Índex per 2026-01-21 a Post

Aries (March 21 – April 19) Your energy is electric. The New Moon in Aquarius on the 25th sparks fresh ideas and bold plans. Channel your fire into something practical instead of rushing in all directions. A small win midweek boosts your confidence. Tarot tip: the Chariot reminds you that focus beats speed. Take control and steer with intention. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Venus in Capricorn reminds you that boundaries are powerful and attractive. Stop over-giving at work or in relationships. Trust your intuition as hidden truths surface. Slow down and listen before reacting. Tarot tip: the High Priestess says your inner voice already knows the answer. Pause and trust it. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Your social energy is high and your phone…

125g softened butter ½ cup castor sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder ¼ cup dessicated coconut ¾ cup preferred jam Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence. Sift the dry ingredients and mix well into a soft dough. Keep a third of the dough aside. Press the balance of the dough evenly in a square pan. Make holes with a fork. Spread the jam generously and sprinkle the coconut. Grate the one third of the dough over the top. Bake in 180°C preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Once baked, cut into squares while hot and then dust with icing sugar.…

Yoshini Perumal yoshini.perumal@inl.co.za THE ruling which recognises non-financial contributions in divorce settlements has given hope to housewives across the country. Women who dedicated their lives to homemaking share how this landmark judgment could protect their financial security after decades of unpaid domestic labour. They said they were thankful that the law was taking into consideration the contributions of women during marriage, despite there being no financial contributions. A 67-year-old Chatsworth woman, who did not want to be named, said she was shocked when she found out about the high court judgment, as she never knew that she would be entitled to a portion of her husband's money if they divorced. She said she did not feel as if she was entitled to it because she had not worked since she…

A HISTORIC YouTube video capturing the story of the people of Magazine Barracks has been launched. The video takes viewers from the early history of the barracks – including why and when it was formed – right to the period when barracks’ residents were evicted to Chatsworth between 1964 and 1966. Producer, Robbie Naidoo said he hoped it would become a historical record. “The script was thoroughly researched with detailed planning and execution. I have taken information from a number of experts and former residents, so we are 100% satisfied with its accuracy and detail. “For young people who haven’t had the opportunity to find out where their family members came from, this is a quick peak into history. And for the older folk, well, it’s a bit of nostalgia.…

PRABU, Prabhu ... ”, an elderly man in a faded turban and crumbled kurta eager for a photograph, calls out to Gaur Gopal Das, India’s most-followed monk with over 25 million followers and 2.5 billion video views. The sadarji is barely able to get his thumb on the shoot button when an energetic young woman with a chopped fringe up to her eyelids and festooned in Gothic tattoos bumps him like a charging bull. She gets her shot. It is an Instagram momento of her foray into the 19th Jaipur Literature Festival in India's iconic “pink city” famed for its palaces, forts and gay hangouts. Not since the free-loving Rajneesh or the Harley-riding Satguru has a saffron-robed storyteller gathered such a fan following. You Can Have It All is Gaur…

PARENTS are demanding urgent intervention from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education after Effingham Secondary allegedly barred multiple pupils from entering due to uniform violations, forcing some children to wait unsupervised outside the school gates all day. Muslim pupils claim religious discrimination, while others cited inconsistent enforcement of the dress code. The parents alleged that during the first week of school reopening, their children’s lives were endangered as they were forced to return home on foot, or wait outside the school until their transporters arrived in the afternoon. They said while they understood and respected the code of conduct, it should apply to all pupils. The mother of a Grade 10 pupil said she had since written a formal complaint to the KZN Department of Education, calling for an intervention. “The…

DESPITE having only 20% vision in his right eye and losing his father at the age of 12, Phoenix teenager Amanat Vajeth defied the odds by achieving seven distinctions in the matric exams with an 89.5% aggregate. His inspiring journey showcases remarkable determination and resilience. His subjects were English, Afrikaans, accounting, business studies, economics, maths and life orientation. Amanat, 18, who attended Stanmore Secondary School, said he was always a determined child, always striving academically, despite the challenges. “I have a defective right eye. At 4 years old, my parents found out I had only 20% vision in my right eye. It made learning incredibly difficult throughout the years. However, while my eyesight may be permanently damaged, I choose to view it as a reason to strive further. I…

