Inhoudsopgave van 2026-01-07 - Post

THE trend of the past few years of expansive backdrops and the blurring of the distinction between Hindi and South Indian cinema will continue in 2026. With the success of movies made in the South in Hindi versions as well, Telugu film-makers in particular are expected to pull out all the stops for big-budget extravaganzas to delight audiences. The most hyped expectations have been created by Ramayana – the tale of the mythological epic starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, being made in two parts – as has also become the trend with blockbusters of the past few years. The top Khans in the industry, Shah Rukh and Salman, will be back on screen with – if advance posters showing their bloodied faces in close-ups are any indication –…

SLEEP is the best form of relaxation, close to meditation; that’s why those who sleep well always stay well and feel well. It’s a fact that if we get sound sleep during the night, we wake up refreshed, more active, and feeling more energetic. However, in today’s world, getting sound sleep has become a rare occasion because millions of people suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy. In addition, the number of those who get a very broken, fitful sleep is many times higher. Sadly, many of these individuals resort to sleeping pills and drugs, which ultimately make the problem worse. This is because we do not consider these as serious issues and avoid the fact that these sleep disorders interfere with our body’s…

GREAT-great-grandmother Dhropathy Singh, who celebrated her milestone 100th birthday on Sunday, attributed her longevity to leading a healthy lifestyle, which included staying clear of junk food and keeping active. She celebrated the day with her loved ones who held a party at the Pesco Hall in Phoenix. Singh said she lived in Mayville with her parents, Lutchman, who hailed from Mauritius; and Rajwanthie, who was from India; as well as her three siblings. “We were three sisters and one brother. I have many fond memories growing up, especially with my parents and siblings. We did not have much but we lived comfortably. I enjoyed playing games and cooking with our mother. I am also grateful to still have one of my sisters, Chundervathee. She is 94 years old now.” Singh,…

AS WE WELCOME the new year, South Africa finds itself at a crossroads yet again. More than 30 years after the first democratic elections, racial divisions continue to hamper our efforts to build our beloved country together. What does 2026 have in store for South Africa? This year promises to be busy as South Africans prepare to vote in local government elections (LGE). South Africans also expect the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, together with Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating the rot in the criminal justice system, to release their findings. Unlike the previous commissions, South Africans expect those fingered at the Madlanga Commission to face the music expeditiously. In international relations, South Africa and the US continue to exchange jabs, leaving South Africans uncertain about what to expect in 2026.…

IN MY FIRST 2026 column, I cannot help but relate how eThekwini Municipality got my goat recently, and through its overbearing attitude, reminded me of the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Readers may recall that Grinch, a grumpy, solitary creature, hates the joyful Christmas celebrations, and decides to ruin it for the folk of Whoville by stealing all their presents, decorations and food on Christmas Eve. But Grinch is soon to discover that Christmas is about spirit, not things, after the Whos continue singing happily, causing his heart to grow, and leading him to return everything and join their feast. It’s a lesson about finding happiness within and rejecting materialism, with themes of kindness, sharing, and the enduring power of the holiday spirit. For as long as I can…

A MEMORIAL service on Sunday paid tribute to five men who died in the New Ahobilam Temple collapse in Redcliff, Verulam, last month. As families shared heartfelt memories of their loved ones, preliminary investigations revealed serious construction violations that led to the tragedy now classified as a crime scene. Those remembered were temple founder Vick Panday, 52; Food For Love Africa cook, Vasudeva Datta Das, 65; Kishore Hurribhujan, 63, a farmer widely known for supplying free vegetables to help feed those in need; Jayaseelan “Jayce” Perumal, 58, an electrician; and Adbul Prabhus, a construction worker. Tribute was also paid to Ajit Manilall, 62, who was oxygen-dependent with severe heart problems. He died of a heart attack while trying to help at the collapsed building. Family members, friends and community leaders…

