Table of contents for 2025-10-01 in Post

500g pumpkin, cut into cubes 1 onion, finely chopped 5 dry chillies or green chillies (reduce the amount of chillies as preferred) 1 sprig curry leaves 1 tsp black mustard seeds 1 tbs oil 2 tbs sugar or a little less honey salt to taste fresh coriander for garnishing Heat the oil. Add the mustard seeds. Once they start to burst, add the onion, curry leaves and chillies (dry chillies, break into halves; and green chillies, slit into halves). Once the onion is translucent, add the pumpkin, sugar and salt to taste. If you are using honey, start with a teaspoon first and add more if required. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer until the pumpkin is soft. If the pumpkin is drying up too quickly, add…

The Chinmaya Mission of SA is hosting Navaratri prayers at the Chinmaya Annapoorna at the Rajput Hall in Chatsworth from 6pm until 8pm until today (Wednesday). At the prayers last week were:…

AWARD-winning investigative journalist Devi Sankaree Govender has become the target of racial slurs following an exposé on her television show. The incident has reignited discussions about racism in South Africa, with experts noting that such attacks reflect deeply entrenched issues still prevalent more than three decades into democracy. Sankaree Govender has firmly responded that she is a “5th generation South African” and is “staying right here, where I belong”. In a recent Facebook post, she shared screenshots in which derogatory comments were made by two users. In the first comment, Matthys Oosthuizen said: “F**k off to india hindu.” A second person, Kyle Van der Watt, commented: “Why you playing with the afrikaaners. This k**ie.” In her online post, Sankaree Govender said the racial slurs broke her heart. “Something needs to…

POLITICAL parties and civic organisations have welcomed the Madlanga Commission investigating corruption in the criminal justice system, but many fear it could become yet another ineffective inquiry without real consequences for those implicated. The commission follows explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about political interference and criminal infiltration in law enforcement. On July 6, during a media briefing Mkhwanazi made several damning allegations, including that the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in KZN. The commission of inquiry, which is chaired by recently retired acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, started with Mkhwanazi giving evidence on September 17. Following the allegations, Mchunu was placed on a…

THE South African Hindu Maha Sabha is late in announcing the date for the “Festival of Lights” – it usually does in a press release a good few weeks before the event. With no intention of stealing the thunder from the umbrella body of some Hindu organisations, let me reaffirm that Deepavali or Diwali is around the corner, falling on Monday, October 20. My Tamil upbringing has me referring to it mostly as Deepavali when I speak. This is the name used widely in South India and which refers to “a row of lighted lamps”. Diwali is the name most often used in North India with similar meaning and is widely recognised in English. “Diwali” is also shorter and saves space when writing headlines and in print advertisements. To be…

WHEN Ashron Ramfol’s Ganesha statue appeared to consume milk during Navaratri prayers, he faced widespread scepticism when the story was published online. Despite the backlash, the businessman remains steadfast in his faith, describing the experience as a “profound sign of grace” that has only strengthened his devotion. What began as a routine ritual at the start of Navaratri last Monday, quickly turned into a miracle for the Ramfol family. Ramfol, 44, formerly of Reservoir Hills, recently relocated with his wife Monique Weideman, 28 and son Nathan, 12, to the North West province. “Last Monday was the first day in our new home in Klerksdorp, and also the start of Navaratri. That morning, I offered milk to our Ganesha murti on a spoon. Normally, I would drop it at Ganesha’s feet…

AS SOUTH Africa’s matric pupils enter the intense period of trial examinations, stress levels are running high in many households. These exams are often seen as a rehearsal for the finals, but the pressure feels very real. Between catching up on the curriculum, extra tuition, university applications, and expectations from parents and teachers, pupils may feel like they are running a marathon with little rest. From a psychologist’s perspective, it is crucial to highlight that while academic preparation is important, mental and physical well-being cannot be neglected. Ironically, pupils who are academically inclined and tie their self-worth to their grades, often suffer the most during this period. High expectations, fear of failure, time constraints, and the perception of inadequate preparation can trigger significant stress. This results in negative physical, emotional…

