Table of contents for 2025-05-21 in Post

The Sadafal Foundation, one of India’s largest and oldest organisations dedicated to disseminating spiritual knowledge, celebrated 15 years of its journey in South Africa by hosting a session on the “Power of the Mind” with Sant Naamdeo JI Maharaj at the Kendra Hall on Saturday. At the event were:…

Shareez Bagaria, a human resources professional with more than 20 years of experience, has written her third children’s book, Luna’s Journey: A tale of grit and courage. Bagaria was inspired to write by her late father, who was a school principal. She has a Bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology, and is dedicated to personal development and coaching. Bagaria speaks to Candice Soobramoney about the importance of children’s literature through the eyes of Luna. A: The latest book is about teaching children resilience, and how to persevere in spite of challenges or fears that they may have. As the world becomes stressful and complex to navigate, I found that young children, especially, needed to acquire certain tools to enable them to become mentally stronger. One of those tools, for example, is…

THE death of intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, in Durban, has sparked outrage among healthcare professionals, who are calling attention to the toxic working conditions that plague South African hospitals. Mazwi, who was doing his in–service training at the hospital’s paediatrics department, died while on duty. The Public Servants Association (PSA) alleged that Mawzi – an only child – died after he was forced to work while critically ill, by his medical manager. Nathi Olifant, spokesperson for the KZN Department of Health, said the medical manager had been placed on precautionary suspension. “The department went to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital to establish what had happened. We are investigating all the allegations raised,” he said. Following this incident, several doctors have condemned the working environment at provincial hospitals…

Graduation ceremonies are a time for celebration, but how can we ensure that all graduates receive the recognition they deserve? Monishka Govender explores the balance between exuberant celebrations and maintaining the dignity of the occasion, featuring insights from education activists and university officials ACCORDING to educational expert Hendrick Makane graduation ceremonies have "become more about loud celebrations than dignified events". “As an education activist, I believe these ceremonies should maintain a level of respect and decorum, allowing all graduates to feel celebrated and honoured. “Excessive noise and disruptions can overshadow other graduates' achievements. Graduation ceremonies are a time to acknowledge individual accomplishments, and loud outbursts can detract from this,” said Makaneta. He said that loud noise could also detract from the dignity of the ceremony. “Graduation is a significant…

yoshini.perumal@inl.co.za THE Phoenix Deaf Club, which was formed to assist deaf people with employment, starting their own home industries, and assisting with barriers in communication, has been growing rapidly, with about 40 members in just five months. Members said they had “found light at the end of a long tunnel” after joining, and that the club had given them a voice and hope for a brighter future. Yogavelli Shanmugam, 43, of Stonebridge, was elected president of the club. She was born deaf and described her life as being at a standstill because of her disability. “There have been so many barriers and it was impossible for us to generate an income. Unemployment was our main issue. People think that because we are deaf, we cannot do anything. But the truth…

IN 2005, there was a resurgence of interest around the world in nonviolence. It was the 75th anniversary of the famous Dandi March organised by Mahatma Gandhi. Many peace activists began to consider observing this anniversary in some symbolic way and to re-commit to nonviolence and peaceful means of resolving conflict. In Durban, a group of people came together under the banner of the Gandhi Development Trust to re-enact this famous march and dubbed it the Gandhi Luthuli Salt March. It symbolically joined the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, drawn up in 1955 in Kliptown at the Congress of the People, with the 75th anniversary of the Dandi March. The Freedom Charter was drawn up at a time when Chief Albert Luthuli was president of the ANC. This prompted…

EFF leader Julius Malema is very rarely out of the news despite his party’s diminishing proportion of the national vote. Whatever he says invariably touches a raw nerve somewhere and the media tend to lap up his controversial utterances like ink to blotter paper. Who can forget his controversial “Kill the Boer” chants and his divisive tendency of singling out communities – mainly whites, Indians and coloured people – for racially abusive attacks? His latest outburst came after the UK government denied him a visa to speak at a Cambridge University conference just over a week ago. “They denied me a visa because I can’t be bought. I can’t be bought by imperialism and colonialism. I don’t beat around the bush. I speak the truth, whether you like it or…

