Home//Post/2023-10-11/In This Issue
Post|2023-10-11Creamy Mushroom Pasta2 cups pasta shells a glug of olive oil 1 small onion, finely diced 2-3 red chillies, broken into small pieces, or ½-1 tsp crushed chilli flakes 1 tsp (5ml) garlic paste 250g mushrooms, cleaned and sliced salt to season 1 tsp (5ml) dried Italian herbs. ¼ tsp turmeric powder 1 small red and green pepper, finely diced 2½ cups (625ml) almond milk, divided 4 tbs (60ml) cornstarch ¼ cup (60ml) nutritional yeast fresh parsley to garnish Boil the pasta as per the instructions on the packet. Keep aside. Heat the oil in a pot. Add the onions and chillies. Cook until the onions are translucent. Spoon in the garlic paste. Fry for a few seconds. Add the mushrooms and season with salt. Stir and cook until the mushrooms reduce…1 minPost|2023-10-11Masala Chai Spice MixMasala chai is made from fragrant spices that are ground and added to tea. Cardamom is known to be an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic. It adds fragrance and subtle sweetness to chai. Cinnamon sticks are known to manage type 2 diabetes, reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation. It also acts as anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal, and is loaded with antioxidants. It adds natural sweetness and warmth to tea. Cloves contain vitamins, minerals and fibre. Cloves regulate hunger levels as well as keep blood sugar levels in check. They also help with inflammation. They add depth and an earthy tone to the chai. Black pepper is a powerhouse of antioxidants. It helps improve digestion and promote overall gut health. They add a little kick to the chai. Nutmeg has antioxidant,…1 minPost|2023-10-11Garam MasalaFreshly-ground garam masala adds flavour to curries, rice dishes, burgers and salads. In India, flavours differ from state to state. This is my version. 1 tbs (15ml) coriander seeds ½ tbs (7.5ml) cumin seeds 1 tsp (5ml) fennel seeds 1 tsp (5ml) green cardamom pods 3 black cardamom pods ½ tsp (2.5ml) cloves 7 small bay leaves 2-star anise 2 x 5cm pieces cinnamon sticks 2 sprigs curry leaves ½ tsp (2.5ml) black peppercorns 5-8 mild dry red chillies ½ tsp (2.5ml) finely chopped nutmeg pinch fenugreek seeds Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat. Add the spices and roast until fragrant. Cool and grind in a spice grinder. Store in an airtight container. Fry the spices individually if you double the quantities.…1 minPost|2023-10-11Dad killed in cash-in-transit heistSTANLEY Hansraj, a cash guard, was killed during a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery on the M35 near Folweni in the Durban south area last Tuesday morning. Hansraj, 39, from Chatsworth, was employed by Fidelity ADT. It is alleged that the occupants of a motor vehicle opened fire on the CIT vehicle. The driver of the armoured cash vehicle managed to flee unharmed. But Hansraj and another co-worker, who were inside the vehicle, were shot. Hansraj died at the scene while the co-worker was taken to hospital. Cheryl Reddy, his mother-in-law, said Hansraj left home for work at 3.30am. “His wife and three children were still asleep. He kissed his wife goodbye and later on in the morning, he sent her a message to tell her that he loved her and that…3 minPost|2023-10-11Book is just what the doctor orderedTIVANA Chellan, who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree this year, launched her debut book on Saturday. Chellan, 24, said The Spiritual Medic aimed to inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to recentre, with a key focus on a sense of purpose in any chosen career path. “We often become so consumed with growing up, doing well academically, getting a career, and having a family, that we tend to forget how to integrate our purpose into our everyday lives. “The Spiritual Medic highlights some of the key aspects of self-motivation irrespective of one’s background, aspects of bullying and not conventionally fitting in through the narration of aspects from my personal journey.” She said she hoped to inspire others with her story. “The book was…2 minPost|2023-10-11Hope for tenantsTHE Organisation of Civic Rights (OCR) officially launched its advice desks for tenants last week at the Durban Magistrate’s Court and the newly built Family Court at the Point branch court. The OCR will provide services that include mediating between tenants and landlords/representatives, maintenance, eviction and other tenant related matters. The advice desks will also assist with a bad building/hijacked building register. This involves assistance with complaints around the unlawful occupation of a building or home. The service is free and in keeping with the OCR’s policy of assisting bona fide tenants since April 1984. Sayed Iqbal Mohamed, the chairperson of the OCR, said the organisation was established to challenge the group areas evictions in Warwick Avenue and later (in 1989) in eThekwini. “The OCR started representing tenants in 1985…2 minPost|2023-10-11Threat to safety and well-beingIT COMES as no surprise that the Global Organized Crime Index 2023 revealed Mafia-style criminal networks are on the increase in South Africa. The index, which was released by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) recently, reveals