Table of contents for 2025-09-10 in Post

SPRING is truly the time of revival – everything comes alive as the sun gains strength with its northward movement. But it brings its own set of health challenges that many of us are not prepared for. According to Ayurveda, this season of renewal requires careful attention to our body’s shifting needs. The interplay of rising temperatures, changing atmospheric conditions, and our internal rhythms can create imbalances that manifest as fatigue, allergies, headaches and joint pain. The Ayurvedic texts explain this beautifully: accumulated kapha, when melted, overloads the system, resulting in tiredness. Hence, ancient traditions emphasised dietary changes in spring. Hot, dry and light foods are beneficial in drying kapha, while day-sleep, which aggravates kapha, is strictly discouraged. Diet and physical activities should be kept light, and the emphasis should…

1 pack Fry’s no meat balls a glug of oil 1 sprig curry leaves ¼ tsp cumin seeds a pinch of fenugreek seeds 2 cloves 3-4 green chillies (leave whole or slit halfway for extra heat) 1 medium onion, peeled and diced ¼ tsp hing 1 tsp (5ml) garlic paste 1 tsp (5ml) cumin powder 1 tsp (5ml) coriander powder 1-2 tbs mild Kashmiri chilli powder (adjust to your heat preference) salt to season a few grinds of black pepper you can add ½ tsp sugar (optional) ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves Add the Fry’s no meat balls into the air-fryer at 200ºC for 10 minutes. Heat the oil in a pot. Add the curry leaves, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, cloves, green chillies and onion. Cook until the onion…

1 packet soya fish (vegetarian), thawed 1/3 cup spring onions, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped and no stems 3-4 green chillies, finely chopped 1 tbs (15ml) coriander powder ½ tbs (7.5ml) cumin powder ½ tsp (2.5ml) coarsely stamped black peppercorns ½ cup (125ml) fresh breadcrumbs made from white bread 1 tsp salt, adjust accordingly oil for shallow frying Finely slice the soya fish. Add to a bowl and then mash it up with your finger tips. Add all the other ingredients except the oil. Combine well by mixing with your hands. If you feel the mixture is too dry, add 1 to 2 tsp of water. Form small balls, roll between the palms and then slightly flatten to form 2.5cm discs. You can lightly oil…

Aries (March 21 –April 19) Feeling: You’re on fire. You are ready to take on the world. But that temper? It flares quicker than Durban curry heat. You need: To pause before reacting. Your spark is powerful, but if you don’t slow down, you might scorch the wrong bridge. Tarot says: Tower. Let the old crumble. This shake-up is actually clearing the way for your freedom. Word: Release. Taurus (April 20 –May 20) Feeling: You’re craving your blanket, snacks and some good vibes, but deep down you sense change is in the air. You need: To build your foundation strong enough to keep you grounded, but flexible enough to dance with the winds of change. Tarot says: Hierophant. Tradition and guidance will hold you steady. Word: Foundation. Gemini…

1-2 tbs (15ml-30ml) sunflower oil 1 star anise 2 cloves ¼ tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp cumin seeds ¼ tsp fenugreek seeds 15 tender curry leaves ½ cup (125ml) finely-chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 1 tsp (5ml) cumin powder 1 tbs (15ml) mixed masala or chilli powder (adjust if you prefer a spicy hot dish) 1½ tsp (7.5ml) salt 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and strain the excess water) 1 bunch spinach, sliced into chunky bits (rinse thoroughly) ½ can chopped plum tomatoes Temper: 2 tsp (10ml) vegetable ghee) ½ tsp (2.5ml) yellow asafoetida a few curry leaves ½ tsp split white urad dhal 2-3 dry chillies, roughly broken into 2 pieces I used the stalks of the spinach. Chop this into chunky square pieces. Heat the…

a glug of oil 2 small cinnamon sticks 1 star anise 3 cloves ¼ tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp cumin seeds 1 sprig curry leaves 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 small bay leaves 1-2 green chillies (optional) 1 tbs (15ml) fresh garlic/ginger paste 1-2 tbs (5ml-30ml) mild Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tbs (15ml) coriander powder ½ tbs (7.5ml) cumin powder 1 tsp (5ml) garam masala ½ tsp (2.5ml) turmeric powder 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered ½ can chopped plum tomatoes or ½ cup (125ml) fresh grated tomatoes 1 small cauliflower, break the florets into big pieces ½ cup frozen peas salt to season fresh coriander leaves to garnish Heat the oil in a pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry…