DURING the period when a child is missing, the parents experience intense psychological trauma, which is marked by acute fear, panic, helplessness, intrusive thoughts and overwhelming guilt, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, and weakened immunity. This crucial stage is commonly described as “ambiguous loss”, where parents grieve without certainty. Even when the child is found alive, the trauma does not end. In the case of the missing 13-year-old girl, her absence combined with the relief of her being found safe, coexists with shock, anger, confusion, fear of judgement, and deep anxiety about legal and social consequences. The emotional clash can be overwhelming. Learning that one’s child was with an older person intensifies this distress, which can trigger protective rage, fears of grooming or exploitation, moral shock,…

WHILE reports of missing minors are handled with seriousness, for some entities it can result in a waste of resources when it is found that the children had left home willingly. In December, posts were circulated on various social media platforms about a missing 13-year-old Chatsworth girl. According to the reports at the time, it was alleged that she had left with a 25-year-old man, who was believed to be a tenant at her family home. The teen was found a week later in Phoenix by members of the private security company, Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa). A criminal case was not opened. Denzil Govender, the director of Ground Z3ro Search & Rescue, said this was one of many cases they received of missing minors. “It happens frequently enough that…

“The world is not just watching India, the world is betting on Delhi,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During my visit to India last year, I noticed its impressive progress in growth and infrastructure. By surpassing Japan in nominal GDP to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, India has established itself as a significant global economic force. With an economy exceeding $4 trillion and projections indicating it could soon surpass Germany, India’s growth demands attention from both advanced economies and developing nations like South Africa, which face their own growth challenges. This achievement did not happen overnight, and was sustained despite sanctions and tariffs that have affected much of the global economy. India’s economic transformation is the result of sustained structural reforms, strategic investments, and demographic advantages. Over the past decade,…

THIS season, Connor Esterhuizen has come into his own, scoring big runs across the formats and showing maturity while doing it. The 24-year-old has always been earmarked as one to watch for the future because of his explosive game in the shorter formats of the game. Last season, when he played a key role in MI Cape Town winning the third edition of the SA20, he lived up to those expectations, especially since he had the big shoes of Nicholas Pooran to fill as a first choice wicket-keeper batter. This season, the right-hander has taken his game up a notch, smashing big scores domestically for the Lions including a double century and a couple of centuries in the first-class cricket, showing his class and what he can achieve in the…

FORMER Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn described is as “weird” and “strange” that fast bowler Ottneil Baartman did not make the ICC T20 World Cup squad, despite being the leading wicket-taker in the SA20. Baartman was a key player for South Africa in the previous edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, as he bowled a total of 19 overs in the five games he played, meaning it was only in one game that he didn’t go through his allotted four overs in a match. The right-arm quick returned an economy rate of 4.94 runs per over, an almost unheard of rate in the shortest format of the game. In the SA20, he is one of two bowlers that have crossed the 50 wickets mark, alongside Marco Jansen who has…

The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) dedication to adequately support its national team, Bafana Bafana, has come under intense scrutiny. logistical oversights ahead of Sunday’s AFCON match against Cameroon left coach Hugo Broos frustrated. Broos raised concerns about the team’s preparations just before the pivotal game. In a candid address at the pre-match press conference, Broos did not mince his words regarding the team’s training arrangements in Rabat. The training facilities, located more than 45 minutes away from their accommodations, required a taxing 90-minute round trip. This substantial commute significantly reduced the time for essential training. “This is not ideal,” stated Broos, passionately highlighting the potential negative impact such delays could have on the players’ performance in high-pressure situations. Broos’ candid remarks raised eyebrows within the Confederation of African Football…

KOLLYWOOD will be quite busy in 2026, producing many highly-anticipated Tamil movies featuring big name stars for its myriads faithful fans. Heading the list is Jana Nayagan starring Thalapathi Vijay in his final movie before he becomes a full-time politician. Director H Vinoth helms this big budget political thriller with an ensemble cast featuring some big names in the industry, including Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol. Rumour has it that there will be mind-blowing action sequences. The film is sheduled to release this week. Another movie that will release mid-January is the Sivakarthikeyan film, Parasakthi. It's a political historical drama directed by ace female director Sudha Kongara. The film is based on the real-life anti-Hindi tensions in Tamil Nadu in 1965. The movie has generated a buzz for its subject…