the continuing rise of organised crime globally, with 83% of the world’s population living in conditions of high criminality. And criminality and resilience – the measures taken by the state to combat organised crime – have worsened in South Africa. The index refers to SA as an outlier in Southern Africa With a high criminality score of 7.18, the country is an undeniable criminality outlier within Southern Africa, tangibly bringing up the average criminality score for the region. Yet, against a background of a decade-long increasing criminality, erosion of critical infrastructure…4 minPost|2023-10-11Inflation is public enemy number oneInflation is a process of sustained increases in the general price level over a period of time, typically 12 months. Inflation can be calculated for a country, for specific regions in a country and for different income and demographic groups, for instance pensioners. These different calculations are important because the spending patterns of regions and groups differ. That means that their rates of inflation also differ. It is therefore important for each household to have a clear understanding of its own inflation rate. A number of countries allow for the development of this improved understanding. For example, South African households can use an internet tool such as the personal inflation calculator of Statistics South Africa. A personal inflation calculator, based on the spending patterns of household, is also available for…5 minPost|2023-10-11Balfour rests in peace as Israeli, Palestinian hatred burnsArthur James Balfour seems to have enjoyed a good life. He was born in 1848 to wealthy parents and grew up on an estate which employed several helpers. His father and uncle were politicians and Balfour followed in their footsteps, going on to serve as the prime minister of the UK between 1902 and 1905. Thereafter, he served as the foreign secretary. It was during this time that the British government announced that it would support the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. Jews had been persecuted from before biblical times and some Jews, believing they would only be safe if they had their own homeland, lobbied for this. With Britain controlling Palestine, the Balfour Declaration was a significant step in the formation of the…2 minPost|2023-10-11Bharat is the accurate nameWITH reference to the letter “India name change divisive” (POST, September 20-24), the writer, T Markandan, is a poorly informed man masquerading as an expert on the subject of Bharat. The writer has a modicum of knowledge on the subject matter, and this proves the adage that “a little knowledge is more dangerous than total ignorance”. His letter is not only about the name change but also intended to belittle the world’s largest democracy, its people and its leaders. The comparisons he makes about other name changes are laughable and childish, and he has the gall to speak of Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, as someone who “is window dressing, making cosmetic changes to satisfy his own ego”. Has Markandan been to Bharat and seen the real changes made in…2 minPost|2023-10-11SAPS watchdog risks being lapdogAFRIFORUM has submitted commentary on the proposed Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) Amendment Bill to the parliamentary portfolio committee on police. In its submission, we highlighted various concerns about the proposed changes, among which is the appointment process of the head of Ipid. The proposed appointment process will transform the police watchdog into nothing more than a police lapdog. Among other things, the amendments make the worrying proposal that the minister of police should appoint the head of Ipid with the approval of Cabinet. By vesting such a crucial decision solely within the executive, there is potential for the selection process to become embroiled in internal power dynamics, nepotism and cadre deployment. The absence of checks and balances in this proposal heightens this risk further. The integrity and independence of…2 minPost|2023-10-11Hamba kahle, Jerry CoovadiaPROFESSOR Jerry Coovadia, who died last week at the age of 83, was a symbol of grit and a hero of the struggle to obtain equality. He gave hope to a generation of men and women and played a crucial role in our emancipation from racism. Stalwarts like him and others made personal sacrifices that enabled us to shed our chains of enslavement and embrace liberty and freedom. We will remember all those who gave their lives for our freedom and the values we cherish. Future generations will hardly believe that icons of this calibre walked on this Earth. Hamba kahle, Jerry Coovadia, a medical genius and a fearless fighter for freedom. May Almighty Allah grant you the highest place in Jannah. FAROUK ARAIE Benoni…1 minPost|2023-10-11Call for supportTO OUR Muslim brothers and sisters in South Africa, respected Ulama, organisations, and all individuals, in the name of Allah, the most merciful, the most compassionate. On this historic day (October 7), we want to express our strong commitment to Allah’s path. By Allah’s grace, our brave fighters of the Al-Qassam Brigades, along with our Palestinian comrades, have taken action