AT 72 YEARS old, Pat Reddy became the oldest runner to complete the gruelling 100km Notties-100 overnight endurance race, battling fatigue and challenging terrain to raise awareness and funds for combating human trafficking. A veteran runner and the oldest participant in this event, Reddy laced up his shoes at 8.30pm on Friday (September 5) and ran through the night, driven not just by determination, but by a deep commitment to the cause that affects millions worldwide. “My journey was both physically challenging and rewarding because I got to share the powerful message on an often-hidden crisis, human trafficking. “The race went well but there were times when I thought I would not make it. But I pushed forward for all those who face gender-based violence (GBV) and human trafficking.” The…

THE eThekwini Municipality has approved a two-year extension of an infrastructure surcharge despite fierce opposition from ratepayer and civic associations, and political parties. While the municipality claims the surcharge has generated over R600 million for critical water infrastructure projects, it has been argued that residents are unfairly bearing the financial burden of historical mismanagement and poor service delivery. The municipality’s executive committee (Exco) endorsed the extension of the infrastructure surcharge and it was approved during a full council meeting last Wednesday. According to the municipality, council had adopted a policy to charge consumers an infrastructure surcharge of R1.50 per kilolitre in 2023. To date, the municipality had generated an income of R623.8 million. “These funds have been ring-fenced specifically for water and sanitation, and utilised to address a number of…

This Heritage Month, the POST pays tribute to 86-year-old Pathmavathie Krishnavani Gounden. From serving as a Tamil-language teacher for more than three decades to providing assistance to poor, homeless and terminally-ill children, Gounden stands as a monument of resilience and selfless service. She was recently honoured in the Unsung Heroes Publication Board’s volume three of its book series, The Unsung Heroes. INSPIRED by her love for the Tamil language and culture, as well as children, Pathmavathie Krishnavani Gounden shared the beauty of it with others in her community and later through the education system, spanning more than three decades. In addition, she made it her duty to uplift the lives of others, especially children, through the organisations she founded over the years. The 86-year-old, of Victoria Embankment in Durban, was…

The Heritage Food Festival was held on Saturday at the 1860 Heritage Centre in Derby Street in the Durban CBD. At the event were:…

THIS September marks a profound milestone in our nation’s story: 165 years since the arrival of the first indentured Indian labourers on the shores of Durban in 1860. They came with little more than determination and hope, carrying seeds of culture, faith, language and tradition across the ocean. Today, more than a century and a half later, those seeds have blossomed into a vibrant Indian heritage firmly rooted in South African soil. Heritage Month gives us the chance to reflect on this journey – not as a nostalgic indulgence, but as an affirmation of how heritage shapes identity, strengthens unity, and builds bridges across cultures. It is worth remembering that heritage is not about monuments of the past, but movements for the future. Our forebears toiled under harsh and exploitative…

Alexander Isak stated that “not everyone has the full picture” of his move to Liverpool after Sweden’s 0-2 defeat against Kosovo. Isak joined the Premier League champions as their new number 9 on a long-term contract, which he signed on deadline day in a move for a British record transfer fee of £125 million (R ). Isak made his intentions of leaving Newcastle clear and did not participate in the pre-season. The tensions then arose which led to him being excluded from Eddie Howe’s first team training, which ultimately led to Newcastle United’s faithful turning on the 25-year-old. His first appearance of the season came as a second half substitute in Sweden’s loss against Kosovo. “Not everyone has the full picture, but that’s something for another day. I…

1½ cups toor dhal or pea dhal 1 litre water (add more while boiling) 40ml coconut oil or vegetable oil ¼ tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp cumin seeds a pinch fenugreek seeds 2-3 red chillies 2-3 green chillies ½ tsp asafeotida 1 sprig curry leaves 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder ½ tsp cumin powder 1-2 tbs sambhar powder 2 drumsticks cut into 5cm pieces ½ small carrot, diced ½ cup diced butternut or pumpkin (optional) 1 medium tomato, diced ¼ cup thick tamarind extract or 1 tbs tamarind concentrate a small piece jaggery ½ cup chopped coriander leaves Sambhar powder (roast and grind): 3 cups dry red chillies 2 cups coriander seeds ¼ cup Bengal gram dhal 1 tbs urad dhal (dehusked black…

