Table of contents for 2025-10-08 in Post

JOINTLY produced by Playsmith Studios, South Studios banners and presented by Sivakarthikeyan under his SK Productions banner, House Mates is a delightful film that culminates factors of family, sci-fiction, love and comedy into one thoroughly enjoyable film that will keep you engaged until the very end. The story follows newly-weds Karthik (Darshan) and Anu (Aarsha Chandini Baiju), as they settle into their new apartment. What begins as a fresh start quickly spirals into a series of bizarre and unexplained events. The couple soon discover they are not alone – unseen occupants seem to share their space. Is it a haunting, a scientific anomaly or something more profound? The film keeps you guessing while never losing its emotional core. Lead actors Darshan and Baiju play the young couple bringing their…

FROM a humble school concert performance to becoming a household name in cultural arts, as the Ye Macha Girl, Shrimati Jessica Krish’s journey is inspiring. The Bharatha Natyam dancer, choreographer and founder of the Jessica Krish School of Performing Arts, was in the spotlight recently after the Tamil song, performed by Sharmaine Deol, was played on East Coast Radio during Heritage Month. The video of the song, which was shared on social media, featured Krish dancing. Going down memory lane, Krish said her first performance was at her primary school concert. “I was extremely overwhelmed with the response. Many people came backstage and asked me to dance for functions such as weddings and birthdays. That was the start of my career as a dancer. My mum later enrolled me with…

AT THE vibrant crossroads of theatre, literature and education stands Shika Budhoo, a 41-year-old multidisciplinary creative artist whose work reflects the rich tapestry of South African culture. Born and raised in Verulam, Budhoo has become a household name through her roles as an actress, writer, voice artist, and a drama and voice coach. Budhoo, who currently lives in Queensburgh, will perform in the one-woman comedic drama, Roti Queen, on the opening day of the Red Mango Arts Festival today (Wednesday) at 1pm, and on Friday at 3pm at Sastri College. For the production, she also served as the co-writer, with her husband Dhaveshan Govender, and producer. “More than 10 years ago, when I saw Dhaveshan’s King of Old Trafford, a one-man show about a divorced Manchester United super fan, I…

AT 76 years old, Hansrajh Lukhan, also known as “Butterfly” and “Blondie”, is not ready to hang up his dancing shoes. A well-known name in South Africa’s traditional dance circles, Lukhan’s six-decade journey from village stages to national acclaim is a story of passion, perseverance and cultural pride. “I feel young, energetic and excited. Every time I am on stage feels like the first time,” said Lukhan, an active member of the renowned Flash Entertainers, a Chutney and Nagara group. “The love that I get from near and far is overwhelming.” Lukhan, of Phoenix, started dancing in the late 1960s. His entry into the world of traditional music and performance was inspired by Hindi films and family functions, where, as a child, his cousins dressed him up to dance. Lukhan’s…

From the Facebook page of Dr Aman Singh Maharaj (author of A Dalliance with Destiny), October 3, following the book launch of Belonging: A History of Indian South Africans DURBAN may not have the reputation of being an artsy, bookish city, but let me tell you, the few bibliophiles we have here are a fiercely passionate bunch, and last night we had something truly special. I had the absolute privilege of attending the launch of Ashwin Desai and Goolam Vahed’s powerful new book Belonging: A History of Indian South Africans. These two intellectual giants have shaped so much of our understanding of history, identity and belonging, and I am proud to say I have just about their entire collection on my shelf. This new work is another treasure. The launch…

AFTER a 30-year career in politics and a brief hiatus, Haniff Hoosen returns as the DA mayoral candidate for eThekwini with bold promises. Last week, the DA announced that the 53-year-old, who was born in Chatsworth, as the party’s mayoral candidate for eThekwini in the 2026 local government elections. The POST reporter, Nadia Khan, spoke to Hoosen about his return to politics and his vision for the city Q: Once a prominent voice in the DA, you seemed to have vanished from South Africa's political landscape. What happened to you and what have you been doing since stepping away from the public eye? A: I retired from active politics for a short period to concentrate on my business interests. During this period, I travelled outside the country. However, I…