Sune Luus knows all about World Cup pressure, having been entrusted with the Proteas’ captaincy on the eve of the last tournament after Dane van Niekerk suffered a freak accident. There was little time to dwell on the responsibility, and Luus simply had to lead a Proteas side packed with senior players such as Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Mignon du Preez, Trisha Chetty, Masabata Klaas and Lizelle Lee. Having made her debut as a 16-year-old in 2012, Luus commanded the respect of her peers and guided the Proteas to consecutive semi-final appearances against England. The all-rounder developed into the role superbly, her measured leadership style complementing Van Niekerk’s more combative approach. Under Luus, the Proteas reached their first-ever T20 World Cup final the following year. Luus has since stepped down,…

Golf has long been considered a game of tradition, precision, and patience — qualities that extend far beyond the fairways. In South Africa, a non-profit organization has taken up the mission of introducing these values to children while also creating pathways for future champions. SA Kids Golf, originally founded as Little Kids in 2005, has become a cornerstone of junior golf in the country. Rebranded in 2011, it operates under the full support of GolfRSA and has grown from a small initiative into a thriving program that reaches hundreds of young golfers each year. The story of SA Kids Golf is also a family story. Many of the volunteers and organizers were inspired by their own children’s involvement in the sport. “I got involved because of my son, who is…

Lewis Hamilton has faced countless battles in his career, from wheel-to-wheel duels with the sport’s fiercest competitors to the relentless grind of reinventing himself season after season. But perhaps none cut as deep as the heartbreak of late September 2025, when he said goodbye to Roscoe — his beloved bulldog, constant companion, and loyal presence in the paddock. As Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari trudges through difficulty, questions arise over whether the grief of losing Roscoe might spark one final push to keep himself at Formula 1’s sharp end. Roscoe’s passing was as public as it was painful. The 12-year-old bulldog was hospitalised with pneumonia, his condition deteriorating rapidly. At one point, his heart stopped before being resuscitated, and he was placed on life support in a coma. Hamilton, who…

South African football is once again in crisis — not because of the players, but because of those who are meant to serve them. Fifa’s three-point deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena while he was suspended, has dragged Bafana Bafana back into a familiar mess. And while team manager Vincent Tseka must shoulder responsibility, it would be dangerously simplistic to make him the sole scapegoat. The hard truth is that Bafana have lifted their game under Hugo Broos. This is a team that reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, pushing Nigeria all the way in a penalty shootout. In World Cup qualifying, they have been consistently competitive, winning crucial matches home and away and positioning themselves strongly in Group C. The players have responded…

IN 1994, the SuriaLanga Dance Company presented a Bharatha Natyam piece, danced to the tunes of Johnny Clegg and Savuka’s maskandi song, Asimbonanga, at the inaugural ceremony of Nelson Mandela. This was a groundbreaking moment which earned SuriaLanga’s artistic director, Professor Suria Govender, both backlash for tainting the Indian culture, as well as praise for promoting unity through the meeting of the AmaZulu and Indian cultures, drawing from a sad history of racial prejudice. Recently, East Coat Radio’s Afternoon Drive presenters, Stacey and J Sbu, made history by playing a popular Tamil song, Yeh Macha Indhe, on the airwaves of a predominantly English-language radio station. While this garnered much pride and joy from the Indian community, it was J Sbu’s message that he posted the day after the moment that…

600g or 4 medium potatoes potatoes, cut into cubes 1 onion, finely sliced 2 tbs light olive oil or 2 tsp ghee 1 tsp cumin ½ tsp turmeric 1 sprig curry leaves 2 tbs chopped mint leaves chopped a few fresh coriander leaves 3 green chillies, slit in halves ½ cup or 125ml water, you may need more salt Heat the oil and add the cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds start to burst, add the onion, curry leaves and chillies. When the onion is transluscent, add the potatoes and turmeric. Season with salt. Sauté the potatoes on a low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add half a cup of water and simmer on a low heat until the potatoes are soft and tender. Add a little more…

Aries (March 21 – April 19) You are restless and itching for change, like the month can’t end fast enough. Feeling: Fired up, but a little scattered. You need: To finish what is already on your plate before chasing the next thrill. Tarot says: Knight of Wands: your spark is magnetic, but direct it wisely. Word: Focus. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) You are stretched between duty and desire, carrying more than you should. Feeling: The weight of decisions pressing on you. You need: To say “no” and not feel guilty for protecting your peace. Tarot says: Justice: what you choose now shapes October’s path. Word: Balance. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) You have been the life of the party, but secretly crave a cocoon. Feeling:…