against the occupying Israeli Zionist forces in the sacred land of Palestine. This land of the Isra and Miraj of our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him. The main reason for this campaign is the criminal Zionist aggression against Masjid Al-Aqsa and all sacred and holy sites. We also oppose the occupation’s harsh treatment, including the killing of innocent Palestinians and their ongoing apartheid policies. We’re pleased to inform you…1 minPost|2023-10-11Hamas attack on Israel: SA talks peaceThe Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said it was concerned about the recent escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a statement, Dirco said: “The new conflagration has arisen from the continued illegal occupation of Palestine land, continued settlement expansion, desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque and Christian holy sites, and ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people. “The region is in desperate need of a credible peace process that delivers on the calls of a plethora of previous UN resolutions for a two-state solution and a just and comprehensive peace between Israel and Palestine. “South Africa, working together with the international community, seeks to ensure a lasting and durable peace that produces a viable, contiguous Palestinian State, existing side-by-side in peace with Israel, within the 1967 internationally recognised borders,…6 minPost|2023-10-11Game set for shot at Olympic gloryCricket’s long Olympic exile could end this week when Games chiefs meet in Mumbai to finalise the programme for Los Angeles 2028. Twenty-eight sports are confirmed on the schedule but cricket was one of five new sports formally proposed for inclusion by organisers for the Games on Monday. The International Cricket Council’s proposal is for men’s and women’s Twenty20 competitions – the shortest form of the international game. “We are delighted that LA28 have recommended cricket for inclusion in the Olympics,” ICC chairperson Greg Barclay said. “While this is not the final decision, it is a very significant landmark towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century.” If it makes the cut, it would be the first time cricket has featured since 1900,…2 minPost|2023-10-11Forget Vitalstatistix, Boks must be Brutus and not Anticlimax“Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat”, or “Fortune Favours the Bold”, was the motto of the British commando unit that wreaked havoc behind German lines during World War II and the Springboks should adopt it on Sunday night when they venture into the seething cauldron of the Stade de France. Some 80 000 frenzied Frenchmen in the stands await the Boks, while on the field they must deal with 23 of that country’s finest ever rugby players, possibly including the freakishly good Anton Dupont. The scrumhalf captain broke a cheekbone a few weeks ago but has seemingly been resurrected for the Boks. To call Dupont a talisman is an understatement. After all, his injury was raised with concern in the French parliament and the hapless Namibian who perpetrated the blow to the most…3 minPost|2023-10-11Fans grumble about cost to watch footballIN FOOTBALL-mad South America, where love for the game transcends social class, watching stars like Lionel Messi play has become inaccessible to most as ticket prices hit the roof. During last month’s qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup, ardent fans across the continent grumbled over the cost of seeing their favourite team play. “In my case it is impossible to afford a ticket. One can’t enjoy it,” said Pablo Gonzalez, 49, a maintenance worker at a university in the Colombian town of Barranquilla, where his country will play Uruguay tomorrow. The average ticket price for the match is $102 (about R1 900), in a country where the minimum monthly wage is $270. According to an AFP tally, the tickets are the second-highest in the region for the qualifiers. In…2 min
Post|2023-10-11Kheer-flavoured Chia PuddingChia seeds are the tiny black seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant, a member of the mint family which comes from Central and South America. The word “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength”. It is said that the ancient Aztecs and Mayans used chia seeds as a source of energy. The seeds offer enormous health benefits. They are rich in fibre, antioxidants, minerals and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They improve the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, as well as aid a good healthy gut. 6 tbs (90ml) chia seeds 2 cups almond or soy milk, unsweetened ½ tsp cardamom powder 2 tsp (10ml) maple-flavoured syrup cashew nuts pomegranate seeds sliced kiwi fruit Mix the chia seeds and milk together in a big jug or bowl. Place…1 minPost|2023-10-11SauerkrautSauerkraut is fermented cabbage that is good for a healthy gut and overall health. It has the same amount of probiotics, digestive enzymes and live cultures found in yoghurt, provided it is not made with vinegar. Sauerkraut is also a good source of vitamin C and iron, both of which contributes to a stronger immune system. 