Post Wednesday, August 12, 2020

‘WE SURVIVED COVID DEATH’ SA wins the battle but the war continues NADIA KHAN, CHANELLE LUTCHMAN AND THANDEKA MGQIBI WHILE the number of Covid-19 infections are falling countrywide, there are fears the worst is yet to come for KwaZulu-Natal – eThekwini in particular. In the past week, the number of new infections has shown a decrease nationally. But, during a visit to the province last week, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize warned KZN could become the epicentre of the disease. He said while infections in KZN were climbing, they were falling in the Western Cape and Gauteng. This week, eThekwini Municipality mayor Mxolisi Kaunda warned the city was the epicentre of the epidemic in the province. He expected an upsurge in new infections in the coming weeks. “Let us continue to…

‘Out of the blue the virus turned my life upside down’ ANNIE DORASAMY THURSDAY, 7.45am and I’m in bed being awoken by my 4-year-old. The painkillers I took the night before did nothing to ease the headache or the body pain. Besides feeling like I’ve been run over by an 18-wheeler, I’m freezing even though I’m under the covers. Maybe it’s a cold, flu, even fatigue? I usually tend to wait it out a few days before rushing to a surgery, in the hope that I’ll feel better. But not this morning, I should go to the doctor. Even though the only symptom is pain, there’s no protest between my gut and my brain that I have to check it out. I tell hubby I’m not feeling well. His response…

How entry-level vehicles fared in safety report JANINE MOODLEY IF YOU drive a French-manufactured Peugeot 108, you are considered to be driving the safest entry-level vehicle in the country. If you drive a Chinese-manufactured Changan Star III SC STD, you are in the least safest vehicle. This is according to the AA’s latest Entry-Level Vehicle Safety Report, conducted to highlight vehicle-safety features at a time when many people are looking to downsize their vehicles. “The current socio-economic outlook remains negative reflecting the same, if not a heavier, burden to South African consumers in 2020 than in previous years,” the AA said. “Compounding the situation further is the current global Covid-19 pandemic. For this reason, the entry-level vehicle market remains one of the most competitive, as motorists seek more affordable driving…

‘Liquid gold’ oils future plans KZN woman tells of journey from corporate Germany to making prize-winning SA olive oil THANDEKA MGQIBI Supplied VENISHREE Mayer is the first Indian South African woman to produce extra virgin olive oil. From humble beginnings in the small sugar cane village of Darnall in the Ilembe District, Mayer is now a multi-award-winning oil producer and the owner of Fraaigelegen Farm in the Cape Winelands. Her brand, Adhara Evoo premium extra virgin olive oil, was launched in 2018 and has won an award from the South Africa Olive Association. She said winning the award felt like a stamp of approval. “Being the first Indian woman in South Africa to be actively involved in the industry is groundbreaking,” said Mayer. She said she was acutely aware of…

Who will be the next AG? Here are the candidates CHANELLE LUTCHMAN SEVEN candidates have been shortlisted to replace Thembekile Kimi Makwetu who is preparing to vacate his position as South Africa’s auditor-general (AG). Makwetu has been the auditor-general since 2013. His term will end in November. From 71 applications, Parliament’s ad hoc committee on the appointment of the auditor-general shortlisted seven candidates last week. They are: Tsakani Maluleke: She is a qualified chartered accountant and joined the auditor-general’s office in 2012. Maluleke is the deputy auditor-general and serves as a non-executive chairperson of the board of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. She has more than 20 years of experience in both the private and public sector, having worked at Deloitte, Izingwe Holdings and the Energy and Water…

Court to decide on fate of man’s ashes JANINE MOODLEY SIX WEEKS have passed since Rakesh Nana died after contracting Covid-19, and last Thursday his remains were finally cremated. Nana, 40, of Worcester in the Western Cape, died on June 24. His body lay in state after a legal dispute arose between his immediate family and his sister and her children regarding who should perform the last rites according to Hindu customs. The matter was heard in the Western Cape High Court. In terms of health regulations, the body should have been cremated or buried within three days. According to Hindu custom, the disposal of the body should happen as soon as possible after death. Nana was separated from his wife, Praneshvari, for two years and they were finalising their…