BUFFELSDALE Secondary School in Tongaat has achieved a remarkable 100% matric pass rate through dedicated teachers who opened their homes to pupils and provided extra classes seven days a week. This school is transforming its reputation from one associated with drugs and trouble to an institution of academic excellence. It is situated in an area plagued by drug abuse, poverty and instability, and serves pupils who often arrive hungry, emotionally distressed or without stable homes. Principal Runganathan Govender said their achievement was as a result of the relentless effort from teachers who routinely went beyond their professional duties. “When children come to school in the right frame of mind and with the right attitude, we are able to do the work with them. But to get them in that head…

When Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis was ruled out due to injury, they lost not only one of their premier run-scorers but also a wealth of experience. This was particularly poignant due to JSK having a host of young and inexperienced batters in their line-up in Season 4. There was therefore only one call they could possibly make to help fill the void. Some would suggest that he should have been there from the outset. So, with Delhi Capitals eliminated from the ILT20 where he was active the last month, coach Stephen Fleming sent Leus du Plooy the SOS and in a moment the left-hander was back at the Wanderers. Du Plooy is, of course, no stranger to the Bullring, having spent the first three seasons with JSK…

Asif Nazrul, the Sports Advisor for Bangladesh's government, stated on Tuesday that Bangladesh has remained firm in its position and is opposed to travelling to India for their T20 World Cup matches. Bangladesh are refusing to play their T20 World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns, and have asked the ICC to move their matches to co-hosting nation Sri Lanka, after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release their pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL 2026 amid prevailing political tensions between the two countries. Nazrul said that Bangladesh will not accept any unreasonable conditions if the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposes them under pressure from India. "If the International Cricket Council (ICC) bows to pressure from the Indian Cricket Board and tries to impose any illogical condition…

Jannik Sinner barely broke a sweat in launching his quest to win a third Australian Open in a row on Tuesday, as Naomi Osaka stole the show with a bold fashion statement. Meanwhile, popular Frenchman Gael Monfils bid farewell to Melbourne Park with an epic defeat and thanks for "an amazing ride". The Italian Sinner strolled into round two when French opponent Hugo Gaston retired on Rod Laver Arena with the second seed in full control at 6-2, 6-1. Gaston, who had an abdominal injury, slumped to his chair and shook his head as his tournament ended in distress. The two-time reigning champion said it was not how he wanted to win but was pleased with his night's work. “I knew from the beginning that I had to play at…

THE Tamil movie, Parasakthi, that ushered in 2026, is a bold, uncompromising cinematic statement that reaffirms the power of language as a vehicle of identity, resistance and pride. Directed by Sudha Kongara, and locally released by Kavin Media in time for Pongal, the movie set in the 1960s asserts, with urgency and clarity, that linguistic and cultural erasure is not a relic of the past but a present danger, and that reclaiming one’s mother tongue is an act of both personal and communitive liberation. The film is based on the real-life 1965 anti-Hindi imposition agitations primarily in Tamil Nadu. This was an important event in modern Indian history when hundreds of thousands protested against the compulsory teaching and promotion of Hindi, seen as cultural domination threatening Tamil identity and equality.…

The Tongaat Hindu Unity Forum in association with the Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple hosted New Year, Makar Sankramti and Thai Pongal Strength is Life Satsang with Pundit Dharmacharya Chunelal Narine on Sunday at the temple in Tongaat. At the event were:…

2 cups self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder ¾ cup sugar 100g melted butter 1 tsp vanilla essence ¾ cup milk choc chips First add the dry, and then the wet ingredients, to a mixing bowl. Gradually add the milk, a little at a time until you get a drop-like consistency. Add the choc chips and fold into the mixture. Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle. It makes it easy to get the mini pancakes. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Squeeze a little batter at a time and move to the next. Cook for a minute on one side then flip. Repeat with the remaining batter. Enjoy with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of icing…

RESIDENTS of Clare Estate are fighting against illegal dumping at the Sydenham Quarry, which has transformed from a natural haven to a pollution hazard. With health issues rising and property values plummeting, the community demands immediate intervention from authorities who have so far failed to act. They are calling on the Department of Health and the city to put a stop to illegal dumping. The area which was once a mining area for blue stones, had become a serene piece of nature attracting an array of birds and fish after the mine closed in the 1970s. A source, who did not want to be named, said the quarry belonged to four different individuals. He alleged one of the owners was illegally operating a dump at the quarry. “There is an…

