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IOL News
17 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Chatsworth market oppose municipality's order to remove sacred puthu
Community members visit the puthu to pray Image: Supplied HINDU stall owners at a Chatsworth market are furious over a notice from the eThekwini Municipality's instructing them to stop performing rituals at a prayer site and to destroy the puthu (a sacred mound) that was formed at the market in 2022. The notice, addressed to traders, was issued by the eThekwini Municipality Business Support Tourism and Markets Unit. It was put up at the entrance of the Fragrance Street Market in Croftdene last Thursday and ordered the stall owners to stop performing rituals at the prayer site and to remove the puthu. 'It has come to our attention that there are traders belonging to a particular conviction who are conducting religious rituals openly at the Fragrance Street Market. 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 ✕ Ad loading The notice that was put up in the market Image: Yoshini Perumal 'You are reminded that any religious rituals of any kind are prohibited in public spaces. For any religious ritual to be done in the market as a once-off practice, would need permission from our office. 'Traders belonging to different convictions are therefore requested to refrain from such practice. Should there be any ritual sculptures of some kind placed openly in the market, please remove them immediately,' the notice read. Keith Pillay, provincial representative of the South African Informal Traders Forum, said the matter was referred to their legal team, who were in the process of engaging with the municipality. 'We are concerned about the call from the municipality for the removal of what they referred to as 'ritual sculptures' from the Fragrance Street Market. 'The puthu will not be removed at this stage. The matter has been referred to our legal team, who are preparing a formal response to the municipality. We do not support their blanket approach to religious expression in public spaces,' he added. Pillay said while the Constitution guaranteed the right to freedom of religion, belief, and cultural practice, any attempt to suppress these rights must be approached with caution. 'Suppressing the rights of people, especially when directed at specific communities or belief systems, must be approached with extreme caution and must pass constitutional muster. 'The notice appears to unfairly target traders of a particular faith and lacks both procedural fairness and a legal foundation. As such, we believe it raises serious questions about compliance with constitutional principles, including equality, religious freedom, and just administrative action. 'We remain committed to resolving the matter lawfully and respectfully, and we call on the municipality to engage in constructive dialogue with affected traders and communities rather than impose unilateral restrictions,' Pillay added. Kusturi Govender, a fruit and vegetable vendor at the market, said the puthu had formed at the stall she traded from. 'The puthu is visited by members of the public and the stall owners, who take care of it. When people are sick, they visit the puthu and offer saris and prayers. 'We hosted porridge prayers at the puthu with permission from the market supervisor for the last two years, and next month would have been the third porridge prayer. We cook the food in the market and the prayer is funded by stall owners. People from all around Chatsworth attend. But we are now in limbo and do not think we would be allowed to go ahead with the prayer,' she added. The puthu was destroyed in 2022 but formed again at the same spot. Image: Yoshini Perumal Govender said when the puthu was formed in 2022, a cleaner removed it after receiving a directive from the city, but the puthu formed again. It was bigger than the one which was removed, she claimed. A stall owner, who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, said there was no religious tolerance and some stall owners were spreading rumours. 'Some people have said that we are worshiping an anthill. They do not believe it is a puthu. Others have spread rumours that since the puthu was formed, their businesses were not doing well. People are not respectful of other religions,' she said. Another stall owner, who also did not want to be named, said the municipality was bringing division in religion. 'We cannot be expected to destroy the puthu. It is a sacred site. When the cleaner removed the puthu in 2022, she was sick for a week, and her hands bent inward. We know that people who are tasked to destroy sacred spaces would face the consequences, so none of us would attempt to destroy the puthu,' he said. Pundit Lokesh Maharajh, chairperson of the Priest's Council for the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said a puthu was more than just an anthill, especially in Hindu tradition, and particularly among South Indian Tamil communities. 'We are deeply concerned that the notice was issued without prior consultation. It undermines the spiritual rights of our community and disregards the sacredness of the puthu that has emerged and been revered by stall owners since 2022. We urge the municipality to recognise this sacred site, halt any action that may lead to its desecration, and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to find a respectful and inclusive solution,' he added. Maharajh said a puthu was a sacred place where divine beings, especially snake deities known as Naga Devata, are believed to live. 'These mounds often form naturally in the ground, but once people recognise their spiritual energy, they become places of worship. 