Table of contents for 2025-09-17 in Post

FILM-MAKER Ram Gopal Varma (RGV), whose 1995 blockbuster Rangeela will return to the silver screen, said the film “stood for aspiration”. “At the time Rangeela came, love stories were stuck in melodramatic patterns stretched to unbelievable extremes, and music was used like a filler. “For me, Rangeela stood for aspiration,” he said. Talking about Urmila Matondkar’s character, he said: “Mili was the embodiment of every ordinary person who dared to dream of something larger than life.” He also spoke about Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff’s character: “Munna and Kamal were two sides of that journey – the street-smart survivor and the polished star.” Recently, Matondkar said the romantic-comedy was never just a film. “It was, and still is, a feeling – woven with intense joy, hope, dreams, ambition, beauty, zest,…

ACTRESS and fitness enthusiast Taapsee Pannu gave a glimpse of her aerial yoga practice with a dollop of humour. She took to her Instagram Stories to share a series of pictures and videos, capturing different stages of her workout. In the first picture, as she began the exercise, she wrote: “We start well.” The next image showed her holding the pose as she captioned it: “Still there.” The third frame featured the 38-year-old suspended midair with the help of aerial silks, where she jokingly captioned: “Trying to straighten up.” She then shared a video of herself attempting to wrap up the sequence and hilariously said: “Tried to finish in style, but with the most ungraceful exit.” Finally, Pannu ended on a high note with a picture of herself comfortably seated…

ACTOR Teja Sajja, who is gearing up for the release of Mirai, said the entire Indian film industry was on the right path of churning out stories from its epics and literature including history, mythology and folklore. He cited examples of some of the biggest films in the past. “We are already on the journey to bring our epics to cinematic landscape. Be it Kantara, Karthikeya 2, HanuMan, Kalki or the forthcoming films. “So, we have to embrace our history. You might make it a science fiction or you can make an action-adventure for the younger audience, but ultimately, if we can convey our morals and our history in a very cool way, then that’s the biggest takeaway that we can have.” Sajja said of Mirai: “This film is about…

A RELATIONSHIP, at its core, is a union of two lives – two journeys that choose to walk alongside each other. But while love calls us to closeness, it also asks us to honour distance: the sacred space where individuality breathes. It is in this balance that mutual respect is born, and it is this balance that makes love last. Respect is the ground on which love stands tall. Without it, affection can wither into control, and care can twist into dependency. To respect another person is to honour their voice, their choices, their boundaries and their truth. It means saying: “I see you as an equal, not an extension of myself.” Mutual respect ensures that disagreements do not diminish dignity. It allows two people to stand firmly in their…

A SAPS crime intelligence officer and a metro police constable accused of plotting to kill a Bayview drug dealer after their “friendship turned sour”, have been released on bail. Constable Waseem Gani, 33, from the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit in Pinetown, and Constable Winston Chetty, 35, from the metro police based at Albert Park, in central Durban, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Friday, on charges of conspiracy to commit murder against an alleged drug dealer in Bayview. Magistrate Stephanie Botes granted each bail of R4 000. Chetty’s brother, Wayne Chetty, 34, was shot dead in a drive-by shooting on the Bayview off-ramp on May 12, 2022. State prosecutor, Dayantha Subrayadu, told the court that even though the duo were charged with a schedule one offence, the charges against…

WITH more than 1 000 children diagnosed with childhood cancer in South Africa annually, and about a 60% survival rate due to the lack of or late diagnosis, calls have heightened for more awareness and support. In commemoration of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the national Department of Health, in collaboration with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (Saapho), the National Cancer Registry (NCR), Choc Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, and the World Health Organization (WHO), urge South Africans to come together in support of children and their families who are affected. In a joint statement, the Health Department and the stakeholders said childhood cancer, while often seen as rare, was a major health issue and one of the top causes of disease-related deaths among children worldwide.…