EUBULUS Timothy is not just a name in the South African arts scene; he is a phenomenon. This award–winning film–maker, writer, teacher and dental surgeon combines multiple disciplines, breathing life into narratives that capture the essence of his heritage and experiences. Born in Durban at St Aidan’s Hospital, Timothy has carved out a life rich with stories – a life that bridges gaps across culture, time, and struggles. His connection to the vibrant yet turbulent history of the Indian community in South Africa is exemplified in his upcoming film, The Cane Cutter. The movie’s official trailer was launched last week and will be released on November 16, the day that marks the 165th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Natal. With a poignant narrative that explored identity and independence…

Step 1: 2 cups long-grained parboiled basmati rice The rice should be firm and cooked to 80%. Set aside. ½ cup (125ml) black masoor dhal Boil until soft, but still firm. Keep aside. Step 2: Deep fry and set aside: oil for deep frying 20 whole baby potatoes or 4 medium potatoes, quartered 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp salt Combine all the above ingredients, deep fry and set aside. Step 3: Fry separately in oil: 3 medium onions thinly sliced. Fry until golden brown and crispy, for about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside. 1/3 cup (80ml) cashews (20 to 30) Fry for 30 seconds. 1/3 cup (80ml) sultanas (20 to 30) Fry for 30 seconds. Once fried, set all the ingredients aside to assemble…

RESIDENTS and businesses will face additional electricity tariff increases of 3.4% and 2.64% in 2026/27 and 2027/28 respectively, following a R54 billion calculation error by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). Various stakeholders have warned that these hikes will further strain household budgets and damage business competitiveness. Ish Prahladh, president of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association, said such increases resulted in households being over-burdened. “It also has a huge impact on businesses. It seems that the circumstances of citizens – especially those who are unemployed and businesses that are struggling to keep their doors open – have not been considered. “How will they cope? In addition, an increase in tariffs has a ripple effect such as the increase in the cost of transport and food. “We will…

The 2025 KwaZulu-Natal Gender-Based Violence Gala was recently held at The Square in uMhlanga by the Daniella Simone Keisha (DSK) Group. Among the winners and guests were:…

A HIGH court judge has granted a final restraining order against a high-ranking police officer accused of sending “death threats” to a man and his family after he had laid a complaint against her. The man referred to as “Mr M”, who was initially a witness in at least two murder cases, together with his wife, had brought an application in the Johannesburg High Court, calling for Lieutenant-Colonel Fatima Gaffoor to be restrained from “threatening, harassing or intimidating” them. In handing down his judgment last week, Judge Stuart David James Wilson, said on March 28, 2025, he issued a rule nisi (provisional court order) calling upon any interested party to show cause as to why he should not grant a final interdict restraining Gaffoor from threatening, harassing or intimidating…

South African activists join an international flotilla mission to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid and embodying the spirit that once fuelled the anti-apartheid movement. Led by Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela and inspired by previous solidarity missions, these brave citizens are determined to deliver essential supplies despite the risks, declaring that Palestinians will not stand alone, writes Professor Usuf Chikte THE Global Sumud Flotilla with more than 50 boats from 44 countries, is sailing to Gaza to deliver food and medicine and to break Israel’s illegal blockade. Ordinary people are doing what governments should and have failed to do: upholding the duty to protect Palestinians from genocide. Israel’s record is clear. Previously it hijacked aid ships in international waters, detaining and brutally assaulting volunteers. Such attacks expose…

At Monza, the legendary temple of speed, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen reminded the Formula 1 world why championship experience is often the decisive factor when pressure mounts. The Dutchman delivered a flawless drive to secure victory at the weekend in the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, capitalising on McLaren’s pit-wall mistakes and proving that even in a season dominated by the Papaya, Red Bull’s triple world champion still knows how to seize the moment. Going into the weekend, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had been the protagonists of the championship battle, holding the edge in raw pace across most circuits. Verstappen, meanwhile, had been lurking in the background, consistently finishing just behind the McLarens and waiting for opportunities. He had only won twice since May, prompting questions about Red…

DURBAN City boss Farook Kadodia might as well have intensified coach Gavin Hunt's mandate saying home games at the Chatsworth Stadium are “a must” win as they owe it to their fans who rallied behind them to Betway Premiership promotion last season. Speaking to Independent Media exclusively yesterday, Kadodia said they look to display that attitude with their next game against Siwelele – another Premiership newbie. Kadodia said he wants his boys to find a bit more stability and rhythm as they settle into the season after a decent start to their Premiership campaign with two wins, two draws and a loss. But the mandate is finding stability in home games at Chatsworth Stadium. “You know, to come back into the PSL (Premier Soccer League) and still get the support…

