Latest news with #Pillay
IOL News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Uncertainty over sports field development irks Phoenix residents
Phoenix residents held a placard protest on the Eastbury recreational grounds seeking clarity on whether a housing complex will be built after a bulldozer was seen clearing the ground. Image: KZN VIP Protection Services Phoenix residents held a placard protest on the Eastbury recreational grounds seeking clarity on whether a housing complex will be built after a bulldozer was seen clearing the ground. Democratic Alliance eThekwini ward 49 Councillor Tino Pillay said there was no development taking place and that a private individual was clearing the vegetation alongside the sports field. This was on the basis of creating additional parking bays because he had applied for an informal trade permit at the grounds. "People assumed that he was a developer and he was clearing the place for a development. All this drama taking place currently with the protest is basically irrelevant and there is no development taking place on the grounds," Pillay said. Pillay shared a document from Woodglaze Trading manager Pravashkumar Inderjeeth which stated that they had not consented for anyone to clear the vegetation from the grounds. "We immediately informed them to cease all activities with immediate effect and refrain from trespassing on the property, failing which we will seek legal action. We have no intention of developing the Eastbury sports field for housing," Inderjeeth stated. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Pillay further advised that in this financial year the municipality is expected to transfer all Phoenix sports fields to the Parks Department and for them to be rezoned. "There is no proof, nor did any member of the community contact me for clarity. If they had given me a courtesy call I would have advised them accordingly and prevented an escalation of false narratives," Pillay said. Cyril Xaba, the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, stated that all parcels of land earmarked for development under the Phoenix Infill Housing project are zoned special residential areas and fall under the Human Settlements Unit. However, Xaba stated, some of these sites were used as parks, playgrounds and sport fields. 'Realising that, Human Settlements engaged its planners and the sites were reallocated back to Parks and Recreation Unit. To that effect, a council resolution was passed to keep them as open public spaces,' Xaba said. This was done in consultation with relevant stakeholders like the South African Football Association Phoenix (SAFA), Xaba said, adding that the process entails subdividing and rezoning of the affected sites which will be carried out in the next financial year as it has financial implications. 'The suggestion or allegations that these sites have been given back to Human Settlements developers are incorrect and misleading. We want to assure the community that the municipality has not reneged on the council resolution to hand over some of these sites to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit as open public spaces and sport fields,' Xaba said.
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Retiring cop plans to take a Shotleft
CAPTIVATED by the authority wielded by police officers and eventually enlisting, a retiring SAPS member who has served the public for just over 40 years to ensure they are safe and secure, said now it is time to rest and to take a Shotleft around the country. A decorated officer with numerous awards from different police stations he has worked in, Pinetown SAPS Detective Warrant Officer Asogan 'Ravi' Pillay said a childhood encounter with police officers inspired him to commit to the pursuit of being 'like them' and this triggered a colourful crime fighting career with varied experiences, memorable moments – some emotionally taxing – and coming face to face with life threatening confrontations. Despite the dire state of affairs he said prevails in society, such as the proliferation of firearms, brutal killings, a lack of respect for the law and loopholes in the criminal justice system which at times benefit accused persons, Pillay is of the view that 'cops work hard to investigate criminal conduct which endangers South Africans and to bring perpetrators to justice'. The conviction of an accused was a source of fulfilment for Pillay, who cited a 25-year sentence for suspects he and a colleague, Venter Mhlongo, secured some years ago. Following a car chase in Pinetown they retrieved two firearms from the suspects and through investigations learnt that they had been involved in a cash-in-transit heist. Other unforgettable moments for Pillay, some not so glorious, include a gruesome train accident in Thornwood which claimed over 80 lives; a fraud case he investigated which culminated in a 10-year sentence; and more recently, the 2022 April floods, which he said took an emotional toll on him. Also read: WATCH: Heartwarming tribute for Pinetown SAPS station commander 'Forty-six people passed away, eight had gone missing,' said Pillay as he recalled the tragic floods. He continued, 'It was a mission; it was hectic. The families were calling and it was emotional.' He said the uncertainty of when one might draw their last breath, considering the increased risk of being in the line of fire while on duty, was stabilised by colleagues and his wife whom he said 'played a big role'. 