VANESSA Govender employs flowery, emotion-laden language that may stir readers’ sympathies, but ultimately obscures facts and spreads disinformation. “A flotilla of defiance in Gaza’s endless night”, the POST September 18 – 22, refers. Behind the poetic imagery lies a narrative that misrepresents international law and absolves Hamas of responsibility for Gaza’s suffering. The Global Sumud Flotilla is not a lifeline for the people of Gaza, but a publicity stunt. The UN secretary-general’s Palmer Report (2011) concluded that Israel’s naval blockade was a legitimate security measure under the law of armed conflict. Under the Unclos (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) Articles 25 and 30, Israel has the full right to act against non-innocent passage within its waters. Far from unique, blockades have been used throughout history by powers…

THE racist attack against Devi Sankaree Govender confirms we are a sick and prejudiced society (the POST, October 1 – 5). The constant tempo of hate speech we have to endure as a democratic nation, cannot go on unchecked. Our rainbow nation is tinged with hurtful rainbow comments from every segment of society. Hate speech by any legal definition is a blatant violation of our constitutional right to freedom of expression. Under the guise of freedom of expression, demagogues test the constraints of the Constitution, by engaging and becoming cheerleaders for forces of hate, from xenophobic to political extremists. Any attempt to legally desanitise hate speech will lead to facism by stealth. Hate speech is an affront to humanity. Any form of human degradation is an outrageous violation of our…

BENJAMIN Netanyahu was recently in the United States to meet with American President Donald Trump, while facing a level of international isolation that has reached unprecedented levels. Netanyahu, who takes dirty laundry to be washed at the White House, is now desperately trying to reverse the filthy image formed about the Israeli occupation after the genocide being carried out against Palestinians in Gaza. This is not a metaphor, by the way, but a real incident reported by the American press: he and his wife Sara gather their dirty clothes to be washed and ironed for free at the hotel near the White House. Netanyahu’s irresponsible actions in recent days have confirmed what is being said – that the Zionist project in Palestine is experiencing deep isolation. Many measures have recently…

MANESH Maharaj, a Kathak dancer and artistic director of the Kala Darshan – Institute of Classical Music and Dance, has committed his life to nurturing this exquisite art form, while cultivating spiritual and creative growth among his students. Born and raised in Kharwastan, Maharaj’s love affair with Indian classical dance and music began at the age of 7. This, he said, ignited a lifelong passion that would see him not only leading, but reshaping the landscape of Kathak. Maharaj matriculated from Kharwastan Secondary School, followed by further studies at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Mumbai, where he earned a B.Mus degree in classical Hindustani music (sangeet visharad), specialising in sitar and vocal music. Concurrently, he honed his dancing skills under the guidance of his late guru, Sushri Madhurita Sarang, under…

THE inaugural Red Mango Arts Festival is set to captivate audiences in Greyville as it celebrates 165 years of Indian heritage in Natal. From today until Saturday, the festival will transform Sastri College into a vibrant hub of multicultural theatre, music and comedy, promising a unique artistic experience that honours the rich legacy of South African Indians. This festival is the visionary creation of internationally-acclaimed actor and acting coach, Rajesh Gopie, whose deep passion for storytelling and the spirit of his home city have culminated in a thoughtfully-curated programme. The festival aims to honour South African Indian heritage through performances that reflect the past, while engaging audiences in the present. Highlighted by a line-up of significant works rarely seen in Durban, the festival will focus on intergenerational voices and narratives…

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) held Srila Prabhupada's 50th year commemorative event on Sunday at the Kendra Hall. At the event were:…

NAVIN Sewlal, a molding technician from Tongaat, carries a vibrant cultural heritage with him after he revived the Riverside Sanathan Dancing Company, which was founded in 1938. In 2023, the revived group was renamed the Riverside Sanathan Dancing Company: Next Generation, but the style and music, said the 52-year-old father of three, remained the same. Sewlal is determined to preserve and promote the unique Indian musical and dance traditions of Chutney and Nagara, ensuring these art forms continue to thrive in his community. “Nagara is often misunderstood. It is actually a reference to the drums used during performances. What many people see on stage is a Chutney dancer, a performer who dances and sometimes sings to this vibrant genre of Indian cultural music. The dancer is usually a male dressed…

THE recent proposal by the CRL Rights Commission to require the registration of churches and the licensing of pastors under state oversight is a direct threat to religious freedom in South Africa. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, religion, belief, and association. Churches do not exist by the permission of government; they exist by the command of Christ. To force churches and pastors into a state-controlled registration system is to place Caesar in the pulpit and to risk the erosion of one of our most fundamental liberties. History warns us: once the state regulates religion, it inevitably controls religion. Registration leads to licensing, licensing to oversight, and oversight to interference. Today it may be framed as “dignity and order”. Tomorrow it may be used to silence prophetic voices that confront…