Yoshini Perumal A GROUNDBREAKING Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling has awarded a wife 40% of her husband’s estate plus R20 000 monthly maintenance, recognising her 30 years of unpaid domestic work and business support. The case offers hope to South African women who sacrifice careers for family responsibilities. The case has resonated with women as it underscores the contributions that often go unrecognised in marriages. During the case, the wife, 58, told the court that although she assisted her husband, 70, in his business, looked after his two children from another marriage, and did whatever she could for him, he never gave her access to cash as he said he would provide for her. She said she was struggling to make ends meet because it was not easy to find a…

WHEN Desiree Karabo Reddy, raised in a Pedi household, married Sherwin Reddy, a Hindu, she wholeheartedly embraced his faith and traditions. Desiree was raised in Limpopo and was taught to respect other religions, cultures and traditions. When she married Sherwin, a proud Tamilian, finding a common ground was never a problem. As the CEO of Dezrykay Trading, an entrepreneur, singer, and content creator, Desiree recently shared her devotion to the Hindu faith during the harvest festival of Pongal. On Thursday, she posted a video on TikTok, blessing her home and husband, a reflection of her spiritual gratitude. “Pongal, to me, means that the gods have responded to our prayers. We are harvesting everything that we have planted in our home, or, if we have a particular farm, we take what…

THE phone call came late one evening. My fitness trainer’s wife needed urgent investment advice. She had visited a financial adviser about accessing her preservation fund. “I already know which portfolios I want,” she explained, frustrated. “But this adviser wants to charge me R20 000 for a 15-minute consultation. She claims she’s doing me a favour by dropping her fee from 3.5% to 1%. It’s outrageous!" I asked about her profession. “I’m an accountant,” she replied. “Would you work for free?” I asked. Silence. This exchange captures a troubling paradox. The same professionals who expect fair compensation for their expertise somehow believe financial advice should come free of charge. The illusion of the 15-minute consultation What appears as a brief meeting represents the visible tip of a substantial professional…

PHOENIX pupil Jared Michael defied extraordinary circumstances by achieving six distinctions in his matric exams while recovering from emergency surgery. His remarkable journey from hospital bed to academic success showcases exceptional determination and resilience. Jared, a pupil from Trenance Manor Secondary in Phoenix, was just a week away from his first matric exam paper, when he underwent emergency surgery at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, a turn of events that would have deterred many. However, not only did he persist, but he shattered expectations by completing most of his exams while in isolation at the hospital. Jared’s efforts did not go unnoticed. He attained six distinctions: 90% in English HL, 86% in maths, 85% in physical sciences, 84% in life sciences, 87% in accounting, and 85% in life orientation.…

EDUCATIONAL experts are calling for urgent reforms on mental health support, curriculum overhaul and teacher training to address the multifaceted challenges contributing to pupils dropping out of school, including mental health issues and family dynamics. Professor Labby Ramrathan said the statistics provided by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube – which indicated that 422 000 pupils who enrolled in Grade 1 in 2014 and did not complete Grade 12 in 2025 – was of great concern. “The statistics give a sense of the health of the school education system. However, the reality is that, for various reasons, school dropout occurs. Those that drop out from school have very little hope of improving the quality of their lives and, as such, sustains the level of poverty resulting in them continuing to be…

RYDAL Park Secondary School in Phoenix has made history by achieving a 100% matric pass rate for the first time in 43 years, overcoming poverty, social challenges, and a previously underperforming status. Under new principal Lionel Veeraragulu’s leadership, the school implemented comprehensive support systems and rigorous academic interventions to transform the lives of pupils from one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most challenged communities. Veeraragulu, 39, said: “We have come very, very far. We serve a poverty-stricken community plagued by drugs and social problems. These results have put us on cloud nine. “There have been pupils who came to school hungry, some without a place to stay. Our staff went beyond teaching. They supported pupils emotionally and, at times, practically. We understood that if we did not put systems in place, learning simply…

RECENT events in Iran, marked by widespread protests and internal strife, have once again placed the Islamic Republic under the global spotlight. While mainstream media often focuses on the narrative of civilian-led demonstrations, a provocative online exchange, highlighted by Dorothy Lennon, has pulled back the curtain on a far more realistic and potentially destabilising narrative. This narrative is further complicated by emerging claims of direct technological warfare and a fiercely contested account of the protests’ nature, bringing into sharper focus the tension and the threat of a “pending war” that has long shadowed US-Iran relations, one which is, currently, typified by US sanctions which are weaponised to create favourable trade agreements for American interests. Years of sanctions have devastated the economy of Iran. Lennon’s observation zeroes in on a critical…