AN ANALYSIS report from DebtBusters, a debt counselling and consolidation company, has revealed a sharp increase in people turning to personal loans to cope with rising living costs, with a record number of people using personal and one-month loans to supplement their income. Benay Sager, executive head of DebtBusters, said personal loans were a lifeline because people’s income had not kept pace with the rising cost of living, including steep electricity and petrol price hikes. “The report showed that despite the impact of inflation recently subsiding, consumers who applied for debt counselling in the first quarter of 2025 had 53% less purchasing power than in 2016. “They were spending around 25% of their disposable income on water, electricity, rates and transport. On average, they needed 69% of their take-home pay…

SOUTH Africa faces one of the world's highest unemployment rates at 32.9%, according to Statistics South Africa's Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Q1 2025). This harsh economic reality has pushed millions into a dangerous relationship with debt that threatens to become a national crisis. According to the Banking Association of South Africa Annual Review, loans can serve legitimate purposes: Funding education and skills development. Financing home purchases and improvements. Supporting business startups and expansions. Managing temporary financial emergencies. However, the National Credit Regulator’s April 2025 quarterly report highlights significant risks: Unsecured personal loans grew by 21% year-on-year Unregistered lenders charge interest rates as high as 30% to 50% per month. 62% of South Africans in the lowest income quintile borrowed from informal lenders at least once in the past year. The…

Suhail Jadwat, who recently graduated with a Master of Laws (LLM) at UKZN, is already establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising legal minds. This is not only for his courtroom abilities but also for his unwavering commitment to justice, social change, and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable. Based in Durban and currently completing his legal articles at Legal Aid South Africa, Jadwat works primarily in criminal law, serving communities in Umlazi and Umbumbulu. “What inspires me is a deeply rooted passion for justice – particularly when it comes to standing up for those who are most vulnerable and often overlooked. Growing up, and through my early legal experiences, I saw first-hand how poverty and inequality affected access to justice, and that left a permanent mark on…

From political activism as a young boy to being exiled and thereafter becoming a medical doctor and joining the military, retired Colonel Dr Devanathan Veeran Perumal shares his journey. Perumal’s role in the military is also featured in a new exhibition at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History Colonel Dr Devanathan Veeran Perumal began his journey in political activism when he was only 16 years old. He was driven by a passion to fight for the rights of people during the apartheid era. The now 80-year-old of Mount Edgecombe, who was exiled, later became a medical doctor and served in the then SA Defence Force (now the SANDF). Childhood Perumal, who hails from Derby Street in central Durban, was born on August 26, 1944. He is one…

THE Global Tamil Forum (GTF) joins Tamils worldwide in commemorating the 16th anniversary of the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. The final phase of the war is one of the most brutal in recent history, with the estimated deaths of over 40 000 Tamil civilians in the final months alone. This constitutes only a fraction of the total deaths, destruction and displacement suffered by the Tamil community during its 70-year political struggle for equality and justice in Sri Lanka. Many tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were killed or made to disappear by the State of Sri Lanka. We are conscious that death and destruction in Sri Lanka was not limited to the Tamil community alone and it pays tribute to all those who suffered enormously due…

Just over seven years and a month ago, Aiden Markram struck a masterful 152 against Australia at the Wanderers. It was his second century of the drama-filled 2017/18 series, and it helped the Proteas seal a first series win over the Aussies post-isolation. At 23 years old, the former ICC U19 World Cup-winning captain had the world at his feet, and was touted to carry on the Proteas batting torch left behind by the legendary AB de Villiers, who was playing in his last Test. It has not always gone according to the script for Markram since. Despite being precociously talented, there have been periods where it seemed it might all go to waste. Most great players have been dropped at some point in their careers, but Markram suffered this…