'They had my back and I had their backs,' said Pillay, explaining that the invaluable SAPS training proved vital during crucial moments. The work, he said, at times involved long hours of tracing and pursuing suspects, but it all had an impact. Pillay thanked the SAPS for putting food on his table, a roof over his head and for providing education for him and his family. 'So now it is time to close the doors and put the lights off,' saluted Pillay, whose last day on duty will be at the end of May. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
AsiaOne
4 days ago
- Sport
- AsiaOne
'He doesn't see the age gap': How a 93-year-old with vision loss and a 61-year-old bonded over bowling , Singapore News
At 93, not many people will want to spend time in a bowling alley, let alone play the game. But William Thong is different. He may be just seven years away from the century mark, but his passion for the game not just keeps him active — the sport helped him find a friend for life. Not many bowlers wanted to play with Thong because of his age, but when Alfred George Pillay, 61, stepped in, it began what is now a lasting friendship. It started when Thong requested Pillay to play with him during a Fun Bowl competition eight years ago. "After we got the pairing, we haven't been separated since," Pillay, an emcee, told AsiaOne. Now they meet up at Starbowl bowling alley in Bukit Batok about three to four times a week. When AsiaOne visited them on Tuesday morning (May 27), they were bowling side by side. Pillay added that a lot of senior bowlers did not want to play with Thong as he moved slower due to age. A glaucoma diagnosis about 25 years ago meant that Thong lost the vision in his right eye. He can still see with his left eye but his vision is not fully intact. "The dimension is not dimensional one," Thong said, as he has to estimate where to aim the ball, but that has not curbed his enthusiasm. With a few confident steps, Thong tosses the ball and it slowly but surely strikes all 10 pins, earning him a high-five from Pillay. Pillay added that Thong has beaten him in a few games. "I still bowl with one leg," Thong said. A feat, since most seniors play with both feet on the ground for balance. "He (Pillay) doesn't see the age gap," Thong said. "He's very good." Friends within and beyond the bowling alley When they meet, they usually bowl together from 10am until noon. In the past, Thong's wife used to accompany him to the bowling alley but now she is confined to their home due to dementia. Pillay recalled Thong's wife saying: "Do you know he bowls better when you are around? If not, he's very bo chap (indifferent)". "So, whenever I'm available I will come and support him," Pillay said. After their bowling sessions, the duo sometimes enjoys a cup of teh tarik before Pillay sends Thong home to Chua Chu Kang. As Thong likes to sing, the duo sings church hymns together on the way home. During one of their conversations, Thong confided in Pillay, saying, "All my friends have passed away." For Thong's birthday party in 2024, Pillay recalled Thong's daughter telling him: "You are the only friend invited." While Pillay could not attend due to food poisoning, he remembers having lunch with Thong one day in 2022 when the latter suddenly said: "It's my birthday." Gaining online attention In February, Pillay started posting TikTok videos of Thong bowling, as the latter enjoys watching videos of himself in action. The most popular video has garnered over 74,000 views as at May 27 and bowlers have started following his page, according to Pillay. "Please represent Singapore," one netizen said. "Uncle power!" another commenter wrote. @alfredgeorgepillay Maybe the oldest active bowler in the World #bowling #lovelife #inspireothers ♬ It's Amazing - DeeDee Chipmunk When asked about his TikTok videos, Thong happily opened his phone and started scrolling through Pillay's page. Said Pillay: "He doesn't stop. He keeps looking at them every day." "I mean, as long as he's happy. Life is very short." Thong's online fame has also translated into real life, as young bowlers greet him affectionately as Uncle Thong and often stop to watch him play. On Wednesday (May 28), Thong plans to take part in the senior Fun Bowl competition at Starbowl bowling alley. His friend will not be there to support him due to work commitments, but Pillay says he plans to sign Thong up for the senior category in the Singapore Bowling Open in September. At 93, Thong will likely be the oldest contestant. "We must inspire before we expire," Pillay said. [[nid:713335]]
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Hikes unite communities for autism awareness
