) is either on the…

A FEW weeks ago, while rushing around preparing for an academic conference in the United States, I was surprised to see a copy of the POST, April 2-6, at my local Pick n Pay. Since the closure of the Central News Agency (CNA) in Sandton, this newspaper is not available in my neck of the woods. Reading the POST has always been an exciting experience for me as it reconnects me to the community of Durban, which I left 34 years ago when I took up the post of school subject inspector in the old Transvaal. What intrigued me about Yogin Devan’s column, “The humanist who saved Indians perishing through TB”, was the name of Dr Stanley Copley Drive. For six years I crossed that road daily to get to…

AN ARTICLE published in The Times of Israel began with an interesting statement: “What starts in Israel, often doesnt end there.” In the context of the attack on Indian tourists in the Baisaran Valley in Kashmir on April 22, the writer suggests that Hamas and other Palestinian resistance movements served as inspiration for the attacks which led to the killing of 26 individuals in what is described as “cross pollination of terror”. Be that as it may, it is interesting to flip the script on this view. All too often, the background and context of such attacks such as October 7 are often ignored totally when being analysed. The same scenario has occurred in the wake of the attacks in Kashmir. Kashmir has been the epicentre of conflict between India…

THREE Durban men who allegedly pretended to be police officers, kidnapped a religious leader and thereafter demanded he pay them R50 000, appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court last week. Last Monday, Dilano Jarret Naidu, 30, of Morningside, was arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer. According to the charge sheet, Naidu is alleged to have impersonated Colonel Deena Govender. During his arrest made by members of the Hawks Provincial Tracking Team, it is alleged that a police badge was recovered at his premises. Naidu is also charged with extortion after he allegedly demanded that a victim pay him R40 000, so he would not be arrested in an attempted murder case. The victim allegedly paid him R3 000 via e-wallet. On Friday, Naidu also appeared on other charges…

THE Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission has escalated concerns over religious intolerance at Drakensberg Secondary School to the Minister of Education, following an investigation that cleared the principal and a teacher of wrongdoing. Last month the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZN DoE) concluded its investigation into the allegations and exonerated both the principal and a teacher. When the incident first came to light, Professor Brij Maharaj, deputy president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said they had escalated the complaints relating to religious intolerance at some schools, especially prejudice towards Hindu pupils and teachers, to the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission. This, he said, was done on January 24. “The Maha Sabha maintained that such actions were insensitive and irresponsible. A critical focus of the CRL…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, in a powerful televised address to the nation, minced no words in criticising Pakistan and its terror-supporting tactics while underlining that Operation Sindoor was the country’s policy against terror, making it clear that terror and trade, terror and talk cannot happen together while water and blood also cannot flow at the same time. The prime minister’s hard-hitting address came close on the heels of the Indian Armed Forces’ successful Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror launchpads in Pakistan as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation to the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special address to the nation. MY DEAR countrymen, Namaskar! In the past days, we all have witnessed both the strength…

The Sharks can’t afford to be toothless in their final United Rugby Championship (URC) match of the regular season, at home against the Scarlets on Saturday (7.30pm kick-off), with the breakdown shaping up as a key battle area. The fourth-place Sharks, who defeated the Ospreys 29-10 in Durban at the weekend, have already secured a first URC quarter-final, at home on May 31. But they can still grab third spot if Glasgow Warriors lose against Leinster and they beat the Scarlets at Kings Park in round 18. The Welsh visitors will have even more to play for, as a loss could see them drop out of the Top 8, and play-off contention. The Sharks were workmanlike, if unspectacular, in dispatching the Ospreys in front of a decent crowd at the…

FILM-MAKER Hansal Mehta recently shared a heartfelt message for his 16-year-old daughter, Riyu, offering her a gentle reminder about life’s realities. Mehta wrote: “Riyu … 16. My little girl, walking into the big world now. Feels like just yesterday you had air passing through your teeth – so inquisitive, as you always were. Now you’ve got your own wind beneath your sails, your own path waiting for you. I’m just standing here – a proud father, watching you grow into yourself. The world’s not easy, but beneath that shy smile, I see a quiet determination, a spark of ambition that will take you far. Always here, always behind you. Love you more than life, my girl.” Mehta often shares posts for his daughter, offering glimpses into their bond. Mehta began…

CELINA Jaitly took to social media to deliver a powerful message about age, motherhood and reinvention in the entertainment industry. In a no-filter post, she recounted how she was recently told that after 39, a woman began to fade in showbiz – even if she looked younger. Instead of letting the remark dim her spirit, she clapped back with confidence and facts. The Apna Sapna Money Money actress took to Instagram to share a photo of herself amid a mountain landscape. “They said recently to me – after 39, a woman begins to fade in this industry. I was told: ‘You may look 27, but the digits matter.’ “Well, here’s my response. Watch those digits, because they will be great. “Some of my Instagram reels have more views than their…