Neeraj Chopra reflected on his recent outing at the Doha Diamond League, where the Indian star finally breached the 90m mark with his throw of 90.23m. The impact of new coach Jan Zelezny was apparent as Chopra finally crossed the mark that he had attempted several times in the last few years in Qatar last Friday. After a steady start in which he reached 88.44m in his first attempt and followed it up with a foul, Chopra unleashed the monster throw in his third attempt, and crossed the milestone that has evaded him . Chopra joins the elite club of javelin throwers who have crossed the 90m mark, which includes reigning Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan. Chopra fouled his fourth attempt, and just when it looked he would…

Aurets is a healer, psychic medium, intuitive mentor, masseuse and regression therapist. She also teaches meditation and breathwork. Aurets is passionate about holistic care and offers a range of holistic products. She practises in Upper Highway, KZN. Find her on https://www.facebook. com/healing1920. Contact her at 079 356 4657 or theeternalbreath@gmail.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) The path has not ended. There is still a greater journey to be travelled. Trust that your soul knows the way forward. Connect deeply within merging both spiritual and physical, allowing self-growth to be achieved. There is still much to be accomplished. Magic number: 9. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Fearing letting go of what no longer holds value, is overwhelming. Release guilts and fears of old emotional attachments. Be strong, and…

Eight-year-old Kihaan Kylas and his mother, Kashmira, have embarked on a YouTube adventure, sharing their experiences as a South African Indian family living in China. The YouTube channel is called SouthAfricanIndianBoyInChina. Kihaan and his family, who are formerly from Durban, moved to China in 2023. Kashmira Kylas’s mother, Nirupa Dayaram, joined them. The Grade 2 pupil is homeschooled. This has left him with extra time to make fun videos. Kylas and her husband, Dhiren, are both ESL (English as a second language) teachers. The couple moved to China for better opportunities. Kashmira was a property administrator at Maxprop and Dhiren was the Durban regional manager for Hisense. “Back home, we faced financial difficulties and I just had my second baby Mihaar (aged 2), so moving to China gave us a…

AN INDIAN medical manager at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, in Durban, is under investigation by the KwaZulu- Natal Department of Health following the death of an intern doctor who was allegedly forced to report for duty while being “quite sick”. She has been placed on precautionary suspension. Dr Alulutho Mazwi, 25, was doing his in-service training at the hospital’s paediatric unit. The Department of Health has denied allegations of racism. However, Alulutho’s uncle, Vumani Mazwi, said he believed that racism was the root cause of his nephew's death. He told the POST that his nephew was diabetic, but it was “not too serious”. “He did gain a lot of weight which could have caused related issues for him. Alulutho collapsed while at work. He was not fit to work,…

THE recent emigration of 49 Afrikaners to the USA has sparked varied reactions in South Africa, with many condemning the move as unfounded and politically motivated. Pops Rampersad, of the Active Citizen Movement (ACM), said he was shocked by their decision to move. “I am personally horrified. We have problems such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, lack of support for whistle-blowers, corruption and service delivery issues, but we do not have genocide. “This narrative of a genocide is inflammatory and must be condemned. Those who propagate this kind of narrative of South Africa, should hang their heads in shame. “There is no genocide here. But I wish they could call to an end of the genocide in Palestine. We are a country with a constitution and an independent judiciary. Any aggrieved…

“I NEVER heard the sounds of my son’s first cry, his first words or his first speech at school. He can never hear me saying I love him, or that I am proud of him. But I taught him sign language from the time he was a toddler, and he became my ears and my voice…” This has been a painful reality for Kogie Govender, 45, who was born deaf. She has been married to Thenagran Govender, for 25 years. Their son, Joshua, is 21 years old. She said ever since she could remember, her disability was a challenge, and 45 years later, nothing had changed. “I wake up in silence. I have never heard the voices of my parents, but I felt their love and that got me through.…

SEVENTY years ago, South Africans gathered in Kliptown to draw up an alternative vision to that of apartheid which became the official policy of the country under the National Party. “We, the people of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know: that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people; that our people have been robbed of their birth–right to land, liberty and peace by a form of government founded on injustice and inequality; that our country will never be prosperous or free until all our people live in brotherhood, enjoying equal rights and opportunities; that only a democratic state, based on…