A CHATSWORTH family are desperately seeking answers after their son was allegedly shot dead by a friend who claimed self-defence. The grieving parents only discovered their son’s fate through a vehicle tracking company alert, with police providing minimal information about the circumstances of the murder. Dalen Gounden, 23, of Montford, was allegedly killed during an argument with his friend while they were travelling along the R102, near Illovo Beach. Dalen’s aunt, Nancy Moonsamy, said he had left home on Friday afternoon to meet friends at a nearby soccer field and failed to return home. She said in the early hours of Saturday, his father, Nagentheran Gounden, received an SMS from the vehicle tracking company. “It was only at this point that they realised something was wrong. His father then called…

AFRIFORUM is calling out the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for alleged double standards after it quickly established a task team to investigate governance issues at the College of Cape Town (CCT) while ignoring similar allegations at Unisa, where Dr Reshma Mathura remains suspended despite being cleared of corruption allegations. Mathura, Unisa’s acting chief financial officer, was suspended in April last year. It had been alleged that she had received notification of four “unexpected and unsolicited” cash deposits of R330 into her private bank account, on April 2, 2024. She remains suspended 18 months later, despite being cleared of any wrongdoing months ago. Mathura claimed that her suspension had been part of a “dirty tricks” campaign because she had exposed corruption and suspicious transactions at the university Her…

AS MORE South Africans look abroad for work opportunities, study options or a fresh start, the question of tax becomes unavoidable. The emotional side of leaving is real, but the practical reality is that the SA Revenue Service (Sars) does not forget about you when you board a plane. The tax landscape for South Africans moving abroad is nuanced, but taxes should not be the hurdle that trips you up. South Africa adopts the residents-based tax system, which means that residents are taxed on their worldwide income, irrespective of where it was earned. Non-residents, however, are taxed only on South African-sourced income. The term “resident” should not be confused with “citizen”. You can cease tax residency without losing your South African passport, because residency is purely a tax law concept.…

ACROSS the world, like in South Africa, fierce debates are raging over statues and monuments honouring figures from colonial and apartheid eras. From the toppling of a slave trader’s statue in Bristol, England, to the #RhodesMustFall protests and parliamentary debates in South Africa, communities and politicians are questioning why figures who caused immense suffering are still celebrated in public arenas. This conflict is not simply about erasing the past, as some suggest. Instead, it is a profound, modern-day reckoning with the painful and persistent legacies of colonialism. To understand the arguments, we must look at the deep-seated ideas that these bronze and stone figures represent. From gaining independence to undoing a mindset To grasp the core of the debate, it’s useful to understand two key ideas: decolonisation and decoloniality.…

WHILE barriers remain for Muslim women wanting to access assistance through courts in dissolving their marriages, a recent court ruling secured maintenance and medical cover for a Cape Town woman. The woman, who sought R12 000, was granted monthly maintenance of R9 000 after her second divorce from the same husband. After a breakdown in their first Sharia law marriage, the pensioner couple remarried in 2019, but in April this year, the husband issued his wife a talaq (a written declaration of divorce in terms of Sharia law). At some stage in February 2025, the woman left the shared common home in Vasco, Goodwood, and took up residence with one of her adult sons from a previous marriage. She separated from her husband and had left the common home before…

AS THE final exams approach, Grade 12 pupils from Verulam Secondary share their diverse study methods, stress management techniques, and university aspirations. From mechanical engineering to actuarial science, these matric pupils reveal how they are tackling the last school hurdle before embarking on their future careers. With the exams set to start on October 21 – a day after Diwali – many pupils said they had mixed emotions – stress, anticipation and reflection. Matric is the culmination of years of hard work at school and the final hurdle before pupils embark on tertiary studies or employment. Verulam Secondary School pupils spoke to the POST recently about their preparation ahead of the exams, which will end on November 27. l Cayden Packreeappen, 18, of Ottawa, said he was stressed about…

The MK Party has confronted Clairwood Secondary School for renting classrooms to a textile company allegedly employing undocumented foreign workers. They have also raised concerns about pupil safety as the company operates during school hours. While the school cited financial necessity, education authorities have weighed in on the legality and ethics of such arrangements in schools facing budget constraints. The incident went viral on social media last week after video footage emerged after members of the MK labour desk confronted the principal. They accused the school of renting out classrooms to a textile company employing undocumented foreign workers. The principal said they had rented out the classrooms to raise funds for the school. Agape Xulu, the regional secretary for the MK Party, said the issue was not with renting out…

