Latest news with #SouthAfricanIndian
IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'Bengal Tiger: The Rajbansi Story', a captivating documentary on South Africa's political icon, is set to release in October
"The Bengal Tiger" will be out in cinemas from October 3. Image: Supplied. An evocative documentary, set for release in cinemas on October 3, will commemorate the life of the late Amichand Rajbansi, founder of the Minority Front (MF). Co-produced by his wife, Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi and local film-maker, musician and writer Arish Sirkissoon, also known as LX Seth, "Bengal Tiger - The Rajbansi Story" will showcase the legacy of the larger-than-life South African politician. Interviewees on the nearly three-hour-long project include a range of voices from political leaders, historians and journalists to community figures who knew or studied Rajbansi. Some names include deputy minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, public servant and prolific writer Kiru Naidoo, business tycoon Vivian Reddy, as well as Brijlall Ramguthee, former editor of "Post", among many others. "As a filmmaker, I have always been drawn to stories that delve into the complexities of human resilience and leadership. 'Bengal Tiger - The Rajbansi Story' is one such tale, a narrative that transcends political boundaries to illuminate the life of a man who profoundly impacted South Africa's socio-political landscape," shared Sirkissoon. Local film-maker, musician and writer Arish Sirkissoon, also known as LX Seth. Image: Instagram. While Sirkisson never had the opportunity to meet Rajbansi in person, through his research, he has discovered many interesting facts about the man who was fondly known as the "Bengal Tiger". He said Rajbansi was a figure of both admiration and controversy, embodying the struggles and triumphs of a marginalised community during a turbulent era. "I didn't have a negative or positive opinion on him. I didn't know enough about him until I started to do the research. We went so deep into who Mr Rajbansi was, and my opinion now is that he was a man who tried his best at everything. "The decisions he made at particular times in our country are a kind of trajectory with decisions he thought were best for the country and the best for the Indian people." He said that when people watch the documentary, they will see positive things that not many people know about. An example he shared was of Rajbansi, who often travelled around the country, seeing a group of children on the side of the road playing cricket. He stopped the vehicle and gave them R2 000 to buy a kit and upskill themselves. Sirkissoon said: "This documentary is not merely a recounting of his life but a deep exploration of his legacy - what he represented to the South African Indian community during apartheid and what his story means for us today. "Through candid interviews, rare archival footage, and an unflinching lens, the film seeks to present a balanced portrayal of a leader who operated within a deeply flawed system but whose efforts undeniably shaped history," said Sirkissoon. The documentary had been a few years in the making with the filmmaker working closely with Rajbansi's son, Pradhil Thakur Kooblall and his fiancée, Priyanka Nundkumar and Thakur-Rajbansi. Pradhil Thakur Kooblall and Priyanka Nundkumar were killed in a horror crash on the N3 highway in KZN. Image: File.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From gossip to giggles: Vanessa Govender-Tedder explores rural life in 'The Village Indian'
In her latest literary endeavour, 'The Village Indian', Vanessa Govender-Tedder offers a vibrant and insightful glimpse into the enchanting world of small-town life in South Africa. Image: Supplied In her latest literary endeavour, 'The Village Indian', Vanessa Govender-Tedder, bestselling author of 'Beaten but not Broken', offers a vibrant and insightful glimpse into the enchanting world of small-town life in South Africa. Captivating, humorous, and deeply insightful, this new book is not just a narrative but a heartfelt reflection on the unique charm and complexities of living in a close-knit village, contrasting sharply with the hustle and bustle of urban existence. Set against the backdrop of a far-flung village in the South African countryside, Govender-Tedder paints a lively portrait of a community where mixed-race families are a rarity, providing readers with a front-row seat to a lifestyle that is both delightful and occasionally bewildering. The author expertly weaves together personal experiences and observations, revealing the vibrant community spirit that thrives in rural enclaves, where adventure and inspiration often lurk in the most unexpected corners. The book takes readers on a journey through the everyday realities of small-town politics, community gatherings, and the inherent quirks that define village life. With her characteristic wit and insight, Govender-Tedder argues persuasively that these towns are anything but boring. Instead, they pulse with energy, charm, and a sense of connection that many urban dwellers find lacking in the post-lockdown world. Govender-Tedder enchants her audience with her unique version of South African Indian lingo, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and humour to her storytelling. The narrative is infused with hilarious encounters - from run-ins with venomous snakes to the antics of free-range chickens - alongside instances of small-town scams, mischievous rivalries, and audacious political plottings. Captivating, humourous, and deeply insightful, this new book is not just a narrative but a heartfelt reflection on the unique charm and complexities of living in a close-knit village, contrasting sharply with the hustle and bustle of urban existence. Image: Supplied The inspiration behind the book struck when Govender-Tedder and her family first settled into their village. What was expected to be a tranquil retreat quickly transformed into a whirlwind of drama and intrigue. 