Table of contents for 2025-08-27 in Post

Aries (March 21 – April 19) The parts of you that feel too much are the very places your magic lives. What was meant to block your career has become your stepping stone. Prosperity flows when gratitude leads the way. Be open to fresh streams of opportunities. Support is the quiet foundation of love. You are allowed to pause, even without a reason. Ancestor’s whisper: “When you woke with tears but no memory, trust that something was healed. You’ve been travelling with us.” Taurus (April 20 – May 20) You are becoming exactly who you were meant to be. Challenges in your career are shaping you into a stronger, wiser leader. Your path is being aligned, delays are not denials. Your finances are divinely protected from envy, loss and…

TAMIL film actress Manjima Mohan announced that she would take a short break from Instagram. Mohan said on Instagram: “The last few days have reminded me of what truly matters. Health, peace and well-being. Everything else can wait. With that in mind, I’ll be taking a little pause from Instagram to rest, recharge and focus on what’s most important. Sometimes slowing down is the most powerful step forward.” She expressed disappointment over the manner in which certain people had reacted to the heartbreaking news of a recent air plane crash. She then raised the question, if this was truly the example we wanted to set for the next generation.…

THIS week’s column comes from Chennai, from the sets of VijayTV Supersingers, Season 11. It was indeed a privilege to be invited on the sets of the reality singing show and watch such young talent. The show is in its 11th year, and has done tremendous work in identifying talent across Tamil Nadu and nurturing this talent to professional careers. Many qualifying candidates from outside of India also participated. The production team of VijayTV takes extra effort in scouting for talent. They go out searching, recruiting and conducting auditions in every village to give every child wishing to participate an equal opportunity. Being a TV station, wide coverage is given for the auditions and recruitment of candidates, and ensuring that the message is broadcasted as far and wide as possible.…

Series Review: Andhera Cast: Priya Bapat, Karanvir Malhotra, Prajakta Kohli and Surveen Chawla Director: Raaghav Dar Rating: 6/10 THERE is a lot Andhera tries to be. It's an urban horror, a psychological thriller, a sci-fi tale and a little moody meditation on grief and guilt. Does it succeed? Well, it’s complicated. The series starts off strong. A woman disappears under mysterious circumstances, a doctor is in a coma, and his younger brother, Jay (Karanvir Malhotra), is being haunted by his guilt, possibly by a literal sentient darkness. He teams up with Kalpana Kadam (a solid Priya Bapat), the cop who smells something foul under all this supernatural mess, and Rumi (Prajakta Koli), a paranormal podcaster, who is basically the only one asking the right questions. The cinematography by Huentsang…

THE enduring scars of apartheid are deeply imprinted in the memories of black South Africans. The oppressive apartheid regime underestimated the strong unity among black communities and failed to recognise their immense passion for sports – a spirit that thrived even under the harsh restrictions of the Group Areas Act. In 1955, with the establishment of Lenasia, the Indian community brought soccer with them as a cornerstone of their new lives. By January 1956, the first group of 50 families had transformed a small plot of land where the present Lenasia Civic Centre stands, into two soccer fields, marking the birth of soccer in Lenasia and laying the foundations for the Lenasia Football Association (LFA). On July 24, 1957, a historic meeting was held at the “hut” in the military…

AFTER providing bursaries in memory of the 13 children killed in the Throb nightclub incident in Chatsworth, March 24, 2000, the Youth development Trust dissolved 25 years after the incident, which marks the end of an era. This incident garnered widespread national and international attention, and even 25 years later its impact still resonates. The trust’s dedication to supporting the community, particularly families affected by the incident, has left a lasting legacy. I extend heartfelt gratitude to the trustees for their tireless work and commitment to fulfilling their mandate. Your efforts have made a significant impact, providing vital support to those in need. The trust’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the 13 young lives lost and the community’s resilience. A meaningful way to honour their memory could be…

THE entire world is in turmoil as political brinkmanship dominates the global landscape. Humanity is immersed in unprecedented bloodletting on a global scale. Naked fascism has reared its ugly head in every corner of the globe. Under the guise of democracy, crimes are being committed that are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Racism, brutal hatred and religious prejudice are consuming innocent lives on an unprecedented scale as the world watches in solemn silence. History is repeating itself, as the world watched in silence as fascists killed 100 million innocent people, triggering World War II. Our silence will lead to |World War III, and the total and utter decimation of humanity. Mankind is struggling to find a cure for hate, a disease that has decimated…