RELIGIOUS leaders have weighed in on a groundbreaking judgment in the highest court in the land, whereby men will now have the option to assume their wives’ surnames. Last week, the Constitutional Court handed down a unanimous judgment by Justice Leona Theron in an application for confirmation of an order of constitutional invalidity granted by the Free State High Court. The application was in relation to the constitutionality of Section 26(1)(a)-(c) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992 (the act). This section regulates the amendment of the forenames and surnames of South African citizens, and is linked to Regulation 18(2)(a) of the Regulations on the Registration of Births and Deaths, 2014. The judgment followed a joint application by two couples in the high court last year. In…

THE DA in KwaZulu-Natal is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place last week in iMbali, Pietermaritzburg, where a school taxi crashed into a crèche, claiming the lives of five young children and injuring eight others. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones, and our prayers are with the children who remain in hospital fighting for their lives. No parent should have to endure such devastation, and no child’s journey to school should end in tragedy. This horrific incident highlights yet again the urgent need to address school transport safety in our province. The DA calls on the MEC for Transport to launch a full and transparent investigation into the cause of the accident and to report publicly on the findings.…

KWAZULU-NATAL’s state healthcare system isn’t just stretched – it’s buckling. Resource shortages are hitting hard across multiple fronts. Thousands of patients are facing months-long delays for critical treatments. At Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban, there is just one full-time cardiologist. Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg has only a sessional cardiologist who manages to do only three or four angiograms in a fully-equipped unit once a week. Nurses are being forced to perform cleaning and clerical duties due to lack of support staff. Only 240 out of 480 ambulances are operational in the province. Vehicles often sit rusting in workshops for months. Chronic medication and basic supplies like gloves and syringes are frequently out of stock. Reports highlight broken or outdated equipment, with delays in repairs due to procurement…

I WRITE with deep disappointment and concern regarding the recent cancellation of Dr Taj Hargey’s scheduled presentation at Sastri College, as reported in the POST, September 3 – 7. Dr Hargey, a globally-respected academic and president of the Open Mosque in Cape Town, was due to speak on “Progressive Islam – The Future of the Faith – What is the Best Pathway for Muslims Today?”, a topic that invites thoughtful engagement and reflection. Yet, the Sastri College Alumni Association, citing concerns about how Muslim parents might perceive a progressive Muslim scholar speaking at the venue, chose to deny him a platform. This decision is not only disheartening, but a troubling reflection of the shrinking space for intellectual discourse in Durban. Are we, as a society, so afraid of views that…

I REFER to the letter published in the POST, September 10 – 14, by Sharif Samuel Jordaan under the heading “Convert condemns college for silencing progressive Islamic voice”. In his emotional outburst and unbridled rantings, Jordaan has included a number of inaccurate information that casts Sastri College in an unfavourable light. This is rather unfortunate, and needs to be corrected with facts which he does not seem to have at his disposal. He refers to “unjustified actions at Sastri College”. There were no unjustified actions taken by the college. It was a decision that was taken democratically at a meeting of the Sastri College Alumni Association. The college does not allow its premises to be used as a forum for religious and party politics issues. This should be respected by…

The 1860 Heritage Centre will host a Heritage Day celebration next Wednesday at its premises in Derby Street in the Durban CBD. Visitors can enjoy free sour porridge and potato, and celebrate their heritage with free tours. Tour one will start at 10.30am, followed by tours at 11am and 11.30am. Lunch will be served at noon. The centre stands as a testament to the resilience and diversity of South African heritage, and this upcoming Heritage Day event is an invitation for everyone to come together in celebration. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with your roots and enjoy a day filled with food, culture and community spirit. For catering purposes, call Yatin Singh at 072 331 4017.…