1 large green cabbage (you may use purple as well) 3 tbs (45ml) rough non-iodised Himalayan salt 1 large airtight jar Spicy option: 1 tsp (5ml) turmeric powder 1 tsp (5ml) coriander/cumin powder 1-2 tsp (5-10ml) chilli flakes (adjust according to heat tolerance) ½ tsp (2.5ml) black peppercorns 1 tsp (5ml) each minced ginger and garlic Remove the outer layer of the cabbage leaves. Keep this aside. Finely slice the rest of the cabbage.…1 minPost|2023-10-11Vegan Parmesan CheeseVegan parmesan cheese is flavourful and delicious. It is also easy to make. Add it to soups, stews and sauces for added flavour. ½ cup (60g) raw cashew nuts ¼ cup (60ml) nutritional yeast powder ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp sea salt Add the ingredients to a food processor and pulse it until it reaches a fine consistency. Keep it in a sealable jar in the fridge. This will keep for weeks. Serving suggestions: Sprinkle it on pastas, pizzas, popcorn and sauces.…1 minPost|2023-10-11Athlete fought against apartheidPREMSEELAN “Prem” Naidoo was born on November 5, 1957, in Kharwastan in Chatsworth. He matriculated at Westcliff High School in 1974. Naidoo joined the Department of Posts and Telecommunications in 1978 where he qualified as a technician. Naidoo was drawn to athletics, particularly the 800m and 1 500m races. He represented the Lions Athletic Club in Chatsworth in 1974 and 1976, and set the Natal junior 800m record in 1 minute 58 seconds at Curries Fountain. In the mid-1970s, South Africa continued to grapple with apartheid, and athletics provided a platform for Naidoo to challenge this injustice. Naidoo and his friend, Dickie Naidu, were the first Indian athletes to compete in the whites-only track and field league meeting at Kings Park in 1977. Their goal was to show they were…2 minPost|2023-10-11Rehab hub reopens doorsTHE newly-renovated Lulama Treatment Centre, an on-site rehab centre offering by the SA National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) in Durban, has reopened. The site is based at 185 Vause Road, Berea, and was reopened courtesy of funding from the SA Muslim Charitable Trust, with support from The Victor Daitz Foundation. Fathima Hussain, the director at Sanca Durban, said the organisation’s alcohol and drug centres were established in 1956 and was a registered non-profit organisation. “While the organisation is based in Vause Road, we render services in 16 magisterial districts in eThekwini north, south and the iLembe regions across nine community based sites, making our services more accessible. The organisation was established due to the problems of substance abuse addictions.” Hussain said Sanca aimed to be the most…2 minPost|2023-10-11‘Menstrual station’ launchedThe Wireless Female Network (WFN) in collaboration with the Phoenix Plaza, Shoprite and Northmead Secondary School commemorated International Day of the Girl Child this week by launching the first “menstrual station” for South Africa. The menstrual station, called the Red Centre, is based at Northmead Secondary. This is one of many steps taken by the WFN to create menstrual health ecosystems in communities. The WFN was founded in 2018. It is a recognised organisation based in South Africa with ambassadors in 17 countries, across four continents, and more than 300 volunteers. The organisation focuses on the socio-economic advancement of women, girls and youth, with menstrual health and wellness being its biggest channel. Valerie Naidoo, the founder of WFN, said they were working with Northmead Secondary to ensure that those affected…2 minPost|2023-10-11What to do in a hijackingMore than 5 480 cars were hijacked between April and June this year, according to the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics. This equates to about 60 vehicles a day. Wahl Bartmann, CEO of the Fidelity Services Group, said it was therefore vital that the public knew what to do during a hijacking. “October is Transport Month, a period to renew our focus on all matters relating to transport. It’s an ideal opportunity to make sure we are properly prepared and know exactly what to do and not do during a hijacking, if this should happen to us or our loved ones,” said Bartmann. “The first step is to be vigilant. Turn your radio off, put your phone down, tell the kids to be quiet and concentrate on your surroundings as…2 minPost|2023-10-11Be careful what you wish for“I don't care who votes. I only care who counts the votes.” LIKE sad children pinning their hopes on getting a pony for Christmas, the abused South African electorate earnestly wishes for a miracle in the forthcoming general elections. This time will be different, they lie to themselves. Otherwise serious people, like the leaders of the opposition parties, strategise and plan how they will parcel out their pathetic share of the popular will. They dream that they will magically turn into princesses after the polls, despite the vast evidence to the contrary. Can you name a single, credible recent election? Zimbabwe is a joke. The 2020 US election was a carefully contrived coup d’état. The first-past-the-post system in the UK makes a mockery of representative democracy. Nobody believes in the…3 minPost|2023-10-11Help families claim bodiesWITH reference to the story “1 509 bodies unclaimed” (POST, September 