THE eThekwini Municipality's special debt relief programme aims to assist struggling ratepayers by allowing them to write off 50% of their arrear debt. However, political leaders criticise the initiative as inadequate and potentially exploitative, raising questions about its effectiveness and the municipality's billing practices The programme – which will run from May until June 30, 2025 – allows for households and businesses to write-off 50% of their arrears debt accumulated as at January 31, 2025. This is on condition that customers pay 50% of their debt in a full and final settlement. In addition, the debt owing for the months February to June 2025 must be settled in full. The programme was approved at a special council meeting last Wednesday. “This is intended to assist domestic and business customers experiencing…

THROUGHOUT school, Muhammad Azeez was always confused about what career to study. With a summa cum laude engineering degree now under his belt, it would be safe to say that Azeez opted for the right choice when he chose to study civil engineering at UKZN. “Choosing just one field seemed daunting to me,” said Azeez, 22. “Ultimately, my family motivated me to explore engineering. “Out of all the different engineering branches, I think I chose civil engineering because of its direct impact on the running of cities, from roads to buildings to water infrastructure. I knew studying civil engineering would allow me to influence the state of essential infrastructure in our country.” Growing up in Morningside in Durban, UKZN was a natural choice of institution. “I think what solidified my…

AS THE nights become colder in Durban, I notice that more and more people are contacting the Denis Hurley Centre, increasingly conscious of the homeless on our streets and asking how they can help. That is very positive in a city where sadly many government officials seem much less concerned about the plight of our homeless fellow-citizens. Recently, the municipality has yet again been pursuing a strategy of “cleaning the streets”. In reality, this means harassing and molesting homeless people so they move from where they are – only for them to pop up in another part of the city. The group that was in Albert Park has now re-emerged in Glenwood. But the group in Albert Park was only there because a few months before they were chased out…

It is all systems go for an epic Europa League final encounter in Bilbao between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United tonight at 9pm (SA time). Ironically, these iconic powerhouses of English football lie in 16th and 17th positions on the Premier League table, but have found a way to make the final. The KZN Spurs Official Supporters Club, who are directed affiliated to the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in London, are also extremely excited, and are currently planning a meet-up for the event. The Club usually meet at the Riverside Hotel for games, but more details of this particular event will be shared to all Spurs supporters, once confirmed. Club chairperson Viren Ramprith has indicated that he is quietly confident about his team’s chances of a long-awaited title, and has…

KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) president Steve Mkasi has defended his record in office as he prepares to seek re-election, with the official nominations list for the organisation's presidency due to be released on Friday. A bruising battle for leadership is anticipated, with the election scheduled to take place a week after the Comrades Marathon on June 8. Independent Media understands there are at least four potential candidates, including Mkasi, seeking election to the position but the true extent of the challenge will only become clear on Friday. Veteran Pietermaritzburg-based coach Chris White had taken the initiative by announcing his intention to stand earlier this week. Meanwhile Mkasi, a lawyer by profession, has emphasised the financial stability achieved under his leadership. The previous administration, led by Sello Mokoena, was placed under Athletics…

Manchester United and Tottenham will aim to salvage disastrous domestic seasons in tonight’s Europa League final (9pm SA time kick-off), with the prize of a lucrative place in next season’s Champions League as treasured as the trophy. Both clubs head to Bilbao for the final assailed by stinging criticism amid their worst seasons of the Premier League era. United sit 16th and Tottenham are one point worse off in 17th, with just one league game remaining. Only the struggles of relegated trio Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton saved United and Tottenham from an embarrassing battle to avoid crashing into the Championship. For the loser of the final, the hangover from this season threatens to be a long one as the lack of European football will deal a monumental blow to their…

