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IOL News
13 hours ago
- General
- IOL News
Comrades Marathon: Merebank couple prepare to chase their dreams
AT SCHOOL Ishara Dhanraj could barely run a kilometer but since 2016, all that has changed. She has since completed four Tata Mumbai Marathons and on Sunday, Dhanraj and her husband, Ron Naidoo, will participate in the Comrades Marathon. This will be her fifth run and Naidoo's fourth. She completed two races and Naidoo three. "At this stage, my only aim is to complete the race," said Dhanraj, 51, a sales consultant from Merebank. The couple are members of the Rising Sun Chatsworth Athletic Club. She said she initially started early morning runs alone back in 2016. "I used to get up at around 4.30am and run around the area, the promenade or at the Bluff. I eventually convinced Ron to join me and we subsequently joined the athletic club. "As a child, I enjoyed watching the Comrades Marathon on TV and always aspired to enter. I ran my first race in 2016 in memory of my late father, Dhanraj Sankarparsad. I did not finish the race because I was not fully-prepared. I did not know what to expect but I refused to give up. I returned and completed the Comrades Marathons in 2022 and 2023. "Last year, I could not finish due to a knee injury at the 57 km mark. But here I am again, ready to take on another year." She has also completed four 42.2km Tata Mumbai Marathons - in 2018, 2020, 2022 and in January this year. "I ran the first race in 2018 alone and Ron thereafter joined me. I love that race because the atmosphere is mind-blowing. After every 4km, there is a live band playing along the roadside to spur you on. For every race completed you get a double medal - one for finishing and the other is an inspiration medal. "The Comrades Marathon presents a new challenge. It's a gruelling 89km. Running this race is a mind game. You need to be mentally strong and tough. That is where the challenge lies." Naidoo, 56, said: "I used to gym but Ishara eventually convinced me to join her on her runs, which progressed to the Comrades Marathon. My first Comrades was in 2022 and I completed all three since then. My best time was in 2023. I completed the race in 11 hours and 22 minutes. This Sunday, I hope to finish the race in under 11 hours." He said with a few days left to the ultra event, they were carbo loading on pastas and potatoes. "This week, there are no long runs. We can walk about but we are saving our legs for race day." Naidoo said their friends will be cheering them. THE POST
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Pensioner wins R12 million Lotto Plus 2 jackpot, plans to retire by the coast
A pensioner has claimed the R12 million Lotto Plus 2 jackpot, bringing hope for better healthcare and a peaceful retirement by the coast. The lucky winner's ticket was purchased through a banking app with a R20 wager, using the Quick Pick selection method on Wednesday, April 30, draw number 2537. He said he was over the moon when he discovered he had won, but above all, he was deeply relieved. 'My wife and I have been facing significant medical challenges, and the financial burden has been overwhelming. Now, we'll finally be able to access the quality care we need. This win couldn't have come at a better time,' he said. The winner explained that he first shared the news of his multimillion-rand win with his wife, and later with their son, who has been caring for them selflessly. 'My wife was completely thrilled, and my son, who has been looking after us with such grace, driving us to all our medical appointments willingly, was just so relieved that we will finally be able to afford better health care.' Elaborating on how he planned to spend his winnings, he added: 'We are packing our bags and moving to the coast to spend the rest of our retirement there. I am so grateful that we will spend the golden years of our lives in peace and tranquility." Charmaine Mabuza, the CEO of Ituba, the operator of the National Lottery, shared her sentiments on the winner's story, saying: 'This winner's story is very heartwarming. All National Lottery participants have their one big reason why they play. For this winner, he wanted to enjoy his golden years in peace without worrying about the basics. We are so glad that the Lotto Plus 2 jackpot will help him achieve that,' said Mabuza. THE POST
IOL News
14-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Raaiqhah Akoo: a trailblazer in law with Summa Cum Laude honours