27-October 1). This is shocking. The number could be drastically reduced if the various authorities worked together. Here are two suggestions. As soon as a body is unclaimed, a thumbprint of the deceased should be taken and sent to Home Affairs for verification. With the details, the next-of-kin can be located and notified. Details of the deceased are circulated to all police stations, to be pinned on a notice board for public scrutiny. This is a true incident in brief. On March 8 this year, a body was found at North Beach in Durban and taken to the Phoenix Mortuary. This was published in POST. Unfortunately, the parents did not read/know about this. The father went regularly to Chatsworth…1 minPost|2023-10-11Time for action is nowAS SOUTH Africans, we are all too familiar with the frustrating inconvenience of load shedding. But have we ever stopped to consider why the crisis exists in the first place? It is my belief, and supported by evidence, that load shedding has been deliberately created to make way for independent power producers (IPPs) and that Eskom is being destroyed so that the private entities can step in. The government has invested R160 billion in private power stations, which will sell power back to the state, directly competing with Eskom. One of the largest players here is none other than Patrice Motsepe, who owns Arep and is also the president’s brother-in-law. Coal-powered power stations are being shut to create a need for the IPPs, with the aim of raking in trillions…1 minPost|2023-10-11SA poultry sector battling for its survivalLOAD shedding and power disruptions have put tremendous pressure and additional costs on the South African poultry industry. This makes producing poultry products extremely expensive. For example, Astral Foods has spent an additional R919 million as a result of load shedding alone. This has obviously had a significant impact on the profitability and sustainability of the company. To make matters worse, the poultry industry has been hit with an avian influenza epidemic. AI is a viral disease of birds, including poultry. The abbreviation, “AI”, is frequently in the news and often refers to artificial intelligence. In this column, the abbreviation refers to avian influenza. This is a devastating disease of poultry and can wipe out a flock in just a few days. AI is the most widely studied disease of…4 minPost|2023-10-11Leaders must watch what they sayWE ARE against any form of violence, no matter who is involved. We welcome the announcement by Sipho Hlomuka, the KZN MEC for Community Safety and Liaison, that a multi-party political intervention committee to deliberate on critical issues with regard to political killings and violence will be convened. This committee has been in existence since 2013. We hope the meeting will not become a talk shop but that it will come up with tangible solutions to address crime and political killings. Political killings are a cause for concern. However, we are confident the police are on top of the situation. What concerns us more is that when people are arrested for assassinations, they do not reveal the person who ordered the killing. We urge the task team to be thorough…2 minPost|2023-10-11Palestine has a right to defend itselfTHE Al-Quds Foundation (SA) fervently asserts Palestine’s inherent right to defend itself against the oppressive actions of an illegitimate apartheid regime in the form of Israel. We strongly urge all freedom and justice-loving individuals, organisations and governments to unequivocally recognise and uphold this fundamental right of the Palestinian people. The egregious violations, spanning from the imposition of restrictive daily checkpoints to the desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, forced displacement of Palestinians from their ancestral lands, and the extensive land, air, and sea blockade, together form a nexus of severe and systemic challenges that unequivocally justifies Palestine’s right to defend itself. These systemic injustices are part of a larger pattern perpetuated by an apartheid regime that seeks to continually dispossess Palestinians of their rights and their land. Furthermore, the land, air,…2 minPost|2023-10-11‘We cannot win’A WEEK has passed since the fuel price increases, and motorists and commuters have to cut down on essentials to manage financially. The price of petrol has increased by between R1.08 (for 93 unleaded) and R1.14 (95 unleaded), while the diesel price rose by R1.93 (low-sulphur 50ppm) and R1.96 (500 ppm). Layton Beard, the AA spokesperson, said: “These increases will hit all consumers hard. They come at a time when most South Africans are feeling extreme financial pressure. It remains concerning that the government remains silent on its plans, if there are any, on a way forward.” Commuters feel the impact of the increases: Dhashen Sevenundan, from Phoenix: “I am sometimes forced to attend lectures on an empty stomach so I can pay for my transport to campus. At first,…2 minPost|2023-10-11Proteas wary of wounded Aussies“Beware the wounded Aussie.” That’s JP Duminy’s message to the Proteas ahead of their ICC World Cup showdown against five-time champions Australia in Lucknow tomorrow. Pat Cummins’s team went down