Golf is often regarded as a game of physical skill, but its mental demands are just as significant. The sport requires focus, resilience and emotional control, making it an excellent platform for developing mental strength and positivity. By embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by golf, you can cultivate a stronger, more optimistic mindset that benefits both your game and your life. Embracing the process is critical for mental strength in golf. Instead of fixating on your score or the result of a particular shot, concentrate on the steps necessary to achieve your goals. This mindset shift allows you to stay present, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a sense of control. Emotional regulation is also vital in golf. Learning to recognise, manage and channel your emotions can help you…

Kutty, of Kerala in South India, is a palmist and astrologer. For more information, WhatsApp +91 949 583 5429. This May, planets bring confidence to some, harmony to others, and creativity to many. Jupiter helps Aries, Leo and Sagittarius shine; while Venus unites Gemini, Libra and Aquarius in love and friendship. Saturn drives Capricorn and Aquarius to succeed, and Uranus inspires new ideas. A month of positive change awaits all zodiac signs. Aries (March 21 – April 19) May is an adventurous and energetic month for you, Aries. This month brings opportunities to take bold steps and pursue dreams. Mars’s influence boosts courage and confidence skills. Career: Take the initiative and step into new challenges. Your reputation will benefit after May 20. Expect a possible promotion or new project.…

MAY 12 marked 25 years since Lara Dutta won the Miss Universe pageant. The day also happened to be her father’s birthday. Dutta marked the day with a pooja with her parents. She shared pictures from the prayer and throwback images from the pageant on Instagram. Dutta said: “A significant day in my life. Not just my dad’s birthday, but also the day I won Miss Universe 25 years ago. “Time certainly flies. Marked the day yesterday with a pooja to celebrate my father’s life. “Knowing full well how fleeting and fragile life is, it’s important to acknowledge and be grateful for the gifts the universe bestows upon us. Thank you for the love and for your companionship over the last 25 years.” In 2000, Dutta created history by becoming…

THE Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal will host a special performance by jazz pianist Melvin Peters at Hue Café on Friday at 2.30pm. The event will be held in association with the Centre for Creative Arts and the South African Association for Jazz Education This concert marks the culminating moment of the 2025 Who’s Got The Map? series: a jazz initiative inspired by the questioning spirit of South African jazz legend Andile Yenana, in the year that his seminal album of the same name celebrated its 20th anniversary. This concert will take place a day ahead of Africa Day. Peters’s set is a homage to the towering figures of South African jazz, the music that has shaped cultural identity and resistance. “The performance will…

NETFLIX’S The Royals is what happens when Bridgerton vacations in Rajasthan, and raids a rom com warehouse for every cheesy trope imaginable. This eight-episode Indian series has palaces, privilege and plotlines so melodramatic, they could make a soap opera blush. The Royals, directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, is a juicy mix of royal scandal and tepid romance in haute couture. What it ends up delivering is a beautifully dressed identity crisis, fumbling through clichés in saris. At its heart is Prince Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), heir to the fictional kingdom of Morpur. Aviraaj is a charming and reluctant heir, who has a talent for polo and an allergy to shirts, with abs that see more screen time than his character arc. Enter Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar),…

What started as a passion to help people who were deaf, turned into a calling for retired Phoenix resident, Keven Govender, a former sign language interpreter for the SAPS and founder of the Phoenix Deaf Club. Govender has become a beacon of hope since he started the club five months ago and he has had calls from the deaf community in Chatsworth to expand the club to other areas. Since his retirement, he has made it his mission to assist deaf people with finding employment, and offers his services to them at a church in Brookdale, where he interprets the sermons and holds praise and worship sessions. The father of one from Stanmore was a sign language interpreter for the SAPS for 25 years. He said he formed the club…

ELDERLY people who struggle to put food on the table due to their social grants not being enough to sustain them are “at the mercy” of loan sharks, crime expert Niven Naidoo said. He said the elderly were handing their Sassa cards, pin-codes and identity documents to loan sharks as a security for their loans from illegal lenders. “The targeting of the elderly and other government grant recipients, like people with disabilities, is a particularly disturbing and concerning trend. In many communities, loan sharks offer small loans in exchange for temporary possession of a person’s Sassa cards, pin-codes and identity documents. “These cards are then used to withdraw social grants every month until the debt is repaid. Sometimes the borrower ends up paying the same loan several times over. This…