IT IS TOO easy – too convenient – to say that Babita Deokaran’s death was “not in vain”. As if the machinery of justice, once set in motion, could somehow balance the scales of a life extinguished. As if the arrest of masterminds or the exposure of corruption could ever compensate for the silencing of a daughter, a mother, a colleague, a patriot. Deokaran was not a symbol. She was a person. And in the wake of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) latest report, which lays bare the systemic rot she dared to confront, we must resist the temptation to reduce her to a martyr whose sacrifice was necessary. It was not. It was intolerable. The SIU’s findings – detailing billions lost to graft and calling for the arrest of…

RELIGIOUS debates have echoed through history, often fuelled by deep convictions and differing interpretations of sacred texts. These discussions, while intellectually engaging, rarely lead to consensus. Each faith tradition holds its own truths, and as human beings, we naturally seek to affirm our beliefs – sometimes hoping to prove that our religion is the “correct” one. Rather than striving to win arguments, we should strive to build a personal relationship with God. Get to know your Creator – your soul depends on it. After all, your life here on Earth is a mere 70 or 80 years; it is eternity that truly matters. In a world full of noise and distractions, it’s easy to chase validation or prove a point, but true peace comes from intimacy with the One who…

RECENTLY India won the Asian Cup by defeating neighbours Pakistan in the final. Unfortunately at the end of the match, the victorious Indians did not shake their opponents’ hands. To add insult to injury, the Indian team refused to accept the prized President’s Cup. It is customary in professional and amateur sport for the shaking of hands between teams after a match. Shaking of hands is not just a greeting, but also a gesture of mutual respect, acknowledgement and appreciation, rivalry notwithstanding, noting keen competitiveness and pride. The actions of the Indians are, with respect, unsporting and unbecoming. It is common knowledge that over decades there has been rivalry, bitterness and strife between India and Pakistan, primarily the contentious border conflict. It is hoped that in the future good sportsmanship…

ON SUNDAY, the Merebank Tamil School Society auditorium came alive with music and celebration and filled to capacity. Kudos to programme co-ordinators: Morgan, Dasen, Yogan Nadasen and the team, for showcasing top local Indian artists and mesmerising dance performances that highlighted Tamil’s rich cultural heritage. The society’s dedication to promoting Tamil culture is truly commendable. By providing a platform for local talent to shine, they’ve enabled the community to come together and celebrate their roots. The packed auditorium demonstrated the hunger for cultural music among South Indians. I applaud the Merebank Tamil School Society for their outstanding work. It’s a wake-up call for other Tamil societies to promote and encourage youth participation in our culture which is sadly lacking. As the Tamil saying goes, Aram seya virumbu (desire to do…

WHILE millions of South Africans face unemployment, hunger and crumbling public services, billions of rand in public funds that could alleviate this suffering are lost to corruption. This rampant looting proceeds with no regard for the misery left behind. Our Constitutional Court has rightly pronounced corruption as a “cancer that threatens our constitutional order” and “a scourge that must be rooted out of society”. There is no starker recent example of this cancer’s devastating effects than the Special Investigative Unit’s (SIU) interim report on the Gauteng Department of Health and Tembisa Hospital. The report reveals that over R2 billion meant for essential healthcare services was plundered by politically-connected criminal syndicates, aided by public officials who received over R122 million for their complicity. As one judge noted, these are “greedy and…

THIS Sunday, October 12, marks the 165th anniversary of the SS Truro’s departure from the port city of Madras (now Chennai) in India, carrying 342 indentured workers on board the first ship that arrived in South Africa on November 16, 1860. Recalling the events that transpired on the journey, together with how the passengers were received and where they were placed, allows us to get a better picture of the extraordinary journey of the first indentured workers brought to the British Colony of Natal to grow an ailing economy. Perhaps, even more fascinating would be to understand what became of the first indentured workers to arrive in Natal. An equally compelling story would be to trace some of the descendants of these 342 passengers on the occasion of the 165th…