by six wickets to hosts India in their tournament opener and now face an in-form Proteas team looking to exert even more pressure on the Aussies. Proteas batting coach Duminy, who had his fair share of tussles against the canary yellow and green during his career, believes this is when they are at their most dangerous. “Having had personal experiences against them when their backs are against the wall,” Duminy said yesterday, “they are going to come out firing. Knowing their personality, it doesn’t take them away from their style of play, they are going to come harder. “So, what…3 minPost|2023-10-11Boks ‘will still play under SA flag’South Africa will this week announce plans to defuse a row over non-compliance with anti-doping regulations that could see the rugby team barred from flying their flag in this weekend’s World Cup quarter-final against France. The country looks set to miss a Friday deadline to update its anti-doping legislation. Lawmakers are still debating the regulation changes demanded by world anti-doping body Wada, and have no hope of passing new legislation before Friday’s deadline. Missing the deadline would trigger a ban on the world champions’ flying their flag and playing the national anthem for Sunday’s crunch clash in Paris. One of the few options available to the Springboks to avoid the sanctions would be to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to buy time. The new Wada code…2 minPost|2023-10-11‘Weird to play at pavillion named after me’India’s batting ace Virat Kohli said it would be awkward to play in front of a pavillion named after him at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he honed his skills playing age-group cricket and Ranji Trophy. After opening their World Cup campaign with a comfortable win over Australia, India will take on Afghanistan in their second fixture at the quadrennial showpiece at Delhi on Wednesday. A pavillion at the stadium, known earlier as the Feroz Shah Kotla, is named after the former India skipper. In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kohli was discussing his partnership with KL Rahul against Australia, that turned the match in India’s favour. The discussions in the video then veered to Kohli fronting up to bowlers near a…3 min
Post|2023-10-11Vegan CheeseThe texture is soft and smooth, similar to Melrose cheese. This cheese works well in sandwiches, pizzas, lasagnes, canapés and toasties. It does not have that super melty stretchy texture as the dairy version, but it is a good alternative. Taste-wise, it’s on point and the best part is that it is quick and easy to make. This recipe can be used as a cheese sauce as well, but refrain from refrigerating, pouring over pasta dishes, and baked or steamed vegetables. 1 can coconut cream 1 tsp (5ml) onion powder 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder ½ tsp (2.5ml) turmeric powder 1 tsp (5ml) tomato paste 2 pinches black salt (optional) ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt 1 tbs (15ml) agar agar 1½ tbs (15ml + 7.5ml) tapioca starch Place a piece of…1 minPost|2023-10-11Almond MilkAlmond milk has a pleasant nutty flavour and creamy texture that is similar to dairy milk. It is a popular choice for vegans and those who are dairy intolerant. Even though almond milk is readily available in supermarkets, it is fairly easy to make. I have been making this for a while. All you need are some almonds, water and a liquidiser. 1 cup (250ml) (150-160g) almonds 4 cups cold water (1 litre) for liquidising 2-4 dates (optional) for sweetened almond milk straining cloth (cheese cloth or new T-shirt works well). Rinse the almonds thoroughly and soak in water overnight in the fridge. After the almonds have soaked, discard the water. Rinse them once again. Add the almonds to a blender with 500ml water. Blitz it. Add the balance of…1 minPost|2023-10-11Your StarsDuff is a psychic medium, soul coach, spiritual mentor, healer and animal communicator. She has been connecting with spirit for more than 20 years and runs her business, Quantum Soul, from Waterfall, KZN. She can be contacted at 072 986 5514 or sharron@quantsoul.com ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Eat properly and get some rest. Pay attention to your diet. Spend time in nature and get some fresh air. Prepare yourself for the beginning of a new cycle and letting go of past karma. Ask for guidance from spirit if you need it. Lucky colour: sage green. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Take a step back and gain a better perspective of a difficult work situation. Your performance is being noted at work, so be on your best behaviour.