AS A FATHER and grandfather, my heart weeps for the children of Gaza, Palestine, as the apartheid regime in Israel, led by Bibi Netanyahu, has mobilised a large contingent ahead of a planned invasion - occupation of Gaza City and the execution of its genocidal pogrom in Gaza in general. And the world, including 55 of the 57 Muslim countries, watches with folded arms like spectators in one of Caligula's circuses. Yes, 55 out of 57 Muslim-client-states together with the rest of the UN member states act like eunuchs doing nothing. So far 870 and still counting children have died from starvation at Israel's behest just in the month of Safar 1447/July-August 2025. Yes, that's a daily tally equivalent to a class a day by South African standards. And yet,…

DR JUGGIE Pather, an author and a board director of the 1860 Heritage Centre, turned 90 on August 12. The centre, in Derby Street in the Durban CBD, is in existence because of him, and it services the greater South African community due to the vision, determination and sheer tenacity of people like Pather. It is, therefore, a significant moment to reflect on his journey and a life well lived. Pather was born in Clairwood in 1935 to Kanakasabathy and Neelatchie Pather. His grandfather, Ramsamy Pather, worked as a goldsmith, hailing from Thanjavur, South India, before emigrating to Mauritius. In Mauritius, Ramsamy Pather fathered Kanakasabathy, who was born in Rosehill. Kanakasabathy followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an apprentice goldsmith at age 16 and practising in Queen Street, Port Louis.…

ONE week left! The biggest shad competition of the last few decades is reaching its final stretch — and it’s been absolute madness! The KingFisher Shad Competition is still going strong, but you’ve only got one week to land your prize catch, with a jaw-dropping R75 000 in cold hard cash up for grabs, plus an epic array of gear, tackle, and prizes that’ll blow your mind! This isn’t just a fishing comp — it’s a coastal takeover, a shot at glory, and the kind of adrenaline-pumping action you’ll talk about for years. TTheHE shad are running, the prizes are real, and cash is a cast away! The summer is pushing hard against winter, and that battle is giving us some exciting fishing conditions! This weekend looks like one of…

Aries (March 21 – April 19) September sparks creativity and passion for you. It brings opportunities to express yourself boldly and pursue your dreams. Planetary influence: Mars influence boosts energy, confidence and competitiveness, helping you take charge of challenges and achieve success. Career: Growth accelerates this month. New projects align with your skills and interests. Expect recognition and appreciation from peers after September 15. Finance: Sector flourishes with unexpected income and smart investments. Wealth creation is strong. Invest wisely in assets that align with your goals. Health: Remains excellent, energy levels soar throughout September. Maintain a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise and healthy habits. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) September stabilises your growth and brings steady progress. It is ideal for focusing on current projects and nurturing relationships.…

SHE started her acting journey when she was just 16. At 23, Saiee Manjrekar says she is in no rush to fill her calendar. “I started working very young, and in these years, I’ve learnt that choosing the right project is far more important than doing too many at once. I’m in no rush to fill my calendar just for the sake of being busy. At this stage in my life, I want to be a part of stories that excite me, roles that challenge me, and experiences that help me grow as an artist.” Manjrekar, who is the daughter of veteran star Mahesh Manjrekar, said a project should give her the freedom to explore her craft and bring something unique to the table. “I believe that when you work…

GIRLS who go through puberty before the age of 11, or women who give birth before the age of 21, have double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart failure and obesity; and quadruple the risk of developing severe metabolic disorders, according to a study. The study, led by researchers at the US-based Buck Institute for Research on Aging, revealed that later puberty and childbirth were associated with longer lifespan, lower frailty, slower ageing, and reduced risk of age-related diseases. “We show that genetic factors favouring early reproduction come with a significant cost later in life, including accelerated ageing and disease. It makes sense that the very factors that help enhance the survival of the offspring may lead to detrimental consequences for the mother,” said Pankaj Kapahi, a professor…