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday announced that they will host world champions India for a five-match T20I series, scheduled to take place in Durban, Johannesburg and Benoni from April 17 to 27. The T20I series begins with two matches at Kingsmead Stadium on April 17 and 19. The action will then shift to the Wanderers Stadium for consecutive games on April 22 and 25. The series will conclude with the fifth and final T20I at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on April 27. This series will be the Proteas Women’s last official assignment before the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, starting on June 12 in England. At the global tournament, South Africa are placed in Group 1 with Australia, Pakistan, India, and two qualifier teams. "Facing a team of India’s…

Sandile Zungu is an ambitious club president, which is why his decision to return to “local favour” could once again prove to be “lekker” this season. When Zungu took over AmaZulu a few seasons ago, he declared his ambition to turn the club into a top-four side in the PSL. To date, Zungu’s dream has only been realised once — when Benni McCarthy incredibly led the team to a runners-up finish in the league in 2021, 89 years after the club was established. McCarthy’s run with his troops was expected to be the turning point from which Usuthu would build and establish themselves as one of the most formidable sides in the local top flight. But that, it turned out, was wishful thinking. After sacking McCarthy, Usuthu endured a drastic…

Liberty Productions hosted Muruga Saranam 2026, featuring Deshan Styler Naidoo, on Saturday at the Liberty Hall on North Coast Road. At the event were:…

WHEN 13-year-old Gabriella Mahabeer began collecting cans to help with her school stationery costs, she never expected to inspire thousands. Living with her aunt after her mother’s stroke, this determined teen’s small initiative has captured hearts across South Africa, and shown that age is no barrier to making a difference. Gabriella was inspired by an unlikely source – homeless people collecting cans. It all started when Nirashnee Govender, 46, owner of the NGO called Rescued Paw Friends in Tugela, shared a video on TikTok of her niece, Gabriella, collecting cans to raise money for stationery. She never imagined the video would go viral. Govender took in Gabriella in 2024 after her mother suffered a stroke, and her grandmother was unable to care for both of them. “She was 11 years…

ENVIRONMENTAL justice organisation Groundwork is calling on citizens to report illegal dumping at Sydenham Quarry through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) environmental crimes and incidents hotline. Rico Euripidou, chemicals co-ordinator at Groundwork, said they were concerned about the illegal dumping at the quarry. “The illegal dumping of waste is a punishable criminal offence under our national and municipal laws. The practice is prohibited by legislation such as our National Environmental Management: Waste Act and various municipal by-laws across the country. “An analysis of complaints received through the environmental crimes and incidents hotline, relating to illegal dumping and waste, shows a steady increase in the number of reports, year on year, signifying an increasing awareness of these types of contraventions by members of the public and the…

FOR over three decades, 78-year-old Kasopersad Heeralal has dedicated his life to feeding hungry children through Food for Life South Africa. From his humble beginnings as the descendant of indentured labourers to becoming a respected lightning protection expert working for local leaders, Heeralal’s story is one of service, perseverance and faith. Now featured in a new book documenting South African Indian history, his remarkable journey shows how one man’s dedication can impact thousands of lives. Indentured history Born in Springfield on August 20 in 1947, Heeralal said his paternal great-grandparents and grandparents were from India, and worked at a sugar mill in Mount Edgecombe. He said his maternal great-grandparents were also from India. His maternal grandfather, who was born in South Africa, worked as a gardener. Heeralal said his father,…

IF YOU grew up in South Africa, you remember shop assistants standing outside calling to passers–by – “Gena mama! R5 special” – pulling foot traffic through the door. It worked. Simple. Direct. Human. That was customer acquisition in the brick-and-mortar era. Fast forward to 2026. Most business owners still do the equivalent – posting sporadically on social media, hoping someone sees it. But the streets are infinite now. Billions scrolling past. Your voice gets lost. Businesses winning today aren’t shouting. They are using AI to find people who need what they sell, profile them, understand behaviour, and show up precisely where they are looking – before they even know they’re looking. This is the evolution from “Gena Mama” to AI automation. If you’re not making this shift, you’re invisible. The…