…3 minPost|2023-10-11Promoter’s life now a movieA FILM based on the life of Pinky Mothie, a show promoter since the early 1960s, will be released in cinemas nationwide from October 27. The film, Never Give Up, was written by Sarah Mahabir and produced by YFDP and Big M Productions. It was inspired by her late husband, D Mothie, who introduced her to showbiz. The movie is aimed at giving hope and inspiration to women to never give up. Mothie said pre-production started in 2016 and the film was initially titled, Memoir of Pinky Mothie. It was filmed in Mumbai, India, two years later, and was previewed to a select audience. “The movie was meant to thereafter launch in South Africa but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we decided to wait for the best time. The film…2 minPost|2023-10-11Join free yoga classesSAHAJA Yoga Meditation will host free yoga classes in Chatsworth, Malvern, Merebank and the greater Durban area. Kogie Pillay, a retired teacher and volunteer, said the organisation was founded in 1970 in India by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. “Her vision was for humanity to enjoy a healthy, stress-free lifestyle. This is only achieved when one achieves self-realisation, that is, the awakening of the primordial energy (positive energy) that lies dormant at the base of one’s sacrum bone.” Pillay said volunteers facilitated meditation programmes at education institutions, government departments, businesses and for the community at large. “Anyone can practise meditation. We have more than 150 practising meditators in KwaZulu-Natal. Sahaja Yoga is practised in over 190 countries and those who practise it experience a state of thoughtless awareness or mental silence.…1 minPost|2023-10-11Women empowered to teachA TOTAL of 159 women from rural areas around Durban recently graduated with Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualifications that will empower them and the communities they serve. The women qualified through learnership programmes under the Environment and Language Education Trust (Elet). They are now better placed to teach at this level in their communities. Nareshini Ranganthan, the director at Elet, said the graduates were now ready to find jobs and make contributions in their communities. “Elet was established in 1984 as a registered non-profit organisation based in Cato Manor. The core focus at inception was to address, nationally, the declining standard of education due to English being the language of instruction for second-language learners. The challenge was that the educators were also second-language speakers and needed support to substantially increase…3 minPost|2023-10-11SA is a crime hotbed, says reportSOUTH Africa has the third highest criminality rate in Africa. This is according to the 2023 Global Organised Crime Index, which was released recently. South Africa scored a 7.18 criminality score out of 10, becoming the seventh highest in the world out of 193 countries. In Africa, it was only preceded by the Democratic Republic of Congo (7.35) and Nigeria (7.28). The highest criminality score globally was Myanmar (8.15), followed by Colombia (7.75) and Mexico (7.57). The report said South Africa was a hotbed for organised criminal activities, including drug trafficking, cash-in- transit operations, poaching syndicates, and robberies. It added that South Africa’s crime networks have entrenched the criminal economy deeply within the country, leading to a crisis of trust in government and law enforcement. Mary de Haas, an expert…3 minPost|2023-10-11Time for politicians to govern as our activists didTHE demise of our leaders in 2023 reminds us of the great purpose of servant leadership. The recent deaths of Professor Hoosen Coovadia, an anti-apartheid stalwart, prolific scientist and activist of health equity; Dr Frene Noshir Ginwala and Aziz Goolam Pahad, anti-apartheid activists and politicians; and Dr Essop Pahad, a politician, among others, have left our nation poorer because these were leaders that served our society selflessly. They contributed effectively to the development of our post-apartheid society through their advocacy, willingness to engage with communities, and the capacity to identify the people’s needs and give meaning to them through policy. These initiatives aided the development of relevant measures to address the injustices and inequalities South Africans experienced during apartheid. These individuals stood up for values based on human rights…3 minPost|2023-10-11Prasa’s new trains are world classHAVE you seen the new trains? I saw them a few weeks ago in Cato Ridge. As a train lover, I was excited. The blue and white trains are beautiful, a big improvement on the drab and dirty yellowish trains. At last, I thought to myself, we have First World trains in our country. Prasa has been testing the new trains in Durban. They are in service on the KwaMashu corridor, inland to Cato Ridge and on the south coast line to Umbogintwini. Prasa hopes to roll out its state-of-the-art trains to Crossmoor and Pinelands once those lines have been restored. This after the extensive theft and vandalism during the Covid 19 lockdown. Sleek, modern and fast, the new trains have several features for the safety and comfort of…2 minPost|2023-10-11Seeing the funny side of lifeWHEN I was asked by a fellow educator during a talk at a school assembly where I was invited, about what attracted me to read and write about especially the funny side of life, I offered this explanation. My elder brother, fondly called Walla, loved comics. It was not just the usual colourful American, Mickey Mouse and Tom and Jerry stereotypes. Comics like The Beano, Dandy, Hotspur, Lion Tiger and some other English publications somehow lured him to order a weekly subscription that cost about 21c in total in those days. I read them