COMMUNITY leaders have sounded the alarm over the rise of loan sharks who offer loans at high interest rates – sometimes as much as 50% – to people who are struggling to make ends meet due to the rising cost of living. They are calling for a clampdown of loan sharks and more awareness around people getting trapped in a cycle of debt due to the high interest rates. Pastor Cyril Pillay, chairperson of the Chatsworth Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, said loan sharks were preying on the community. “In recent months, loan sharks have become a deeply troubling trend that has been surfacing across our communities in Chatsworth and the broader Durban south region. It is a growing crisis that should alarm not only our civic leaders, but all who…

Aspiring legal professional Gabrielle Naidoo, driven by an insatiable curiosity about the world, particularly where law, technology and society intersect, recently graduated with a Master of Laws (LLM) at UKZN. The 25-year-old’s background, rooted in strong family ties and inspired by stories of women breaking barriers, fuelled her passion for justice and storytelling. Naidoo is formerly from Malvern in Durban and currently lives in Pretoria. Her academic journey has culminated in a research study that probes one of the most modern and complex issues in today’s legal landscape: the rise of social media influencer marketing and the regulatory gaps that come with it. Her study, “Uncharted waters: mapping the potential legal concerns and current legislative measures governing social media influencer marketing in South Africa”, delves into the underregulated world of…

AN ESTIMATED 40 000 civilians lost their lives in the Mullivaikal Massacre on May 18, 2009, when the Sri Lankan military surrounded a village of 300 000 Tamil civilians, displaced persons and surviving members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It was the final days of the long-running civil war from 1983 to 2009 where Sri Lankan Tamils were campaigning for an independent Eelam homeland. This past Sunday, the Arutpa Kazhagam on Lenny Naidu Drive in Chatsworth gathered to honour the memory of the dead and those brutalised in the conflict. The street is named in recognition of another martyr, who was kidnapped and murdered by apartheid security forces at the height of the Struggle for South African freedom in 1998. At the time when war crime atrocities…

Stephen Cook played only 11 Tests. That had more to do with the fact that he was belatedly selected at 33 years old, though – although still a rookie in comparison to his father, Jimmy, who Test debuted at 39 – than his ability forged over 229 first-class matches. Cook certainly made the most of his limited opportunity. He memorably scored a century on debut against England, and added back-to-back tons against Australia and Sri Lanka. The 104 against the Aussies in Adelaide was a particularly gutsy innings, for Cook had struggled initially on the tour Down Under before finding a way to succeed against high-quality new-ball bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who the Proteas will be encountering again in next month’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s. They…

Lewis Hamilton was buzzing after his first Formula One race in Italy for Ferrari went from Saturday devastation to Sunday delight. Ferrari’s worst qualifying performance in seven races this season, with Charles Leclerc 11th and Hamilton 12th, was branded a “disaster” by the Italian media – but the fans were cheering again a day later at Imola. Hamilton finished a season’s best fourth, while Leclerc was an unhappy sixth, still a considerable improvement on where he started. It was the first time since he joined from Mercedes in January that seven-time world champion Hamilton had beaten his teammate at Ferrari, apart from winning the sprint race in Shanghai. “China was really great, but I would say this one was better,” the Briton told reporters. “I’ve always loved when you’re fighting…

Lucknow Super Giants batter Mitchell Marsh backed captain Rishabh Pant to come out strong in the last two matches of the season after having a forgettable campaign so far, which resulted in their play-offs elimination for the second consecutive year. Pant is experiencing his worst IPL season, with only 135 runs in 12 games so far. He has scored a single half-century in the season, and his strike rate, at 100, has been his lowest in the tournament. Pant’s only season where he amassed less than 200 came in 2016, when he made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils). His form has also impacted LSG’s chances to qualify for the play-offs. With two matches left in the league stage, Marsh feels Pant will look to put up…