AS Parineeta completed two decades in Hindi cinema, actress Dia Mirza shared a string of glimpses from the celebrations. The film marked the directorial debut of Pradeep Sarkar. The glimpses featured the actress posing next to Vidya Balan, who played the titular character of Lalita, singer Shreya Ghoshal, Rajkumar Hirani and others. Dia wrote: “It was night to remember … Pradeep Da and his beautiful Parineeta. These snippets are a reflection of our shared joy, love and gratitude.” Parineeta is a musical romance film adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1914 Bengali novella of the same name. The film was based on a screenplay by the film’s producer, Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It also starred Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, and Balan in her Bollywood debut. Parineeta primarily revolved around the lead…

RAM Charan congratulated his cousin, Varun Tej, on embracing fatherhood after welcoming his baby boy. The RRR actor wrote on his X handle: “Dear Varun and Lavanya. Huge congrats on your precious little one. I’m so happy seeing you both start this amazing chapter. “May your baby bring you both and our family immense joy and happiness. God bless you 3.” Tej and Lavanya Tripathi announced the arrival of their first child on social media by dropping a black and white photo from the hospital, where the new mother was seen holding the baby, while Tej kissed her on the forehead. The picture was accompanied by the caption: “Our little man 10.09.2025.” Charan’s father and Tej’s uncle, megastar Chiranjeevi, welcomed thebaby to the Konidela family with a heartfelt post: “Welcome…

SONAKSHI Sinha has clocked 15 years in the industry since her 2010 blockbuster debut in Dabangg. Her husband, Zaheer Iqbal, celebrated her big day with a beautiful post and a sweet dinner date. Sharing a picture of Sonakshi posing with a dessert on a table that had “Happy 15 years” written on it, Khan exclaimed how proud he was of his wife. “Happy 15 years. No one in this world is prouder of you than I am,” he wrote. Sinha replied: “I love you just too much. With you by my side, I can do just about anything.” Sinha made her debut opposite Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in Dabangg. The film’s release created a lot of buzz not just around Khan, but also around Sinha, as viewers were keen to…

A RUTHLESS gun-smuggling syndicate, led by Chirag (Shabeer Kallarakkal) and Virat (Vidyut Jammwal), sets its sights on Tamil Nadu, aiming to escalate gun violence by trafficking five truckloads of illegal arms across the state’s borders. Tasked with intercepting the consignment, NIA officer Premkumar (Biju Menon) and his team launch an operation, but the syndicate slips through, leaving the region vulnerable. Meanwhile, Raghu (Sivakarthikeyan), devastated by a failed relationship, attempts to take his own life. He crosses paths with Premkumar, who recruits him into the investigation – pulling him into a dangerous mission to stop the weapons from flooding Tamil Nadu. Sivakarthikeyan is brilliant, balancing the comedic, seriousness and romantic edges so effortlessly that it flows beautifully from one dynamic scene to the next. Rukmini Vasanth is charming, real and…

AT 45,Melanie Kisten stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment in the South African arts and entertainment scene. Born and raised in Chatsworth, Kisten has transformed her early dreams of becoming a paediatrician into a career that encapsulates dance, acting, and entrepreneurship. Kisten, who now lives in Cape Town, and is an account manager at a freight forwarding company, said her path had its ups and downs, but she stood tall and took charge of her career. “I was born and raised in the vibrant community of Chatsworth. I have many fond memories of the township – one of the fondest and flashiest, was rocking up at school in my dad Sagy’s army truck or nyala. “He was in the army and police force, so he occasionally rolled up…

IN BROAD daylight on a busy street in Merebank, a mother fought desperately to save her 19-year-old daughter from suspected kidnappers. This incident highlights growing concerns about kidnapping in KwaZulu-Natal, which has the second-highest number of cases in South Africa. The woman, who declined to be named, said she and her daughter were walking along Satara Road when they were attacked. She said they were walking from their home to a nearby doctor’s surgery for an appointment last Thursday at about 2pm. “I noticed a blue car drive past, and then it parked on the side of the road a few metres away. I became suspicious as no one jumped off the vehicle. I wanted to turn around and go back to our home, but thought what if they followed…