The Be The BEST Version of YOURSELF (BTBVOY) Foundation recently hosted a 'hike for inclusion' for autism awareness, with events held simultaneously on April 26 at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Johannesburg and Paradise Valley Nature Reserve in Durban. The day brought together families, children, educators, and organisations to highlight the importance of autism inclusion and acceptance. Both cities experienced a vibrant community spirit, heartfelt conversations, and a collective commitment to creating more inclusive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. Nolan Pillay, founder of the BTBVOY Foundation, acknowledged the overwhelming love and support shown by every individual and family involved. 'This event was more than a hike; it was a walk of awareness, empathy, and unity,' said Pillay. Miya Nomkhosi from the Department of Community Safety said, 'The Autism Awareness Hike for Inclusion has been both thought-provoking and heartwarming for us as a department. 'Attending this hike with the BTBVOY foundation reminded us to be kind to humanity and showed us the power of doing good collectively. We look forward to collaborating with the foundation and supporting their empowerment programmes.' Pillay also thanked the mothers who attended and the autism experts, Connie, Nimmi, and Devina, who courageously shared their personal journeys. 'Their insights helped deepen participants' understanding and sparked meaningful conversations about the need for greater awareness and support. 'The foundation thanked its sponsors, donors, and partners who made these events possible,' Pillay added. In Johannesburg, they thanked Tony Naidoo (Overnight Logistics), Magid, Rev Collision, Shoba (PepsiCo), Miya (Department of Community Safety), Pick n Pay Sheridan Centre, and StraightTalkWithNolan. In Durban, they thanked Aquelle, Country Bake, Bhavna Singh, Nurturing Minds, Girls and Boys Town, and the Durban Organising Committee. To support the work of the foundation, visit Also Read: Join the Hike for Inclusion on Saturday Also Read: WATCH: Farrarmere resident will again conquer Kilimanjaro for a great cause At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Dalview teen helps power SA to gold at World Athletics relays
Leendert Koekemoer's maturity that helped South Africa win the men's 4x400m gold medal at the World Athletics (WA) Relay Championships in China was replaced by a youthful exuberance when the national relay teams touched down at OR Tambo International Airport on May 14. The 400m sensation and his teammates were welcomed with fanfare after the men's 4×100 m and 4x400m clinched gold medals. The women's 4×400 m got a bronze, as South Africa ended the competition at the top of the medal standings. The 18-year-old will jet off to Tokyo for the WA Championships in September after the teams qualified for the competition. Koekemoer shone in the final with a blistering third leg. Botswana had a slight advantage over South Africa when he received the baton. He found his footing, running the second fastest split of 44.23 to finish strongly to give anchor, Zakithi Nene, the easy job of securing the gold. 'It was fantastic. I did not go to the relays to run a fast time. I just wanted to give the baton to Zakithi first. The time came by itself. I did not realise it until the end,' he said. Sharing his experience as the youngest member in the team, the Dalview resident thanked his seniors for taking him in and showing him the ropes. 'I had a wonderful experience. It was my first time out of the country. All the senior guys helped me. They invited me in. They helped me with this and that. It was a pleasant experience.' Koekemoer first showed glimpses of his potential two years ago when he won the national U18 400m title in 46.38. However, injuries affected his progress last year. He returned strong this year, starting with a blistering 45.96 at the Wildeklawer TUT Top 14 in January, dipping under 46 seconds for the first time. ALSO CHECK: Help fight hunger by supporting Rata food drive He has since broken the 46-second barrier three more times, including breaking the SA U20 record when he ran 45.03 at the ASA senior track and field championships in Pochefstroom last month, smashing Riaan Dempers' 31-year-old record. Growing up in Brakpan, the Helpmekaar Kollege matriculant never envisaged he would enjoy so much success in the sport he loves this early in his career. 'I always wanted to run, but did not know I could run this well. If not for my parents, coach Lindi du Plessis and training partner Lythe Pillay, I would not be here. I want to keep my head in the game. The 400m is a very mental race. You must know the lactic will come at the end,' Koekemoer. Pillay, a former national 400m champion from Brentwood Park, is a role model for Koekemoer, who described Pillay's significant influence on his career. 'I started training with Lythe when I was in Grade Eight. I have been with him my whole career. I trained every 400m session with him. If not for him pushing me, I would not be here. He is a role model and someone you can look up to.' ALSO CHECK: Verdwaalde hond vind na dae in die strate sy pad terug huis toe At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