Film-maker and choreographer Ahmed Khan recalled superstar Sunny Deol’s support as instrumental during a critical phase of his directorial venture, Lakeer – Forbidden Lines. Khan said: “Sunny and I have been friends for decades, and his support has always meant a lot to me. During my first directorial venture, I remember getting a call from his office. When I went to meet him, he immediately said yes to the film. “I didn’t even have to share a full script, just the basic plotline. He loved the idea.” Released in 2004, Lakeer – Forbidden Lines starred Deol, Sunil Shetty, John Abraham, Sohail Khan and Nauheed Cyrusi. The film followed Karan as a powerful man’s brother who misuses his status whereas Saahil is a simple mechanic’s brother. Trouble ensues when both of…

ACTRESS Preity Zinta showed her gratitude to the officials for ensuring everyone’s safe departure from Dharamshala after the air raid alerts in the neighbouring cities of Jammu and Pathankot. The Veer Zaara actress wrote on social media: “Finally back home after a crazy last few days. A heartfelt thank you to Indian Railways and our Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for helping both IPL teams, and all officials and families leave Dharamshala in a safe, swift and comfortable way. “A big thank you to JayShah, Mr Arun Dhumal, BCCI and our CEO Satish Menon and the operations team of Punjab Kings IPL for helping co-ordinate the evacuation of our stadium in Dharamshala safely and in an orderly manner. Everything was handled so well.” Zinta further thanked the people who arrived…

4 cups cooked noodles 600g pork belly, sliced and chopped 400g exotic mushrooms, sliced 1 onion, sliced 2 orange peppers, sliced 2 red chillies, chopped 2 tbs fresh thyme 1 tbs garlic, chopped 2 tbs of ginger, chopped 1 tbs black pepper salt 3 tbs soy sauce 3 tbs sweet chilli sauce 3 tbs lemon juice 1/3 cup coriander pak choi oil Add the oil to a pan. Fry the pork belly, ginger, garlic and red chillies. Fry until crispy. Add the salt and pepper, and mix. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for 8 minutes on high. Add noodles and mix. Add extra coriander and mix. Garnish with sesame seeds.…

2 packs precooked pork ribs 2 red peppers, sliced 5 cloves garlic, chopped 500g exotic mushrooms, sliced ½ tbs lemon juice ½ tbs soy sauce ½ cup sweet chilli sauce 2 tbs red chilli paste 2 tbs sesame seeds ½ cup chopped coriander ½ packet cooked noodles ½ cup oil Add the oil, garlic and red chilli paste to a pan, and fry for 4 minutes on high. Add the pork ribs and mix. Add the soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce and lemon juice, and cook for 15 minutes with the pot closed. Remove the pot lid, and while on high, mix until it becomes sticky. Add the red peppers, mushrooms and sesame seeds, and mix. Add the noodles and coriander, and mix.…

AFTER receiving a staggering R2.7 million electricity bill, a Reservoir Hills doctor was told by the eThekwini Municipality that it was due to an incorrect meter reading – which he had submitted. Dr Terence Govender’s average monthly electricity bill is R8 500. So when he was billed R2.7 million for March and April, he was stunned. His bill for April was R91 000. This included R1 680 for water, R55 000 for electricity and R256 for cleansing and solid waste. He was also charged interest of R23 641 for arrears and VAT of R8 636. The total bill for March and April totaled R2.8 million. Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for the city, said they had noted the enquiry on the unusually high electricity bill. She said after investigating the matter, the…

Jeevie Pillay, an adoption specialist social worker, spoke to POST reporter Nadia Khan about private adoption Q: What is a private adoption? A: It is undertaken by an accredited adoption specialist social worker in private practice. Adoption is a specialist’s area of expertise. Q: What are the requirements for a private adoption? A: The prospective applicants need to first be screened to check if they are suitable to make an application. The biological parents need to consent to the proposed adoption. If a child is over 10 years old, they can consent to their adoption, provided they understand the nature of such a consent. Q: Is there a “vetting process”? A: Part of the screening process includes obtaining police clearance, checking the National Register for Sex Offenders,…

The South African Indian Legion (Sail) of Military Veterans have encapsulated the roles and success of Indians in the military, spanning from the Anglo-Zulu War to present. This is currently part of a new exhibition at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. The non-profit organisation researches, documents and creates awareness of the South African Indian military history. THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR Anglo-Zulu War (1879) The first recorded military involvement of Indians in South Africa was during the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. Indian soldiers, drawn from the Indian Army, played a supporting role, primarily serving as sentries to safeguard garrisons and storage facilities in Natal. The British initially deployed a small contingency of 22 Indian men, which grew in size as the war progressed. This early involvement…