THE Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society has provided a detailed financial account of nearly R1 million in tornado relief donations at their annual general meeting. With 70 homes repaired and plans for 25 more, the organisation addressed public concerns about fund allocation while facing questions from community members about transparency and construction quality. In the aftermath of the June 3 disaster last year, the Tongaat Disaster Relief Centre was established – a collaboration of the welfare society, the Tongaat Civic Association, the Tongaat Hindu Unity Forum and the Vishwaroop Temple. Harold Maistry, an executive member of the welfare society, outlined the relief operation, which was executed in three phases: Phase 1: Emergency response, including the provision of hot meals and temporary shelters. Phase 2: Distribution of food hampers, clothing…

nadia.khan@inl.co.za FOUR years after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), Leah Naidoo has been given a new lease of life and is thriving. She was recently found to be “cancer-free”. Kavashnee Naidoo said her daughter was 6 years old when she was diagnosed with ALL. ALL is a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects the white blood cells. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, bruising, pale skin and enlarged lymph nodes. Naidoo, who lives in Darnall, said Leah, now 11, was taken to the doctor after they noticed her tying a bandage around her left leg on August 1 that year. “We initially thought she must have hurt her leg as she was quite an active child, but we were wrong. The next morning we…

IN THE roaring 1980s, a singer named John Miles had a mammoth hit with a song called Music. It was a masterly fusion of vocal and instrumental, and the refrain went like this: “Music was my first love and it will be my last: music of the future and music of the past. To live without my music is impossible to do. In this world of trouble, my music pulls me through.” Though I cannot play a solitary note and my singing is reserved for the shower, I can relate to Mile’s lyrics. I’d even go so far as to say that I was “born to music”. Here’s why I say this: According to my mom, I had been a “breech baby” – you know the kind of non-conformist who…

I REFER to Dr Thillayvel Naidoo’s letter titled “Converting to other religions” the POST, September 3 – 7. In his letter, Dr Naidoo argues that Christianity and Islam “constantly ask, coerce or demand that people of other faiths convert to them”. He continues: “They ever-lastingly produce missionaries to spread their respective messages even if it is at the expense of other religions.” Dr Naidoo asks about the necessity of this and further argues that “conversion from Hinduism can only point to ignorance and a lack of education”. According to the Scriptures, a Christian should “… be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…” (1 Peter 3:15). Accordingly, I would like to present a biblical response for why…

A recent routine ride turned into a terrifying ordeal for a young woman in Stellenbosch, who jumped out of a moving e-hailing vehicle after sensing she was in danger. The incident unfolded after Denusha Nicholas became alarmed by the driver’s alleged behaviour and she made a split-second decision to escape, suffering injuries in the process. The 26-year-old teacher from Vlottenburg Primary had booked a ride to take her home in Stellendale, Kuils River. “The driver phoned to inform me that he had to pick up his child and he would then fetch me. He drove past me, but there was no one in the car. The man then came back after 10 minutes. He wanted to take the Eersterivier exit, but it was in the opposite direction to my home.”…

AS HIGHLIGHTED in the POST, September 10 – 14, “Alarming rise in violence, schools face bullying crisis”, bullying is nothing new and needs to be addressed at the highest level. It’s imperative that we prioritise the safety and well-being of our pupils. Bullying can have severe and long-lasting effects on a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. In today’s world, parents face new challenges in safeguarding their children. Creating a safe and supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable reporting incidents and seeking help, is crucial. Schools can play a vital role by incorporating topics like bullying and violence into their curriculum or awareness programmes. By addressing this critical issue, we can foster a safer and more supportive environment for all. Regular meetings between teachers and school management can help explore ways…

THE dangerous strategy of unrestricted warfare will ultimately destroy the entire Middle East. The fierce and bloody struggle for survival erodes the veneer of civilisation and makes savages of us all. Secret diplomacy, military superiority and political coercion seem to all be contributing to a prodigious collapse of the house of cards, called a number of meaningless euphemisms such as “the quest for peace”. When all the major combatants have exhausted their military options, peace might become a reality. History has glaringly documented that there is no battleful solutions to the various conflicts now engulfing the Middle East fire zone. Military force usually has the opposite effect from what is intended. Mankind must revalidate diplomacy as the primary tool, to ensure a genuine peace accord. Continuing bloodshed in these strategic…