10 – 12 taco shells (store bought) frilly lettuce leaves – optional olive oil 1 cup (250ml) black beans boiled until soft, and drained (keep the liquid) 1 small red onion, finely sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 tbs – 2 tbs (15ml – 30ml) taco seasoning (*see the note below if you do not have this) 1 medium tomato, diced 1 tsp (5ml) salt, add more or less 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted Heat the oil in a pot. Add the onions and cook for a minute. Add the garlic and cook for a few seconds. Now add the taco seasoning and stir. Next add the tomatoes and mix to incorporate the spices. Add a bit of water, about 30ml, to deglaze and cook until the tomatoes…

RESIDENTS of Castlehill in Newlands West say they are at their wits’ end after facing ongoing, unannounced water disruptions since the beginning of December – leaving many scrambling for water late into the night and early hours of the morning. The water cuts, which occur in the evenings and last until early morning, have affected daily life. Pensioners say the disruptions have turned their lives upside down, forcing them to adjust basic routines around bathing, sanitation and religious practices. Saber Ahmed Jazbhay, 73, a retired legal professional, said complaints to the eThekwini Municipality had led nowhere. “I have been complaining to the municipality for many weeks now with no avail. Every time I send an SMS, it just says ‘in progress’. The worst part is that I now have issues…

AT the age of 55, retired Richmond resident Ricky Jugree is emerging as a custodian of his family’s history, that stretches back to indentured Indian migration to colonial Natal in 1897. Through meticulous research and storytelling, this father of two is ensuring that his family’s journey, one deeply intertwined with the development of KwaZulu-Natal, will not be lost to time. Jugree, a community and crime activist, created The Richmond Community Facebook page, which has about 40 000 members, and serves as the founder and executive member of the Richmond Neighborhood Watch. He said in tracing his family roots, the availability of precise indenture numbers would allow descendants today to trace ship manifests, which often included village origins and physical descriptions. “Digital archiving is essential. These records help us reclaim identities…

WE HAVE just watched something shocking. As we begin 2026, American forces have bombed Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolás Maduro Moros. This was not random. It follows a year where the US, under President Donald Trump, bombed seven other countries. They have returned to a brutal old habit: using force to topple governments they don’t like. The White House said it wanted to stop drug trafficking. But that story collapses immediately. America’s own drug agencies don’t even list Venezuela as a source for drugs entering the US. Even US politicians admit they weren’t properly briefed. If the public reason is a clear lie, we must ask what the real reasons are. The truth is about oil, power and punishment. First, oil. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves on Earth.…

FROM playing an active role in the fight against apartheid to becoming a teacher and later serving his community, Thayalan Reddy has made a profound impact in the lives of others over the past several decades. The 86-year-old, of Glen Hills in Durban North, is one of the eight trailblazers, who shared their stories in the book, Reflective Memories – Voices of Indentured Labourer Descendants – South Africans born between 1935 and 1955, Volume Two. Childhood Reddy, the third eldest of six children, was born in Sea Cow Lake on August 26, 1939. His paternal and maternal grandparents, who hailed from Vellore in Tamil Nadu, South India, worked as indentured labourers on sugar estates in South Africa. His paternal grandfather lived and worked in Esparanza, and his maternal grandfather in…

INTERNATIONAL hypertension authority, Professor YK Seedat, described by his colleagues as “an intellectual giant in the field of medicine”, has passed away in Durban at the age of 92. The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Emeritus Professor in Medicine will be best remembered for his deep humility; his distinguished role in shaping medical academia; a mind that retained and retrieved with astonishing clarity; and thinking unclouded by bias, guided instead by openness and clarity. Described as a doyen of medicine in practice and academia, Seedat’s research on hypertension and renal medicine spans 400 articles, 41 chapters in books and over 350 lectures at international level and in national congresses. He made a notable contribution to studies in hypertension (high blood pressure) prevention and control in sub-Saharan Africa. Seedat stressed hypertension was more…