Caregivers are supposed to take on the role of trusted confidants, emotional anchors and even surrogate family members. Their presence can dramatically improve quality of life, especially for the elderly, disabled or chronically ill. In days gone by, when the joint family system was in place, the bulk of caregiving was conducted by relatives and neighbours. This was before the rise of professional health care systems and elder care facilities, and families were the primary support system for those who were ill, ageing or disabled. In multigenerational households, it was common for grandparents, parents and children to live under one roof. Elders were cared for by their children and grandchildren, often out of love, duty or cultural expectation. With the evolving structure of society, urban migration and dual-income households, many…

THE appointment of Dr Mike Sutcliffe to assist Msunduzi Municipality is no cause for celebration. Instead, it is an admission that years of failed administration have brought our capital city to its knees. For years, residents have been forced to endure crumbling infrastructure, financial mismanagement and the collapse of basic services, while those in power looked the other way. As a partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity, we cautiously welcome KZN Cogta MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s intervention. However, this must not become another expensive tick-box exercise. The issues flagged by the auditor-general are not academic, they are evidence of systemic failure. Earlier this week, during a sitting of the KZN Legislature, the DA demanded a comprehensive turnaround plan with deadlines, full public transparency and consequences for those responsible for the…

“ATTACKS on religions reflect crass mentality”, the POST, August 13 – 17, by Jivan Kuarjit Singh, refers. While I am grateful that he had taken the trouble to respond, the counterpunch is not strong enough for Essa’s fabrications and false narratives. His (Essa’s) mission is to make everybody see the world through his lens. And Post indulges him. For decades, he has been hectoring and abusing people for not seeing the world through his eyes – ones that only see what non-Islamics allegedly do, or have done to Muslims – all concocted myths. Volumes have been written about the lack of compassion, regret or acknowledgement when millions and millions of victims are not Muslims – by people such Tarek Fatah, Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, Raymond Ebrahim and others. The real problem…

She’s still a dainty young golfer but in a few years, eight-year-old Kirana Govender plans on outdriving her father and elder sisters on the golf course. So far, the Westville Junior Primary pupil has racked up six medals and 16 trophies with her little clubs and earlier this month, won her first tournament at the Junior Africa Golf Challenge. Held at San Lameer on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Govender had to go the distance and put up a four-round performance to seal the victory in the girls eight-nine year cohort, her mother Sumeshnee Govender told Independent Newspapers. The Junior Africa Challenge includes young golfers from around the world, including France, India and a few neighbouring countries. Her parents watched brimming with pride from the sidelines as she had to…

Borussia Dortmund's summer Premier League recruitment drive continued yesterday with the signing of midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea until 2030. England under-21 representative Chukwuemeka, 21, joins for a reported fee of 25 million euros. He spent the second half of last season at Dortmund on loan, staying on as the club made the quarter-finals at the Club World Cup. Chukwuemeka played 17 times for Dortmund in all competitions, scoring once and impressed despite struggling with injury. In a statement, Chukwuemeka said he was "happy Borussia Dortmund is now my footballing home. I will give everything to make sure we achieve our goals as a team". Born in Austria, Chukwuemeka moved to England at a young age and came through Aston Villa's youth academy before signing with Chelsea in 2022. Dortmund…

Aries (March 21 – April 19) Health: Mars continues to energise you, but sudden fatigue or headaches may occur mid-month. Focus on light cardio and breathing exercises. Avoid overcaffeine or skipping meals. Relationships: Venus in Leo highlights passion and romance, but tempers may flare. Single Aries may attract someone confident and dynamic. Married Aries should practise patience in small disputes. Finances: Jupiter’s influence encourages careful planning. Avoid speculative investments. Rather focus on consolidating savings and negotiating better terms at work. Advice: Balance energy and emotions. Short meditation sessions will help avoid burn-out and impulsive decisions. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Health: Saturn emphasises caution. Minor joint or back issues may arise. Yoga and stretching will improve flexibility and mental stability. Relationships: Trust is central. Deep conversations with loved…

ARYAN Khan, who made his directorial debut with the streaming show, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, had fun on stage and also engaged in banter with the media during the launch of the first look of his show. The first look was unveiled at the YRF studios in the Andheri area of Mumbai. During the event, Khan, who is also the son of the Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, admitted to being nervous, and shared how he covered all corners for his first media address. “I have been practising non-stop. In fact, I am so nervous that the line is included in the teleprompter. If there is no electricity here all of a sudden, I have kept a paper ready, along with a torch. And even then, if I make a…