Raaiqhah Akoo, a 22-year-old law graduate from Verulam, has achieved remarkable academic success, including 12 Certificates of Merit and the Anand Nepaul Prize. She shares her journey, the challenges of studying law, and her aspirations to become an international attorney. Top law achiever graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, Summa Cum Laude, after receiving 12 Certificates of Merit, eight Dean's Commendations, and the Anand Nepaul Prize for Best Criminal Law Student. Akoo was also awarded UKZN Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The 22-year-old, from Verulam, said she always knew she was meant to study law. 'From a young age, something always drew me to law. I appreciate the kind of power that law has. It is found in every aspect of life, especially since it can be used as a way to make a real difference in people's lives. I used to be on the debate team in school, and I always loved arguing and debating issues. My parents always said I was their lawyer." Akoo is the first and only law graduate in her family. 'So far, I'm the only one in the law field. My brother and parents chose different paths, while I always knew my destiny was law.' She said studying a law degree was not easy but she loved gaining new knowledge. 'Academics have always been my passion. Even when I was in school, I always scored high and got As. It was no different when I entered university. The degree was highly stressful, especially waiting for the results to be released but sometimes, I miss it. I miss learning from my lecturers. I enjoyed studying for my degree. It brought me happiness." She is currently serving her articles at Norton Rose Fulbright and hopes to be an admitted attorney of the high court and pursue law on an international scale. 'I want to explore all areas of law. Right now, I am an admitted attorney but I also want to learn about other fields and one day go overseas.' Akoo said that she owed her success to her parents. 'My parents helped me throughout my degree, especially those late nights. My mother stayed up with me while I studied and even made snacks for me. They motivated me to do better and keep pushing, and for that I'm grateful,' said Akoo. THE POST
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Ithuba announces Lotto Plus 2 jackpot winner
One lucky person has won the Lotto Plus 2 jackpot of R2 064 660.80. The winning ticket was purchased in Taung, in the North West, for draw 2539 on Wednesday, May 7, with a R30 wager using the manual selection method. To claim the winnings, the winner must visit his or her local Ithuba office and provide the necessary documentation to validate the win. Once all the required documents are received, Ithuba, the operator of the National Lottery, will process the claim within 72 hours. "At Ithuba, we're overjoyed to see another life-transformed by our games. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that winners receive their winnings seamlessly, while also offering support to help them to navigate their new reality," said Charmaine Mabuza, the CEO of Ithuba. "We urge the winner to come forward as soon as possible," she added. All winners have 365 days from the draw date to claim their prize, and all National Lottery winnings are tax-free. Participants can check their tickets at retail stores, the National Lottery website, or social media pages, while participants, who play on banking platforms, are notified of their winnings by the banks. THE POST
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Trump says election of Pope Leo XIV 'great honour' for US
Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, today. Pope Prevost was elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. President Donald Trump hailed the election of new Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, as a "great honor" for the country. "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country," Trump said on his Truth Social network. "I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" Pope Prevost picked the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Tens of thousands of people packed in St Peter's Square cheered as Pope Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, waving with both hands, smiling and bowing. "Peace by with you," he told the crowds. White smoke from the Sistine Chapel had billowed into the sky on the cardinals' second day of voting to announce his election in a secret conclave, while the bells of St Peter's Basilica and churches across Rome rang out. Crowds of people rushed towards the square to watch the balcony of the basilica, which has been fitted out with red curtains for the first address to the world by the 267th pope. The new pontiff, who succeeds Argentine reformer Pope Francis, was introduced in Latin with his chosen papal name. "It's an amazing feeling," said an elated Joseph Brian, a 39-year-old chef from Belfast in Northern Ireland, who came with his mother to Rome for the spectacle. "I'm not an overly religious person but, being here with all these people just blew me away," he told AFP as people around him jumped up and down in excitement. There were euphoric scenes as one priest sat on someone's shoulders waving a Brazilian flag and another lifted a heavy crucifix into the air in jubilation. THE POST