'The more gossip we heard, sometimes watching village politics and pettifogging from the sidelines, the more the itch became something that could not be ignored,' she explains. The stories that unfolded were, for her, far more exciting than any news piece she had ever covered, giving birth to a narrative filled with affection and absurdity. Govender-Tedder's portrayal of village life defies her initial expectations. 'I will be honest; I expected a rather dull and quiet life. But boy was I thrown for a loop,' she admits. Unlike the anonymity of city living, small-town life under the scrutinising gaze of neighbours exposed her family to the sheer vibrancy of community. This experience showcased that the community could be 'messy, maddening and magical all at once.' As a mixed-race individual in a village environment where she stands out, Govender-Tedder has had to confront not just her identity but also the multifaceted interplay of race and perception. She underscores the importance of acknowledging racial identity without allowing it to become the sole determinant of one's interactions. 'I have learned that not everything is necessarily racism … sometimes we have to accept that some people just behave badly,' she reflects. In her latest literary endeavour, 'The Village Indian', Vanessa Govender-Tedder offers a vibrant and insightful glimpse into the enchanting world of small-town life in South Africa. Image: Supplied In her small-town context, her family has become a symbol of the potential for unity in diversity - a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together. The journey of self-discovery in the village has been both difficult and liberating for Govender-Tedder. Forced into a new identity where her Indianness is on display, she has learned to embrace her culture unapologetically. 'I have to admit moving here has made me fiercely proud and protective of my culture,' she says, highlighting how living in the village has helped solidify her place within the community. Engaging with her family in her writing has its quirks. 'I think they all know me well enough to know I am always going to write about my experiences,' she jokes about her family's reactions to her sharing their lives with the world. Amid light-hearted banter about her husband's desire not to be depicted as too 'white,' and her domestic worker's excitement over her feature in the book, her authentic storytelling reflects the heartbeat of her family life.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Join Kihaan Kylas on his exciting YouTube adventure in China
Kihaan Kylas. Image: Supplied Eight-year-old Kihaan Kylas, with his mother Kashmira, have embarked on a YouTube adventure, sharing their experiences as a South African Indian family living in China. The YouTube channel is called SouthAfricanIndianBoyInChina. Kihaan and his family, who are formerly from Durban, moved to China in 2023. Kashmira's mother, Nirupa Dayaram, joined them. The Grade 2 pupil no longer attends formal school but is homeschooled. This has left him with extra time to make fun videos. Kashmira and her husband, Dhiren, are both ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers. They teach English to pupils whose first language is not English. The couple decided to move to China in search of better opportunities. Kashmira was a property administrator at Maxprop and Dhiren was the Durban regional manager for Hisense. 'Back home, we faced financial difficulties and I just had my second baby Mihaar (aged 2), so moving to China gave us a chance to rebuild, grow and provide a more stable life for our little family. It was not an easy decision but it was one filled with hope to give our children a better future,' said Kashmira. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The family lives in Hainan province, an island, and Kihaan decided to show the rest of the world his daily life as an 8-year-old Indian. 'My son started this channel to share his unique story with the world. As a South African Indian kid living in China, his little life has been filled with interesting experiences that some people never get to see. 'We came up with the idea after our friends and family could not fathom the things that I had been telling them about living here, so I started doing Facebook posts enlightening everybody about our journey here. "My son likes technology, so he knows all about YouTube channels. He suggested doing one, so his old friends in South Africa could see what he had been up to, and I thought it was a good idea and went with it." She said living in China was not easy on the family, so starting the channel helped them stay connected to family in South Africa. 'We are family-oriented. We miss our family and friends like crazy. It breaks our hearts every time that we miss out on a family get-together. If we had the opportunity, we would return to South Africa in a heartbeat. 'Adjusting to a new language, unfamiliar surroundings, being far away from family and friends, and basically starting from scratch made it hard but being able to share my son and our family's everyday lives through videos, makes it fun. "In addition, we hope that this channel teaches people about the beauty of diversity and the power of curiosity. We want it to showcase how cultures can connect and coexist, how children can grow with empathy and open-mindedness, and how being different is something to celebrate." Kihaan stars in the videos, while Kashmira edits them. Kihaan Kylas making his Mother's Day video for the channel. Image: Supplied 'Through my eyes, I try to share what everyday life looks like here in China. From trying new foods and exploring new places, to learning Mandarin, celebrating different cultures and sharing fun family moments,' said Kihaan. He said the channel was a fun family-friendly space that also teaches children to appreciate diversity and enjoy the little things in life. 'People should tune in to my channel to see the world through the eyes of a South African Indian boy growing up in China. It's unique and interesting. I miss South Africa but I'm excited to show my friends and family China,' he added. The pilot video was uploaded last week and even though the channel has 103 subscribers, the video has already reached 3 500 views. New videos will be uploaded every weekend. The POST