Australia stand-in skipper Steve Smith reflected on his 37th Test hundred after posting a score of 129 not out at the end of Day 3, and credited his home venue, Sydney Cricket Ground, for becoming the second batter on the all-time list of Ashes Test runs with 3663, only behind the legendary Don Bradman (5028). Smith brought up his 100 after running three off a shot to fine leg off the bowling of Jacob Bethell. This was Smith's 13th Ashes ton, with only Bradman (19) producing more. It also marked Smith's first ton of this series. “I just love batting here. Obviously, it's my home deck. I know the ground really well, (and) when I get in here, I really like batting here. “The pace of the wicket sort of…

Eddie Howe said yesteday that he is "100 percent" committed to Newcastle as he dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant Manchester United manager's job. Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday after 14 months in charge at Old Trafford after an explosive post-match interview following his team's 1-1 draw at Leeds. Newcastle boss Howe has been touted as a possible permanent replacement for the Portuguese boss. He was also linked to the Chelsea job after the departure last week of Enzo Maresca, who has since been replaced by Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior. The 48-year-old Howe was asked by reporters on Tuesday whether anything could tempt him away from St James' Park. "No, not at this current time," he said on the eve of his team's home match against Leeds. "The…

Letting experienced striker Tshegofatso Mabasa leave would be a costly self-inflicted setback for Orlando Pirates, potentially derailing their pursuit of silverware in the seasons ahead. Mabasa has entered the final six months of his contract, which expires at the end of June, allowing him the freedom to engage in talks with other clubs and explore potential moves. With his future uncertain, Pirates face a crucial decision: retain one of their most proven strikers or risk leaving a gap that could prove difficult to fill, particularly given his experience in a team competing on multiple fronts. The Buccaneers were among the busiest clubs during the season-opening transfer window, making over 10 signings. Coupled with tactical adjustments, these changes have helped forge a fluid and energetic style of play, allowing the Soweto…

We’re at the halfway point of the English Premier League season and the only wobble coming from league leaders Arsenal is in the leftover jelly from one festive meal too many. While their rivals trip over banana skins of their own making, Arsenal have turned what is traditionally their most joyless stretch of the season into something that looks suspiciously like an early title parade. The open-topped buses haven’t been booked quite yet, but the champagne is definitely chilling somewhere in north London. January was once Arsenal’s bogey month, the graveyard of seasons when hope quietly slipped away. Now, it’s becoming their power play – a chance to grind away results and pull clear while everyone else looks for excuses. Six points clear, to be precise. They are quietly dismantling…

1996 Bafana Bafana AFCON-winning squad member Roger De Sa has weighed in on the team’s run at the ongoing continental showpiece, diverting from “popular opinion”. Bafana were eliminated from the event in the Last 16 on Sunday night after losing 2–1 to Cameroon at the Agdal Medina Stadium in Rabat. That result stung for the team and their supporters as they arrived at the event full of confidence that they would emulate the ’96 class and surpass their third-place finish from the last edition in Ivory Coast. After all, Hugo Broos and his men had done well in the past few months following the event in Ivory Coast, qualifying for AFCON without a loss and automatically securing their ticket to the World Cup finals in June for the first time…

Aries (March 21 –April 19) This is your year to ignite. Confidence is high, but patience is your secret weapon. Dare to lead, but remember, bridges are not meant to burn. The Aries who moves wisely wins every single time. You have everything you need within you to make bold moves while keeping your integrity intact. The universe is cheering for your courage and initiative. Stay open to mentorship and guidance; collaboration can amplify your success. Remember, it’s more than just starting it’s about sustaining momentum. Every choice you make now plants a seed for growth. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) 2026 is asking you to get comfortable being uncomfortable. This is about rebranding your life, finances, identity, and even how you see yourself. Big financial moves or…