To write a history of 165 years is a daunting prospect. There are so many threads to follow, but at some point a garment needs to be stitched. Part of the challenge is to develop an overall narrative. In this quest, one of the strands that ran through the long 20th century was the sari. As we scoured newspapers, read memoirs, and scanned photographs, the sari popped up in the oddest of places. In this adapted excerpt from our book, Belonging: A History of Indian South Africans, we drape some of those moments in history WHEN Sarojini Naidu – poet, nationalist leader and diplomat – arrived in South Africa in 1924, she was unlike anyone the country had seen before: a whirlwind in a sari. By then, Indians were increasingly…

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup kicked off yesterday in India and Sri Lanka. This tournament promises not only fierce competition but also a showcase of emerging talent. With a fresh wave of young cricketers primed to take the stage, here's a closer look at the standout players expected to light up the tournament from ball one. Georgia Voll – Australia Leading the charge for Australia is the sensational Georgia Voll. At just 22 years old, she has already made her mark in the One Day International (ODI) arena with an impressive average of 57.66 from four matches, having scored 173 runs, including a thundering century against India. Voll looks to have the skill set to score runs in bunches, and she could help drive Australia to another lengthy World…

The Proteas Men’s home international season has been reduced to just three matches for the entire 2025/26 campaign. Shukri Conrad’s World Test Championship-winning team will have no home Test matches or ODIs, with only a five-match T20I series against the West Indies originally pencilled in for the summer. However, that has now been trimmed to three matches following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) confirmation of the commencement date for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament support period is scheduled to begin on January 31. The Proteas will face the Windies in the T20I series from 27th. Boland Park in Paarl will host the opening match yesterday, before the teams move to the Highveld for the second encounter at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday. The third and…

Durban City coach Gavin Hunt has been quick to point out that his team’s impressive run in the early stages of the Betway Premiership has come without sweeping changes to the side that carried them through the Motsepe Foundation Championship. It is a point of pride for Hunt, who has trusted a core group of players to make the step up to the elite level, and so far, the gamble has paid off. That consistency has given Durban City a rare cohesion into the Premiership, but with the Carling Knockout Cup looming, the question now shifts to; can a youthful, relatively untested side transfer their league form into a knockout environment where the stakes are immediate and unforgiving? Unlike the Premiership’s marathon grind, cup football is about moments—moments of resilience,…

400g oyster mushrooms, sliced 3 tbs olive oil or vegetable oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 5 green chillies 1 sprig curry leaves 3 large garlic cloves ½ tsp turmeric ½ tsp chilli powder salt Heat the oil in a large pan on a low heat. Add the onion, chillies and curry leaves, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Peel the garlic and smash them a little. Slice the garlic and add to the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes to release the flavour. Mix in the turmeric and chilli powder. Add the mushrooms and season with salt. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid has evaporated, and the mushrooms are tender and slightly caramelised.…

Cauliflower: 500g cauliflower, cut into florets 2 tbs olive oil 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tsp garam masala ½ tsp turmeric salt Sauce: 1 tbs olive oil 1 tbs butter 2 small bay leaves 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 tsp ginger/garlic paste ¼ cup cashew nuts 2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp paprika ½ tsp turmeric ½ tsp ground fennel 1 tsp garam masala 1 cup tomato puree/passata ½ cup water ¾ cup fresh cream 2½ tsp sugar salt pepper Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Marinate the cauliflower florets with the chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric and salt. Drizzle with the oil and leave in the oven for 30 minutes. Heat the oil in a large pan.…

MANY years ago, when my children were younger, a fellow mum and dear friend told me that she believed that this time of year was by far the busiest. Her children were older and she expressed that this season, as part of the build-up to the year-end, was just such a crazy time of year. I couldn’t quite identify with that busyness during that period of my life, but now I fully acknowledge and identify with it. South Africans know that the last quarter of the year carries its own unique intensity. Spring ushers in a rush of school exams, workplace targets, and an increase in social events. Add to this the traffic, the shopping, and the subtle pressure of “getting ready” for the festive season, and many of us…

The Consulate General of India in Durban hosted the inaugural Viksit Bharat Run 2025 at the Suncoast beach lawn. The event was aimed at showcasing India’s development journey through service, culture, economy, environment, youth engagement, and diaspora connect, while reinforcing the spirit of strengthening bonds with the global Indian community. At the event were:…