October has officially arrived, and with it, The KingFisher’s highly anticipated Scratch & Win Event. Running across all seven stores and online, this month-long celebration promises anglers and shoppers alike the chance to share in over R500 000 worth of discounts and giveaways. Adding even more excitement, seven lucky anglers will uncover a Golden Ticket, giving them the ultimate prize – their entire basket absolutely FREE. Getting involved couldn’t be easier: spend R300, collect your Scratch & Win ticket, and walk away a winner. With every ticket guaranteeing a prize, this October is shaping up to be a month of unbeatable rewards at The KingFisher. If last weekend’s rough seas kept you grounded, you definitely weren’t alone – conditions were tough and made things tricky for even the most dedicated…

ONE of the most famous social media platforms, TikTok, skyrocketed during the dark moments of the Covid-19 pandemic. At first, it proved to be a wonderful distraction with funny videos and interesting challenges as well as a platform to make money for creative content. The dancing, lip syncing and family-friendly challenges kept us going through a time of despair and paranoia of the virus. Since that time, it has taken a turn. From my experience of watching videos and livestreams, it seems to have become a platform for bullying and unnecessary abusive language. It has become an app similar to TMZ and celebrity gossip. However, in this case, it’s not celebrities being exploited, it’s normal every day individuals. People who watch livestreams are almost addicted to the drama unfolding, and…

As South Africa prepares to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Natal, a vibrant new event, the Red Mango Arts Festival, is set to showcase the power of theatre in reflecting complex identities and histories. The festival serves as a cultural resurrection, aimed not just at celebrating a significant historical milestone, but also reigniting interest in the arts post-Covid-19. The idea for the Red Mango Arts Festival was the brainchild of internationally-acclaimed actor and acting coach, Rajesh Gopie. Gopie speaks about the festival, the theatre scene and his training academy, Actorwize. Q: When did the idea for the Red Mango Arts Festival come about and how did you curate what productions should be included? Also, why do you think the productions – Roti Queen, Out…

NEARLY three years after Nazreen Fakier Cajee was brutally stabbed to death with a screwdriver in her Johannesburg home, her husband Shaheed Cajee has been convicted of murder. Her family are now calling for the maximum sentence as they reflect on years of abuse suffered by the 39-year-old mother of three. In December 2022, Nazreen was stabbed about 20 times at the Emmarentia home she shared with Shaheed, now 43, and their children, now aged 21, 15, and 11. According to reports, their son alerted a neighbour, who arrived at the home and found Nazreen’s body. Shaheed was found seated in the lounge and covered in blood. He was arrested and charged with her murder. Shaheed was recently found guilty of murder in the Gauteng High Court. Speaking to the…

THE proposed amendment to the Children’s Act that would classify babies placed in “baby savers” as abandoned children, has sparked fierce opposition from child welfare organisations which fear it would lead to more unsafe abandonments and criminalise desperate mothers. The government recently gazetted the draft Children’s Amendment Bill 2025, which seeks to, among other things, amend Section 1 of the Children’s Act 2005 in respect of what is considered to be an abandoned child. According to the proposed amendment, it seeks to include “a child relinquished or placed in a baby box” as part of the definition of an abandoned child. A baby saver is a box-like structure in the wall of a place of safety such as a child welfare organisation, children’s home or religious institution such as a…

nadia.khan@inl.co.za THE family of slain whistle-blower Babita Deokaran welcomes the SIU's report revealing more than R2 billion in corruption at Tembisa Hospital, but insists that finding the mastermind behind her killing remains crucial for justice. Speaking to the POST this week, Rakesh Deokaran, Babita’s younger brother, said: “Heads must roll,” as the corruption scandal continues to unfold. Babita, who was the chief director of financial accounting at the Gauteng Department of Health, was killed on August 23, 2021. It is alleged that a hit was put on the mother-of-one after she blew the whistle on fraud and corruption at the hospital. The 53-year-old of Johannesburg, had returned home from dropping off her daughter, then 16, at school. While waiting to enter her property, gunmen opened fire on her vehicle. Babita,…

WITH his belief that South African history began only in 1994, Julius Malema would endorse Professor Dasarath Chetty’s view that in order to cleanse and deodorise the present, reminders of the past in the form of statues and monuments should be toppled and removed (the POST, October 1 – 5). Given his academic mooring as a sociologist, it is puzzling that by advocating the erasure of reminders of past eras, Chetty does not appreciate that such action erases a sense of identity. For it is only against the past that an identity can be profiled and understood. Every week, the POST newspaper carries articles celebrating the lives of individuals whose achievements are a measure of how they navigated the difficulties of the past. Progress cannot be gauged without antecedents. The…