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Heritage in hand: Dinosha Bhailall's sparkling journey through symbolic jewellery
Dinosha Bhailall has etched her path in the world of jewellery making, combining cultural richness with modern elegance. Image: Supplied Dinosha Bhailall (nee Ruggnunan), a proud South African Indian woman from Clare Estate, has etched her path in the world of jewellery making, combining cultural richness with modern elegance. At 45, Bhailall reflects on a journey that has intricately woven her identity and heritage into each handmade piece she creates. As a daughter, wife, mother, and passionate creator, her story is a celebration of family values and traditions, now transformed into a thriving enterprise known as Symbolic Creations. Bhailall reflects on her upbringing with gratitude, attributing her creative journey to the teachings of her parents and the supportive framework of her family and cultural heritage. "If you had told the younger me that I'd be creating jewellery as a form of expression and connection, I would have quietly tucked the idea away like a cherished bangle in a jewellery box," she says. Today, however, Bhailall embraces that once-quiet dream, blending her cultural roots with modern aesthetics. For her, Saturday mornings are sacred. Visits to her favourite temples allow her to ground herself, gather clarity, and reflect on her purpose. "Those spaces fill me with calm and creativity," she says. This connection to her faith propels her artistic expression, where every piece of jewellery becomes an offering, imbued with meaning and personal significance. Bhailall's jewellery business is a unique offering that marries cultural richness with modern elegance. The brand has evolved from an initial foray into making charm bracelets during her twenties into a comprehensive collection of jewellery that speaks volumes about heritage. "A little voice inside said: 'Create, connect and celebrate your passion,'" she explains. Dinosha Bhailall's jewellery business is a unique offering that marries cultural richness with modern elegance. Image: Supplied
RNZ News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Indian origin student wins 2025 Race Unity Award
Jordyn Joy Pillay (middle) from Ormiston Senior College in Auckland has been named national champion of this year's Race Unity Speech Awards. Photo: Supplied A Year 12 student South African Indian origin from Ormiston Senior College in Auckland has been named national champion of the 2025 Race Unity Speech Awards. "Being named as the national champion is a huge honour and this has been the biggest achievement in my life," Jordyn Joy Pillay said after the win. "It truly has topped everything I've done so far. Six students from across the country competed in the finals held last weekend at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae in Otara. The awards are a platform for senior high school students nationwide to suggest ideas on how to improve race relations in New Zealand. Following a series of racially motivated attacks in 1997, the Baha'I community and Race Relations Office organised a rally celebrating unity in diversity. This led to the creation of Race Unity Day in 1999, now known as Race Relations Day, which falls on 21 March every year. The Race Unity Speech Awards are held in support of Race Relations Day, with the competition celebrating its 25th year. This year's theme was "The Great Ocean of Diversity", which "really pushed [me] to reflect deeply on how diversity is often spoken about but not always truly lived," Pillay said. "Crafting my speech made me realize that I'm not just speaking for myself, but for others who have felt unseen or unheard. "Taking part in the heats was emotional and empowering ... [it] reminded me that change starts with courage. "I'm fairly new in the country and this is the first time I have competed in a competition so huge." Pillay was also awarded the Tohu Whetumatarau - Ministry for Ethnic Communities Award for Vision. "My vision was to offer tangible and real solutions to make a difference. For example, I proposed a culturally inclusive curriculum, where every lesson weaves in different cultures and histories," Pillay said. Jordyn Joy Pillay and other award recipients at the 2025 Race Unity Speech Awards. Photo: Supplied Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers, chief judge of the awards, said the competition provided a platform for young people to share their thoughts on important societal issues. Zara Oliyath, a Year 12 student from Diocesan School for Girls in Auckland, who hails from Delhi in India, received the Tohu Ahurea Rau - Multicultural NZ Award for Diversity as well as the Tohu Auahatanga - Speech NZ Award for Delivery. "When I was a child in New Delhi, I remember reciting proverbs in class, including ones from my culture in Malayalam," Oliyath said. "One stayed with me: 'Naanathwathil ekathwam', which translates to, 'We have unity in diversity'. It speaks to the power of collective action, of unity built not on sameness but shared purpose." "It was incredibly empowering to meet so many amazing people [through the competition] who are passionate about improving race relations and creating a more inclusive Aotearoa. "It reminded me that I'm part of a wider movement for change, and that's been one of the most inspiring parts of this whole journey." Nick Moss, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of New Zealand, thanked all six finalists, noting the quality of every speech was "extraordinary". "All the speeches aligned with the values we share - the unity of humankind," Moss said.