JORDYN Joy Pillay, a former South African, achieved national recognition in New Zealand for her commitment to promoting better race relations. Jordyn, 16, who lives in Ormiston Flat Bush in Auckland, claimed the title of national champion in the 2025 Race Unity Speech Awards. “This achievement has definitely exceeded many of the accolades I have received so far.” Jordyn, who is formerly from Phoenix in Durban, said the annual awards, which are held by the Race Unit organisation, was a nationwide speech competition. The organisation comprises New Zealand's police, Bahá’í community, Federation of Multicultural Councils and Ministry of Ethnic Communities. She said it was aimed at providing insight and impact on race relation matters across New Zealand, and to propose solutions or a vision for a world with increased cultural…

Networks of relationships, traditions, values, cultural identity and interactions make up the social fabric of a community. The strength and cohesion of a society can so easily be destroyed by drug and alcohol abuse. When the invisible threads that weave people’s experiences into a larger, interconnected tapestry, are torn apart, it can lead to widespread instability. A breakdown in trust, support systems and shared values often leaves individuals feeling isolated and vulnerable, making them more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. Alcohol and drug abuse has devastating effects on communities, creating cycles of harm that impact individuals, families and society as a whole, by contributing to increased crime, domestic violence and unsafe neighbourhoods. Addiction can tear families apart, leading to neglect, abuse and emotional distress. Recent…

The Cape Town Ulama Board expresses deep concern over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, particularly in light of recent air strikes launched resulting in casualties in Pakistan. Such actions are a clear violation of international human rights law and could amount to crimes against humanity. We express our solidarity with the innocent people of India and Pakistan who are caught in the crossfire of this conflict and call on all nations, especially Muslim-majority countries, to show principled leadership in the face of such aggression. It is imperative that both governments prioritise dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, condemning all forms of extremism and the misuse of religion for political purposes. Armed conflict not only jeopardises regional stability but also threatens the fundamental rights of countless innocent individuals. With longstanding…

“RISING violence in Chatsworth linked to drugs, alcohol abuse”, the POST, May 7-11 refers. This article is worrying. Violence has become an issue within our human society, tearing families apart and leaving communities feeling uneasy and concerned. Substance abuse, particularly drug and alcohol addiction, is a significant contributor to this growing problem. Community leaders are sounding the alarm, and it’s essential that we take notice. According to the crime analysis report, there’s a disturbing increase in drug and alcohol abuse, especially in Chatsworth, with women being the primary reporters. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that abuse against men often goes unreported due to society stigma. Research clearly shows that substance abuse can lead to violent behaviour, as impaired judgement and impulse control can result in aggressive outbursts. The widespread availability…

FOR Vishika Ranjith, a BCom graduate, earning the degree summa cum laude was more than an academic milestone. It was the culmination of a deeply personal journey marked by dedication, resilience and growth. Ranjith graduated at UKZN’s Westville campus with the BCom in human resource management, information systems and technology. Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Ranjith pursued a qualification that uniquely blends information technology and human resources, equipping her with the tools to navigate a modern workplace shaped by innovation and emotional intelligence. “The world is evolving rapidly with technological advancements, but there’s also a growing emphasis on human interaction,” said Ranjith. “This qualification felt like the perfect way to bridge those two areas. It’s essential today not only to understand technology, but also to manage and connect with people…

In 2025, India is no longer rising. India has risen because of Sanathan Dharma. l How India silenced Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack The terrorist attack in Pahalgam sent shockwaves through India. As the nation mourned the loss of innocent lives, the world waited to see how New India would respond. What followed was not just a counter-response – it was a calculated message to both Pakistan and the international community: India will not tolerate terrorism, and it will not stay silent. l Swift intelligence operations Within hours of the attack, Indian intelligence agencies identified the handlers and routes involved. The response was surgical – targeted strikes on launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC), using precision-guided munitions. The Indian Army neutralised key operatives without escalating into full-scale conflict,…

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have remained tight-lipped regarding the participation of foreign players in the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which is set to resume on Saturday, after a week-long suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict. The BCCI has left it to the franchises to share details about the return of the players, who departed for their respective countries following the suspension of the league last Friday, after Pakistan launched missiles and drone attacks on multiple locations along the border. The attacks were thwarted by the Indian defence system, but the BCCI decided to suspend the league as a precautionary measure. IPL 2025 will resume at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with Royal Challengers Bangalore taking on Kolkata Knight Riders.…

The rock and surf scratchers are on fire up and down the coast, with some epic sessions and sizzling rods bending all day long. The scratching game is delivering the goods big time – and while a few toothy nasties are still lurking, most of the bites have been pure edible gold. North Coast madness The North Coast has been lit up with non-stop scratching action. Ledges and reef zones are producing a wild variety of fish – with plenty of screaming reels and heavy beatdowns. Be warned though: these fish know their turf and will shred your line in a flash if you’re not geared up properly. Load up on strong snoods, beefy terminal tackle, and bring your A-game. Pro tip: Combo baits like chokka and sardine are doing…