If you’ve been waiting for that one weekend to dust off the rods, fuel up the ski-boat, and push the throttles forward — THIS IS IT! The spring switch has been flicked, the east coast is lit up, and the ocean off Durban is absolutely exploding with action. Yes, the sea’s going to be a bit bumpy this weekend, but trust me — it’s still fishable, and the chaos waiting out there is worth every swell. Surface carnage – garrick, tuna & kingfish madness The bite right now is flat-out insane. Garrick are smashing live baits with zero mercy, tuna are going full kamikaze on anything moving, and kingfish are hammering lures like they’re on a mission. It’s pure rod-bending carnage — the kind of fishing that leaves you grinning…

ACTRESS Adah Sharma took to social media to share her secret to healthy skin. In her post on Instagram, she revealed the foods that helped her maintain a natural glow. Sharma shared a video of herself making a recipe. In the clip, the Kerala Story actress said: “I saw this recipe on Instagram Reels. For this, you need a lot of carrots. Chop the heads and legs of the carrots. And then make thin strips. It takes a little time. But if you have 6 hours to scroll Instagram, then 10 minutes is enough for this. 1 spoon of vegan honey, mustard oil, salt, and a little red chilli powder. Mix. And a lemon. On top of that, sesame seeds. Mix. You’ll become strong after eating this. Your skin will…

Sivakarthikeyan's latest release, Madharaasi, has turned out to be a massive success at the box office, receiving praises from all sides. Now, superstar Rajinikanth has joined the list of admirers for the action thriller, saying that Sivakarthikeyan has finally become “an action hero”. Sivakarthikeyan took to his X timeline and revealed how Rajinikanth reacted after watching the film. “Just received the appreciation for Madharaasi from my idol, my Thalaivar superstar Rajinikanth sir. ‘My god, excellent. God bless, God bless’.” Expressing his admiration for Rajinikanth, Sivakarthikeyan said: “Heartfelt wishes from my #Thalaivar, along with his trademark laugh. Love you, Thalaivaaaaa.” Madharaasi is about a fregoli delusion patient who gets involved in an operation to stop a North Indian syndicate from distributing guns across Tamil Nadu. The project also stars Vidyut Jammwal,…

WHILE some people see conflict as a sign of a troubled relationship, the reality is that conflict is inevitable. The key factor that distinguishes between healthy and unhealthy relationships is how we navigate conflict. The purpose of conflict: The objective of conflict is not to win – but to achieve mutual understanding. Healthy conflict allows us to address unmet needs and find mutually-acceptable solutions to problems. The absence of conflict can mean that resentment can erode the relationship. When conflict is handled maturely and constructively, conflict can lead to deeper connection and empathy. How to argue constructively: Conflict becomes destructive when one resorts to criticism, blame, name-calling, contempt or avoidance. To argue constructively, we need to allow ourselves to process our emotions first. When we are emotionally regulated,…

PERHAPS director Aarti S Bagdi tried to make a love story in which the names of Aabeer (Fawad Khan) and Gulaal (Vaani Kapoor) become immortalised like modern-day versions of classic lovers such as Laila Majnu and Shireen Farhad, who went through great trials and tribulations of a different sort, just like these two. But while the movie is watchable, it will hardly be a memorable classic like those made about the other lovers. Aabeer runs a successful Indian restaurant in London and goes to Jaipur to find a winner in a cooking contest who will work in his restaurants there. Gulaal has dreams of making a successful career with her cookery skills, and also escaping her traditional Punjabi lifestyle and the values espoused by her father. She defies him…