300g – 400g tofu boiling water 1 tbs (15ml) fine salt Marinade: ¼ tsp liquid smoke 1 tbs (15ml) soy sauce 3 tbs (15ml) water Mix the ingredients together. BBQ sauce: ½ cup (125ml) BBQ sauce 3 tbs (45ml) tomato sauce ½ tsp black strap molasses 2-3 tsp agave or sweetener of your choice or 1 tbs (15ml) brown sugar 1 tsp (5ml) mild Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Red cabbage and carrot slaw: 2 cups finely-sliced red cabbage 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely sliced 3 tbs (45ml) grape vinegar or lemon juice ½ tbs (2.5ml) agave salt to season Additional ingredients: 2 sesame seed buns lettuce of your choice mayonnaise (optional) onion, sliced…

1½ cups (375ml) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 sheets nori, finely chopped or torn into small pieces ¼ cup (60ml) pickled gherkins, diced 2 tbs (30ml) fresh lemon juice 10 capers, diced ¼ cup (60ml) diced small red onion ½ cup (125ml) vegan mayo ½ tsp – 1 tsp (2.5ml – 5ml) salt to taste a few grinds black pepper Roughly mash the chickpeas with a fork. Then mix all the above ingredients in a bowl. You will also need: bread squares, lettuce, and large tomatoes, sliced. Add some lettuce on a bread square followed by a slice of tomato. Add a generous amount of chickpea tuna. Add another slice of tomato followed by lettuce and top with another slice of square bread.…

POLITICAL leaders have called out a former airline employee for “racist remarks” about Indian people, which was captured in a video circulating on social media. l Haniff Hoosen, the DA’s mayoral candidate for eThekwini, said this type of racial outbursts, which are “becoming more prevalent”, must be rejected and exposed. “We strongly condemn the racist remarks made in the video circulating online. There is no place for hate speech of any kind in our country. Our diversity is our greatest strength and we must stand together against all forms of racism, whether directed at black, Indian, white or coloured South Africans. We urge leaders and residents alike to reject division and work toward building a respectful, united community. “We recognise that the large majority of South Africans want to live…

THE BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in North Riding, Johannesburg, marked a major cultural and civic milestone on Sunday with the consecration of a bronze image of Shri Nilkanth Varni, a late 18th century Yogi and spiritual luminary in a variation of the Yogic posture known as Vrikshasana. Cast primarily in copper and brass, weighing about 20 tons, and over 12m in height, the statue is poised on a single leg. The posture reflects yogic discipline and mental focus, expressing steadiness amid complexity and pressure. Shri Nilkanth Varni represents the teenage pilgrimage of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who at the age of 11 embarked on a seven-year journey covering over 12 000km across the Indian subcontinent. Living with minimal possessions, he dedicated himself to learning, dialogue, physical discipline and service to…

THE Palestinian people are living through one of the most catastrophic horrors of recent history, an event that will be remembered in history books with shame. Israel has just decided to make it worse by barring more than 30 critical aid groups from operating in Gaza which will leave people trapped without food and medicine, exacerbating starvation. The genocide in Gaza is not only carried out through bombs, bullets and bulldozers. It is also executed through paperwork, border controls, and the deliberate denial of food, water, medicine and shelter. Israel’s systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid is not a secondary failure or an unfortunate by-product of war. It is a central pillar of a policy designed to destroy Palestinian life in Gaza. Even under the guise of a so-called ceasefire, Israel…

LAST year was punctuated by a strong rand, falling interest rates, record highs on the stock market, gold and other precious metals. Could this fairy tale conclusion continue into the new year? As we navigate the first week of 2026, the global and domestic economic landscapes present a paradox of “green shoots” fighting against a collective of structural and geopolitical risks, with Venezuela added to the troubles in Ukraine and the Middle East. For the first time in a decade, South Africa is no longer the “sick man” of emerging markets. Yet, the global stage upon which we trade is becoming increasingly fragmented and unpredictable. The South African outlook: a structural renaissance? For years, the South African story was one of “unrealised potential” strangled by energy deficits and logistical…

Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday the little-known Liam Rosenior will be their new head coach on a six-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Enzo Maresca. The 41-year-old Englishman told a press conference earlier in the day at Ligue 1 club Strasbourg he had "verbally agreed" on the move to Stamford Bridge. The Premier League club announced Rosenior had signed a deal until 2032. “I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club," he said in a statement on Chelsea's website. “This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies. “My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies.” Rosenior has just three years' experience as a…

While the Africa Cup of Nations gathers momentum with Africa’s finest going head-to-head for continental supremacy, the start of the new year has also brought the Betway Premiership tantalisingly close to resumption, especially with Bafana Bafana getting knocked out in the Last 16 on Sunday. Business has not been as usual this season. This campaign carries a distinct energy, with a simmering battle emerging between the country’s two standout giants, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. The pair are set for more than a mere stare-down; they could once again clash head-on in a fight for the league title. Sundowns remain the undisputed champions, chasing a record-extending ninth consecutive league crown, while Pirates are determined to end a 13-year title drought, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this season’s heavyweight…

South African Moto3 rider Ruche Moodley is looking forward to a smooth 2026 season after navigating a challenging debut campaign. Riding for BOE Motorsports, Moodley became the third South African in the paddock, joining Darryn and Brad Binder in other MotoGP classes. The Gqeberha-born rider not only became the third South African on the world stage but also made history as the first rider of colour from South Africa—and indeed from the entire continent—to compete at this level. He scored 14 points over the season and finished 27th, enduring a stop-start campaign disrupted by injuries that tested both his focus and determination. Despite the setbacks, the 19-year-old has had his contract extended with the Spanish outfit and remains confident about what lies ahead. “The injuries were not ideal, especially in…

IT still hurts, and will probably do so for some time. But such is the nature of Bafana Bafana’s early elimination from AFCON that it could very well be a silver lining for clubs. Bafana exited the continental showpiece after losing 2–1 to Cameroon in the last 16 at Agdal Medina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night. That defeat all but signalled how disappointing the South Africans had been since the start of the tournament. They failed to punish the Indomitable Lions in the first 20 minutes on three occasions, before ultimately conceding on the stroke of half-time and immediately after the restart - the fact that Evidence Makgopa scored two minutes before regulation time notwithstanding. Indications that they might struggle as the tournament progressed didn’t start there. They were…

Australian Open tournament organisers announced a record AUD 111.5 million (R1.2 billion) prize money pool yesterday, the largest in the tournament’s history. The prize money pool saw a 16 per cent increase on last year prize money of 96.5 million Australian dollars (+R1 billion). The winners of the men’s and women’s singles at the season-opening Grand Slam will each receive AUD 2.79 million (R30.7 million), marking a 19 per cent rise from last year’s AUD 2.35 million (R25.9 million). The runner-up will earn AUD 2.15 million (R23.7 million) and the semi-finalists AUD 1.25 million (R13.8 million) each. Qualifying rounds are up by 16 per cent, and all singles and doubles players will receive a minimum of a 10 per cent increase. Players exiting in the first round of the main…

BAFANA Bafana midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng says South Africa’s round-of-16 exit at the Africa Cup of Nations has provided him with important lessons as his international journey continues. As the tournament enters its business end—where Africa’s top sides are battling for continental supremacy—Hugo Broos and his squad will be observing from afar, having missed out on a significant opportunity to further build on what has been a largely encouraging period for the national team. With their next competitive assignment only coming later this year at the Fifa World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Bafana Bafana now face a lengthy wait, relying solely on international friendlies to prepare for the global showpiece. There is optimism that the disappointment suffered at AFCON will serve as…