AS THE US states begin recognising Diwali as an official holiday, local Hindu leaders have intensified their decades-long campaign for equal recognition, saying this move could promote cultural diversity and social cohesion in South Africa. They have called on the government to declare Diwali, also known as Deepavali, a public holiday in South Africa. This comes after the California legislature recently passed Assembly Bill 268, which would add the “Festival of Lights” to the state’s official holiday list. However, in order for the bill to become a law, Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is required to sign it before October 12. According to reports, in June this year, Ned Lamont, the governor of Connecticut signed SB 1519 into law, making it the second state to include Diwali. Pennsylvania was…

As we marked World Suicide Prevention Month in September, stakeholders have shed light on the silent suffering of mothers as they battle maternal mental health issues including, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and postpartum depression. They also emphasised the need for mothers to seek help, and for family and society to offer them support WHILE more mothers reportedly battle with maternal mental health issues in South Africa, many continue to suffer in silence due to the fear of judgement and stigma. Cassey Chambers, the operation director of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), said maternal mental health was not often previously spoken about. “Communities and society at large are still learning about it. But with more people, especially mothers, now talking about it, it is seemingly coming to the fore,”…

THE testimony emerging from the Madlanga Commission is revealing a much deeper crisis than just the 121 transferred dockets or a disbanded task team; it’s foregrounding a pivotal question, namely: can South Africa's criminal justice system survive as a truly independent institution amidst systemic political interference and the erosion of accountability? Recent proceedings have unearthed a chilling reality concerning how the mechanisms established to investigate political violence, historically critical in KwaZulu-Natal, might have been methodically dismantled from within structures that should oversee and uphold justice. Disturbingly, these actions were taken at the behest of political figures meant to ensure integrity in the policing system, not undermine it. The accounts provided by key witnesses, including national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, and KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, weave a coherent yet…

AT the age of 72, Fakir Hassen has woven a rich tapestry of life experiences, showcasing the history and culture of South Africa’s Indian community through his work as a reporter, and a career at the SABC that spanned more than three decades. Hassen, who lives in Johannesburg, also wrote 37 books and is currently working on “the biggest project of my life” in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Lenasia, which was established during apartheid as a forced Indian group area. He intends on simultaneously launching 46 books that comprise articles he wrote and published in the Lenasia Times since it was established in 1976. The books will be launched as the finale to the anniversary celebrations in November. Hassen, a content contributor to the POST for more than…

Paris Saint-Germain face their biggest test of the season so far when the Champions League title-holders visit Barcelona this week, but Luis Enrique’s side go into the game in the midst of an injury crisis affecting several of their biggest stars. The headline absentee is Ousmane Dembélé, fresh from winning the Ballon d’Or last week in recognition of his magnificent 2024/25 campaign, during which the France winger scored 35 goals. How Dembélé would have relished facing his former club — the Catalans he left in 2023 after six years marked by flashes of brilliance, inconsistency, and persistent injuries. The 28-year-old could have gone head-to-head with Lamine Yamal, the teenager he narrowly beat to the Ballon d’Or but who did claim the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best player under 21…

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has made four strategic changes to his match-23 for the highly anticipated Rugby Championship decider against Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon. The Boks will look to seal the title for a second consecutive year when they face the Pumas in London. By the time the match kicks off, they will already know exactly what is required to secure the trophy. Returning to the starting line-up is loosehead prop Ox Nché, who missed the previous clash in Durban due to a minor injury. His presence in the front row, alongside hooker Malcolm Marx and tighthead Thomas du Toit, will strengthen the Springboks as they aim to dominate the Argentines again at scrum time. In addition to Nché’s inclusion, three players are set to make an…

Locking your hands during short shots in golf, particularly chipping, is a technique used to maintain control and consistency. This method is effective in reducing wrist movement, which can lead to unpredictable strikes and inconsistent results. By locking your hands, you minimise unwanted wrist motion, ensuring a more predictable strike. This, in turn, leads to greater accuracy and control over the direction of your chip shots. Additionally, locking your hands helps maintain a consistent swing length, resulting in more predictable distances. To lock your hands, set your grip with neutral grip pressure, positioning your hands equally on the club. Maintain a firm wrist, but not rigid, to prevent excessive movement. Then, focus on making a smooth, controlled swing, using your arms and shoulders to generate motion. Practicing with shorter swings…