A PROPOSAL to have a once–off municipal–debt amnesty has been met with enthusiasm from eThekwini residents, who have been burdened and overwhelmed by unpayable bills for electricity, water, sanitation and rates. This comes after Nathaniel Patchapen, an African Democratic Change (ADeC) councillor in eThekwini, submitted a notice of motion to the municipality’s office of the speaker last week. The motion was seconded by Mandla Biyela, an uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party councillor. Patchapen said the proposal called for a once-off arrears amnesty, cancelling all historic debt on electricity, water, sanitation, and rates. l A 37-year-old woman from Queensburgh, who declined to be named, said her municipal arrears, which included electricity, water, sanitation and rates, were about R220 000. She lives with her mother, 85, and three children aged 14, 10 and…

IN A COUNTRY where nearly one in five citizens goes to bed hungry, the urgency for hunger relief has never been more important. South Africa’s ongoing hunger crisis has prompted Food for Love Africa to launch its 5th Annual Rice Drive Convoy, set to take place on September 27. This year’s drive aims high, targeting 108 tons of rice to aid those in need across the nation. “Recent statistics paint a troubling picture of food insecurity in South Africa. In 2024, approximately 14 million South Africans experienced hunger, with 22.2% of households struggling to access adequate food,” said Lisa Sukdev, a spokesperson and event organiser. “As these figures remind us of the pressing issues at hand, Food for Love Africa is calling on all South Africans to join hands and…

nadia.khan@inl.co.za AT AGE 9, Dylan Keenan Biyela was diagnosed with stage four B-cell lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer that “shook the very foundation of my world”. The 27-year-old, of Durban, said although it was a difficult and long journey of 18 years, he made it through the hardest days; through the grace of God and a strong family support structure. B-cell lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system’s B lymphocytes (white blood cells), which typically causes symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Biyela, a forensic investigator, said after discovering a lump on his leg, his parents took him to a doctor in 2007. “After a biopsy, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I was young, with dreams to chase and…

THE South African Hindu Dharma Sabha recently requested the High Commissioner of India, Shri Prabhat Kumar Ji, to initiate appropriate relaxation of obstructive and even prohibitive bureaucratic requirements, as well as the calibrated simplification of the process of acquiring Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI). The Sabha also wrote to Professor Anil Sooklal Ji, the South African ambassador to India, as well as Professor Ashook Ramsaran Ji, the president of the Indian Diaspora Council, to intervene. At a meeting of the provincial executive council of the Gauteng Hindu Dharma Sabha, followed by a meeting of the national executive council of the Sabha, it was unanimously resolved to respectfully request Sooklal and Ramsaran’s offices help initiate measures to relax the requirements regarding the granting of OCI to people of Indian origin across…

PATIENTS with life-altering illnesses have described their plight of pain and being left to suffer due to the shortage of specialist doctors in KwaZulu-Natal government hospitals. While some patients are waiting more than a year for appointments, others are faced with a six- to eight-month waiting time to consult with specialists. Last week, Nomagugu Simelane, the MEC for Health in KZN, confirmed that the province had a shortage of ophthalmologists; cardiologists; urologists; oncologists; ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists; and radiologists. Due to the shortages, backlogs have left patients in limbo, with many feeling as if the public healthcare system has failed them. l Samantha Chetty, of Phoenix, said when her 8-year-old son, Godwyn, who suffers from microcephaly and cerebral palsy, suffered a dislocated hip joint in May, he was…

THE Constitutional Court has made a groundbreaking ruling on the South African matrimonial act and has dealt a blow to the age-old patriarchal naming tradition. It has ruled that a man can adopt his wife’s surname upon marriage, ending the age-old tradition of a woman renouncing her maiden surname and taking on her husband’s name. It was the same Constitutional Court that granted recognition to customary marriages, giving them the same legal status as civil unions. Now it strikes a blow at customs and traditions. Women’s rights groups will welcome the Constitutional Court ruling, and will celebrate their victory against a male-dominated world. Another big chunk has been removed from the thick male armour plate. But how much will really change? South Africa prides itself as having one of the…