AFTER losing her sight to cancer at the age of 9 and missing three years of school, Thireshni Andrea Padayachee defied the odds to complete her matric. Thireshni, 20, attended the Open Air School, and her subjects comprised English, Afrikaans, life orientation, mathematical literacy, business studies, religious studies, and hospitality studies. She obtained a Bachelor’s pass and a distinction in business studies. Thireshni said at the age of 9, she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare type of cancer that started as a growth of cells in the soft tissue. “As a result of the tumour in my nasal cavity pushing on to my optic nerves, I lost my eyesight. I thereafter underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation which resulted in me missing three years of school.” Thireshni, who lives…

CIVIL rights organisation AfriForum has criticised the celebration of South Africa’s matric pass rate, pointing out that 422 000 pupils who started Grade 1 in 2014 never made it to Grade 12. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube noted that only 65% (778 000) of pupils progressed to matric, with the greatest dropout pressure occurring in grades 10 to 12. AfriForum said it was calling on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to focus less on the high matric pass rate and to pay more attention to early childhood development, quality education in the foundation phase, the rehabilitation of dysfunctional schools, and strict action against examination irregularities. Gwarube said last week: “In 2014, 1.2 million children entered Grade 1. By the time that same cohort reached Grade 10 in 2023, a…

RESIDENTS of Verulam, north of Durban, are reaching breaking point over persistent water outages, neglected infrastructure and absent municipal leadership. As the 2026 local government elections approach, community members share heart-wrenching stories of daily struggles, and they question whether their votes will bring any meaningful change to their deteriorating living conditions. Trenance Park – New Phase Kogie Reddy, 57, said one of their greatest challenges was the ongoing water outages. “We have been battling for years to have a consistent water supply from our taps, but we are forced to depend on tankers and the generosity of the public. “There seems to be no end. I have 20-litre buckets, about 50, and many 5-litre bottles in and around my home. This has become our way of life.” Reddy, who has…

Proteas coach Shuki Conrad must be counting the days when Betway SA20 reaches its conclusion with his team facing an injury crisis ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup. Conrad has only been able to look on as two key members of his 15-player World Cup squad suffered injuries over the past few days that could potentially rule them out. Paarl Royals captain David Miller did not come out to bat in his team’s defeat to Joburg Super Kings at Boland Park on Monday evening after injuring his groin whilst fielding. Royals coach Trevor Penney does not believe Miller’s condition to be too serious, although the exact prognosis will only be revealed after the experienced batter has undergone an examination. “We're not sure if he tweaked his groin or if…

Keshav Maharaj returns to Kingsmead in a different shade of blue for the Betway SA20 Season 4 Qualifier 1 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on Wednesday, but his vast knowledge of the conditions will certainly play a significant role for the Pretoria Capitals. Maharaj is a son of the Durban soil and knows Kingsmead better than anyone. From the way the surface will behave when the tide comes from the east coast to the dryness of the soil. It was certainly evident during the group stage match against his former team, Durban’s Super Giants, when Maharaj delivered an economical spell, conceding just 22 runs in his four overs, in a high-scoring game. “I’ve played first-class cricket here for the last 20 years. I understand the conditions,” he said. “Things have changed,…

English County Cricket Club, Kent, have signed South Africa’s spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy for the majority of the 2026 county season, the club announced on Monday. Muthusamy will feature in the entire 20-over campaign and is also available for eight County Championship matches. He will join the club on May 22 for the start of the T20 Blast and will remain with them until the end of the season. "I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing County Championship and Vitality Blast cricket for the first time at a Club with a long history. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Kent from my teammates who have played there before, and I’m relishing the opportunity to make contributions with bat and ball in a Kent shirt,” said Muthusamy in…

As the new year rolls in, it's time to set your sights on improving your golf game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, having a clear plan is key to making progress and having more fun on the course. Setting specific goals is the first step. Instead of vague resolutions, break down your goals into achievable targets. Do you want to improve your short game? Hit more fairways? Lower your score by a certain number of strokes? Having clear objectives will help you stay focused and motivated. Creating a practice schedule is also crucial. Commit to regular practice sessions, even if it's just 30 minutes a week. Consistency is key to developing good habits and improving your technique. Tracking your progress is another important aspect. Keep a…