PRETERM babies with very low birth weight who received a probiotic alongside antibiotics had fewer multidrug- resistant bacteria and a more typical gut microbiome, according to a study. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, is based on a trial that tested probiotics in 34 preterm babies born with very low birth weight, under 1 500g, representing around 1% to 1.5% of babies born around the world. Researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK sequenced gut bacteria from the babies during the first three weeks after birth. They found that among babies who received a probiotic treatment of a certain strain, including Bifidobacterium, alongside antibiotics – the typical bacterial strains associated with early-life gut microbiota – were at levels typical among full-term babies. This helped reduce the…

YADITHA Reuben-Murray recounts the horrific murder of her father, uncle and cousin during the 1985 Inanda riots when she was just 11 years old. Decades later, her family faced another tragedy when her mother was murdered in 2022, reopening old wounds and raising questions about justice delayed. Her dad Anand Reuben-Murray, 39, uncle Rooplall Ulassi, 45, and Ulassi’s son Sanjay, 16, had been stabbed multiple times with assegais and spears before they were necklaced and burnt to death a week after the riots, when the situation was still volatile. Yaditha said the trauma of having her family members “run for their lives” and flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs was a memory that would haunt her forever. She said the devastation was unbearable when police…

AS THE sun sets over the rainbow nation this Women’s Month, August 2025, I find myself staring into the mirror, tracing the invisible scars that time has etched into my soul and some still visible on my skin. I am Vanessa Govender - journalist, author, mother, and a survivor of gender-based violence. My story, laid bare in my memoir Beaten But Not Broken, is not unique. It’s a haunting echo in the lives of millions of South African women who wake up each day to a reality where love turns lethal, where homes become battlegrounds, and where silence is the deadliest weapon of all. This month, dedicated to celebrating women, feels like a cruel irony when the shadows of violence loom larger than ever. We cannot honour women while ignoring…

THE recent high-handed and self-authorised actions that are diabolical of Operation Dudula and March On March with members manning access points to state hospitals and clinics, requiring persons to provide identification and denying access to foreigners for health care, refers. Why is the police, present in these areas, standing idly by and allowing this illegality to prevail? Pertinent tenets of our Constitution, especially Chapter 2, are being flagrantly violated. Government must act without further delay, to take decisive action hereon so that good sense will prevail and this abomination is attended to. The actions of the aforesaid bodies practising xenophobia are reprehensible and divisive. They cause one to believe that we have reverted to the jungle, and law and order no longer exist in Mzansi. Have these over-zealous organisations forgotten…

“A CATASTROPHE still to come”, by Ebrahim Essa, the POST, August 20-24, is a variation of the same chilling threat given by al-Qaeda and such organisations to non-Muslims – something repeated down the centuries: it’s our way or no way except death. If one does express a contrary view, one must go into hiding, one’s throat is slit or one is decapitated. For them the pre-Islamic age in Indian history is an unacceptable Jahiliya, an age of ignorance, unenlightened barbarism, etc, as they disparagingly term any history preceding the revelation of the Qur’an through Mohammed. AS VS Naipaul has said, this doctrine “denies the value and even the existence of civilisations that preceded the revelations of the Qur’an … It was an article of 6th and 7th century Arab faith…

THE Independent Group to which Post newspaper belongs, abides by the press code of ethics and conduct for South African print and online media. Section 16 of the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression. However, we are mindful that this core democratic principle does not extend to advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion. Letters about religion can be a vital part of public discourse, and newspapers have long served as platforms for diverse voices and perspectives, so long as there is no defamation or incitement to cause harm. Religion is deeply personal and often central to people’s identities – excluding it would silence a major part of public life. Faith communities deserve…

The Proteas’ Women’s team preparations for the ICC World Cup are earnestly underway in Durban, according to coach Mandla Mashimbyi. The 50-over jamboree will be Mashimbyi’s first global ICC event after being appointed late last year. The Proteas have an enviable ICC tournament record after finishing runners-up in both the last T20 World Cups and also consecutive semi-final appearances at the 50-overs World Cups. Mashimbyi certainly has a tough task to match these feats, achieved under former coaches Hilton Moreeng and Dillon du Preez, as the Proteas have won just one ODI series from four attempts since he’s been at the helm. Encouragingly though it came against the West Indies in the last series away in the Caribbean, which would have relieved some of the pressure on the former Titans…