I WISH to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the POST editor, Yogas Nair, and her dedicated team for the excellent standard of journalism that the paper continues to uphold. Week after week, your publication stands out as more than just a newspaper – it is a little bit of everything good. The news articles are written with clarity and depth, capturing important stories with accuracy and fairness. What sets the POST apart is the balance between hard-hitting news, independent views, and light-hearted features that bring comfort and inspiration. The recipe section, in particular, has become a firm favourite in many homes, reminding us that a great newspaper does more than inform – it connects us to the heart of our communities. In an era where the media is often accused…

A GAUTENG businessman who assaulted his employee so severely that the victim required hospital treatment has failed in his high court bid to overturn his conviction. Imraan Chothia, convicted and sentenced for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm(GBH), had claimed the employee fabricated allegations to extort money. His appeal was dismissed in the Gauteng High Court last week. According to the court papers, Chothia was charged after the assault which occurred at Salamat Motors (Cradlestone branch) in Krugersdorp on August 19, 2020, and he was convicted in July 2022. On February 16, 2023, he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for four years, on condition that he paid a compensation of R150 000 to the complainant, and that he was not convicted of assault committed…

IN A WORLD often consumed by the rush of everyday life, Thiloshini Naidoo stands as a quiet force of compassion, strength and unwavering dedication. For over two decades, she has been at the heart of an organisation that offers dignity in life’s most difficult moments. As the board director, day-care manager, and fund-raising convener at the Dolphin Coast Hospice Association, Naidoo has helped guide countless families through the painful, complex and often misunderstood journey of terminal illness. “Dolphin Coast Hospice provides palliative care, emotional support, and end-of-life care to individuals and families affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in our community. It is not just about physical care, it is about bringing comfort, humanity, and peace when it is needed most,” said Naidoo. Now, in Breast Cancer Awareness Month,…

FOR Anjuna Krishuncoomar, a 52-year-old widow and mother of two, life changed forever after a routine mammogram in July 2024 led to a diagnosis she never expected: stage 1 breast cancer. An administrator at a local college and a long-time resident of Isipingo Beach, Krishuncoomar said the discovery left her shaken. “A routine mammogram check in July confirmed some abnormalities. Further testing – a vacuum biopsy – confirmed my deepest fear,” she said. The official diagnosis came just a week before Christmas, a time usually marked by joy in the Krishuncoomar household. “I was devastated at first. Luckily my doctor at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital reassured me I was in good hands.” Needing time to process the life-altering news, Krishuncoomar asked her daughter for space. “It was not easy…

I ATTENDED the funeral of Babita Deokaran with an all consuming pit in the stomach. How does one offer support and condolences in such circumstances? I drew strength from Babita’s example of a South African bravely committed to doing the right thing. It also helped that I carried with me a message of condolence and support from the now late Pravin Gordhan. As many of us want to do in moments of crisis, I had called Gordhan on learning of Babita’s death. He immediately understood the gravity of the situation and agreed to send a message of support. That message, in its entirety, is published alongside. It captures the essence of the national mood which prevails till today. “Babita Deokaran is a national hero. She must be commended and celebrated.…

South Africa does not have the best of records in Pakistan since their first Test tour almost three decades ago. However, they don’t have a bad record either, having lost only three out of nine Tests and won two out of four Test series. However, there have been some brilliant performances from Proteas Test players during the four tours, and Ongama Gcwabe picks five standout performances by South Africans from the subcontinent. Jacques Kallis in the first Test in Karachi, 2007 – (155, 1/21 & 100 not out) and the second Test in Lahore – (59, 1/7, 107 not out & 1/48) The 2007 Test trip to Pakistan was Kallis’ second taste of the conditions, having travelled four years prior when South Africa copped a humbling 0-1 series loss. Kallis…

Teenage angler Jeariya Mudray, from the Bluff, helped lead the Proteas Surf Casting Junior Team to an impressive fifth-place finish at the recent World Shore Angling Championship for Youth (U-16) in Peniscola, Spain, against 40 top young anglers from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands, Ireland and England. Jeariya was the captain and most experienced member of the SA team that included Kaiden Pillay, Sheldon Gough, Ezra Stephen, Dali Matsha, and Samual Forbes, who were chosen at a national junior tournament in Durban earlier in the year. Jeariya’s dad, Keith Mudray, was the coach of the team. He explained that the facet of fishing used at the World Junior Champs is commonly known as pegged fishing, because anglers are restricted to fishing between two pegs that are 23m to…