The search for the right player combinations and pairings for next year’s T20 World Cup continues for the Proteas as they take on England in three T20Is this week. Since coach Shukri Conrad took over the white ball teams, the side has lost five out of eight matches, including losing a Tri-Series in Zimbabwe before going on to lose 2-1 against Australia Down Under. Conrad has made several changes since those two tours, dropping spinners George Linde and Nqaba Peter, and batter Rassie van der Dussen, while Keshav Maharaj, Lizaad Williams and Donovan Ferreira have all been called back to the squad for the England series. With the first of three T20Is set to get under way at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff today, Markram emphasised that the team continues to…

NATIONAL Wills week will take place from September 15 to 19 and it is the ideal time to write your will. During this week, there are a number of qualified attorneys that offer their services for free to draft a basic valid will that acknowledges the necessary formalities and provisions of the law. Prepare for a consultation by confirming your details and documents, like your identity document, a list of assets and property that you own, and the details of your beneficiaries, like their full names and identity numbers or dates of birth. Make sure you take some time to think about who should receive which assets, and who will take care of your children if they are under the age of 18. Additionally, consider a person that you trust…

1 cup (250ml) basmati rice (add ¼ tsp turmeric powder) or use 4 cups leftover cooked rice a glug of oil 1 sprig curry leaves ¼ tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp cumin seeds a pinch of fenugreek seeds 3 cloves 1 cardamom pod 1-2 small cinnamon sticks 1 star anise 1-2 small bay leaves 3-4 dry red chillies (leave whole or break some into half) 1 medium onion, peeled and finely sliced 1 tbs garlic paste 300g sliced button mushrooms salt to season 1 tsp (5ml) garam masala ½ cup (125ml) fresh coriander leaves 1/3 (90ml) roasted cashew nuts Cook the rice as per the instructions on the pack. When cooked, leave aside and cool. Heat the oil in a medium-size pan or pot. Add the curry leaves, mustard…

a glug of oil 1 sprig of curry leaves ¼ tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp cumin seeds 1 large onion, finely diced 500g-600g firm tofu, cut into blocks 1 tbs (15ml) garlic and ginger paste 1 tbs (15ml) coriander powder ½ tbs (7.5ml) cumin powder ½ tsp (2.5ml) turmeric powder 1-2 tbs (15ml-30ml) Kashmiri chilli powder or mix masala salt to season 1 large green pepper, deseeded and cubed a handful of baby corn sliced into ½cm discs 2 small carrots, sliced 45ml tomato paste 2 cups (500ml) warm water 30ml low sodium soy sauce 1/3 cup (80ml) coconut cream or milk fresh coriander to garnish Add oil to a big non-stick pan. Add the curry leaves, and mustard and cumin seeds. When the leaves splutter and the seeds pop,…

1 cup (250ml) mielie rice 1 cup red split lentil (pink dhal) 1 litre hot water 1 tsp turmeric powder a glug of oil ¼ tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp cumin seeds 1 medium onion, peeled and finely sliced 5-6 garlic cloves, peeled 4 each dry red and fresh green chillies ¼ tsp hing (asafoetida) salt to season Add the mielie rice and lentils to a pot. Wash it thoroughly. Add the water to the rice and lentils. Bring to a boil. Cook until the rice and dhal softens. Stir from time to time to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot. As soon as the mixture starts to thicken, lower the heat and cook to a thick consistency. Once cooked, turn off the heat. In a heated frying…

SOUTH Africa’s energy sector is the lifeblood of the economy; slight changes in electricity prices impact business, and have a domino-like impact on prices, supply and demand of almost all goods. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), a post-apartheid entity, was created by consolidating the Electricity Control Board, the Gas Regulator and the Pipelines Regulatory Authority. It is the independent regulatory authority mandated to govern the South African energy industry in accordance with the country’s laws. Its core function is to balance the interests of energy producers, distributors and consumers to ensure a sustainable and efficient energy sector for South Africa. The recent revelation was that Nersa made a catastrophic multibillion-rand error in its tariff calculation for Eskom, resulting in a spike in electricity prices for households and…