all when he was not looking. The humour and language in the British publications were different from the more slapstick fast-moving jokes of the Yankees. Every character in the mostly black-and-white publications imparted some knowledge…2 minPost|2023-10-11Invest in retired educatorsREADING the article “Finally, recognition, 13 years later” (POST, October 4-8) left me bewildered. It has proved to me that there is something rotten in the Department of Education. Dr Morgan Naidoo, who served in education for more than 40 years, was regarded as an expert on normalisation processes. Heads must roll. This is not an error. However much I challenge the little voice within me that tries to pacify my anger against such a heinous education department, I am comforted by the thought of a new hope and dream after the elections next year. The Indian community has been sidelined, especially our educators. My appeal to our MEC for education is to invest in our retired educators such as Professor Jayaram Reddy, TH Kassie, Thayalan Reddy and Naidoo. They…1 minPost|2023-10-11Coovadia’s lasting legacyProfessor Hoosen Mahomed Jerry Coovadia, 83, left a lasting impact through his medical work during the Aids epidemic and his anti-apartheid activism, said friends and family. The Struggle stalwart, academic and health expert died at his La Lucia home last week. Coovadia was appointed associate professor at the University of Natal (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal) in 1982 and ad hominem professor in 1986. He served as professor and head of paediatrics and child health at UKZN from 1990 to 2000. He was also the director of biomedical science at the Centre for HIV/Aids Networking, and the scientific director of the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine at UKZN. Coovadia received the 1999 Star of South Africa Award from president Nelson Mandela and…2 minPost|2023-10-11‘We stand with Israel’THE horrific images coming out of Israel have left the entire world shocked and disgusted. There can never be justification for the barbaric murder, kidnapping and disrespect for human life that have emerged over the past weekend. The terrorist group Hamas’s unprovoked and barbaric attack on innocent Israeli civilians include the massacre of teenagers at a music festival, the abduction of children and elderly women and the killing of helpless babies on the streets. This is reminiscent of the Holocaust. It is pure evil, and there are no shades of grey. The South African Jewish community stands with Israel. We express our prayers, sympathies and condolences to all Am Yisrael living through this nightmare. The Jewish community will be holding prayer sessions, solidarity events and actions in support of Israel…2 minPost|2023-10-11Lives of helpers in focusTHE reality series, Abo Auntie, which is screening on Showmax, exposes how many employers are not following the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and other legislative requirements. This is according to Ntombizodwa Mahlangu, the founder and director of Help One Helper, a non-profit organisation that assists domestic workers. Mahlangu, a former domestic worker, said these workers were underpaid. “Even when employers advertise on social media platforms, they offer a salary that is below the minimum wage of R4 405, as set by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. “On the show Abo Auntie, one employer offered to pay her domestic worker and gardener an amount of R1 500 each, with a long list of duties.” Referring to the show, she said helpers raised their concerns but those concerns were not…2 minPost|2023-10-11Clubless Hazard hangs up his bootsBELGIUM’S attacking midfielder Eden Hazard, 32, announced his retirement on Tuesday after failing to find another club following his release by Real Madrid. He endured an injury-plagued spell at Real Madrid after his £89-million (about R2 billion) move from Chelsea in 2019, playing just 76 matches in all competitions across four seasons. “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” Hazard wrote on Instagram. “After 16 years and more than 700 matches, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.” Hazard had a far happier time at Chelsea, winning both the Premier League title and Europa League twice, as well as the FA and League Cup from 2012-2019. He was also integral to Belgium’s impressive run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, beating…1 minPost|2023-10-11A splash of colour might be just what you needTHE first glimpses of summer are here but the weather needs to behave ... The rock and surf fishing has starting to warm up so get your gear and get out there! Adding floats to your trace can drastically increase your success rate. Not only do floats give the bait a more natural presentation but they also add attraction in the form of colour. Orange is a fantastic colour for scratching fish and in particular bronze bream, glow in the dark works very well for kob, while red and white floats work extremely well for shad (when the season is open). Brusher continues to top the target list and for good reason. There are still decent numbers of garrick around the river mouths. Spinning along the north coast has accounted…3 min