SOME Atholl Heights, Westville, residents have raised the alarm over uncontrolled soil stockpiling at a municipal site, claiming it posed serious health risks and degraded their neighbourhood. They have demanded immediate action from local authorities. Pat Reddy, a concerned resident and the chairman of the area’s project steering committee, said it had been agreed four months ago that the site be used by the municipality for 15 months as its administrative base for the southern aqueduct upgrade. He said as per the verbal agreement with residents, the site was not to be used for stockpiling sand. Residents claim the municipality had backtracked on the agreement, and the stockpiled sand was impacting their daily lives, making the area unsightly and dusty. “When we agreed to the site to be commissioned in…

The adults inter-regional eisteddfod final, held by the KZN Tamil Vedic Society Provincial Body, was held on Sunday at Sunford Primary School in Phoenix. Among the participants, guests and organisers were…

VIOLENCE in South African schools is becoming a more regular phenomenon. While it is not peculiar to South Africa, research indicates that perpetrators are usually disgruntled individuals who use schools as sites to vent their frustrations. School shootings in the USA are a case in point. However, the recent violence at Glenover Secondary School, in Chatsworth, appeared to have started off as a relatively minor confrontation between school pupils on a soccer field. What is particularly disturbing is that adults not directly related to the school deliberately orchestrated and escalated the altercation beyond a scuffle into extremely violent action involving weapons. If this were a premeditated stabbing of young children and was led by a parent and other non-schoolers, then the full might of the law must take its course,…

IS SOUTH Africa ready for a woman president? That’s a question posed recently by a local newspaper reader who had no hesitation in answering with a resounding “yes” – but with one caveat. He argues that the majority of candidates already being mentioned by political commentators happen to be black women, and asks the question: Are only black women qualified to run the country? Women from so-called minority communities also deserve consideration, he says. And so, he puts up the names of his top three nominations, not in any order of preference, which makes for some interesting reading. Firstly, there’s Barbara Creecy, the current Minister of Transport, a long-standing anti-apartheid activist and a senior executive in the ANC. A nice, respectable choice. Steady at the wheel, but I’d first like…

A DAMNING Special Investigation Unit (SIU) report which revealed widespread corruption in eThekwini Municipality’s Infill Housing Programme (IHP) in Phoenix, has opened old wounds for many individuals including a retired lecturer who paid a R500 000 deposit for a home, and others who had applied to purchase vacant land. According to the recently-released report, developers allegedly purchased municipal-owned land that were earmarked for the building of low-income housing at bargain prices, then sold it for massive profits. An 81-year-old woman, who declined to be named for the fear of her safety, said she had allegedly fallen victim to one of the developers (the name is known to the POST). She said she now hoped swift action would be taken, including further investigations, after she allegedly paid a R500 000 deposit…

IN A COMMENDABLE recognition of academic excellence, Vidhan Singh has been awarded the 50th Anniversary Scholarship as the top-performing senior undergraduate student in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The scholarship, which is granted for academic merit, highlights Singh’s scholastic achievements during a challenging educational transition marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. Singh transferred to UKZN after initially studying at another higher education institution during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The transition to an online learning environment at UKZN prompted a reassessment of his academic path. Seeking a more connected and holistic university experience closer to home, he chose to continue his studies at UKZN. He said after researching academic programmes on offer, his decision to join the university was an easy one.…

THE contemporary landscape of crime and public trust concerning the South African Police Service (SAPS) is navigating a pivotal moment, particularly after the establishment of democratic governance in South Africa. Recent developments have brought to light an alarming potential rift between the interim Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, and the national commissioner of police, Fanie Masemola. This fracture has significant implications, threatening to deepen the erosion of public confidence in law enforcement agencies that are already grappling with credibility issues. The communication breakdown between these key figures raises important questions, especially regarding the controversial decision made by Masemola to return 121 investigative dockets to the political killings task team. Given the ongoing wave of violence and political turmoil, this decision demands a thorough investigation to uncover the rationale behind…

Nuno Espirito Santo became the first coaching casualty of the English Premiership season, and was replaced by former Spurs boss Ange Postecogclu after his sacking on Monday night, according to Sky Sports News. The Portuguese manager was relieved of his duties after publicly falling out with Greek club owner Evangelos Marinakis. It seemed like not too long ago that the former Wolves manager was feted at Forest, after leading the club on a surprise run in the league that almost took them into the Champions League. The 51-year-old was given a new contract in June after guiding Forest into the Europa League, their first European qualification since 1995, but cracks were beginning to show behind the scenes. He questioned the club’s transfer business ahead of the new season and prospects…