'Devotees may light camphor, pour milk, and offer flowers or turmeric as signs of respect and devotion. The puthu becomes a kind of natural shrine open to the sky, but deeply connected to the earth and unseen spiritual forces. Many also believe that puthu have links to ancestors or earth spirits, and that they help protect communities, bring fertility, and ensure good fortune,' he explained. Maharaj said because of the deep spiritual meaning, damaging or destroying a puthu was seen as a serious offence. 'People believe that harming it could lead to illness, bad luck, or even a form of divine punishment. This is not seen as superstition, but as a reminder that sacred spaces deserve respect, whether they are inside temples or part of the natural world. 'A puthu may look like an ordinary anthill to someone unfamiliar with Hindu traditions. It is usually a small mound of soil or sand, often shaped like a cone or dome, with tiny holes made by ants or termites. At first glance, it might seem like something to get rid of because it could be a pest problem. A puthu is a sacred shrine. Devotees decorate it with bright vermilion powder (kumkum), turmeric, fresh flowers, and even place small idols, often of snakes, which are deeply respected in Hindu culture. Tiny lamps or trays with burning camphor are used during prayer rituals and the puthu is covered with saris,' Maharaj added. He said in 2022, when the puthu formed at the market, some people saw it as an ant hill, and a municipal cleaner was reportedly asked to remove it, possibly following city rules against religious structures in public places. 'The cleaner did as instructed and destroyed the mound. Shortly afterwards, the cleaner reportedly became sick, and for many in the Hindu community, this was no coincidence. 'They believed the illness was a sign of divine punishment for disturbing something sacred. Even more striking to them was what happened next: the puthu grew back and this time, it was even larger. To the worshippers, this was not just nature taking its course, but a powerful message that the puthu was meant to be there. 'Stories about people becoming sick if they destroy sacred places are deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, where sacred places are believed to protect themselves, and those who disrespect them are thought to suffer the consequences,' he added. Maharajh said there were similar age-old stories about people dying after they were tasked to destroy the Shree Gengaiamman Temple in Cato Manor, about 100 years ago. 'According to stories passed down over the years, there have been troubling incidents involving those who tried to damage the temple or take over the land it stands on. 'It was said that those who attempted to destroy or interfere with the temple ended up facing serious misfortunes, with some falling ill and others dying under mysterious circumstances. 'While there may not be official records to prove these events, these stories are widely believed in the community. They serve as a strong warning and a reminder that sacred places should be respected, not disturbed,' Maharajh added. THE POST
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
From an Open Monza to a Pontiac Trans Am Firebird, enthusiasts share their love for classic cars
Sanjay Laljith with his 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird. Image: Yoshini Perumal Classic car enthusiasts showcased their iconic cars - from 1980 to 2005 - at a classic motor show at the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. The only female exhibitor was Chatsworth resident, Verona Arumogam, 33. Verona Arumogam with her 1991 Opel Monza CD 16. Image: Yoshini Perumal 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 ✕ 'I obtained my driver's licence straight out of school and saved to buy my dream car, a 1991 Opel Monza CD 16. Due to it being a high maintenance vehicle, I do not drive it around much. It's my pride and joy. My car is a garage queen,' she said. Arumogam bought the car in 2018 for R60 000 after owning another Opel for about 10 years. 'I bought the car modified but down-tuned it as I wanted it to be as reliable as possible. However, it still has a few modifications like the upgraded cams, branch and exhaust and running of a dictator manager system." She said she had loved classic cars since she was little. 'My passion for cars started from a young age as I used to attend car shows with my family. I was always fascinated with speed and sound and hope to one day own a race car. I also enjoy the thrill of modifying and building my car. I chose this car, an Opel Monza, as it's unique and not owned by many females." She is in the process of building a caddie bakkie to honour her late brother. 'I prefer building a car than buying and my next goal is building a MK1 Golf with a R32 conversion,' she added. The oldest car at the show was a 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird, which was owned by Sanjay Laljith, 53, of New Germany. Sanjay Laljith's car is similar to the car used in the filming of the American action comedy, Smokey and the Bandit Image: Yoshini Perumal He said he had a passion for American muscle cars and when he saw the Trans Am for sale two years ago, he had to buy it. 'The car is similar to the car used in the filming of the American action comedy, Smokey and the Bandit, which was released in 1977 and starred Burt Reynolds. 'It has always been my dream to own the Trans Am. Over the years, I have owned many classic cars but this one is my favourite. I enjoy entering the car shows and seeing people have a chance to take in its beauty." Tyson Pillay, 35, of Springfield, showcased his 1980 BMW 635 CSI, which he said was dream car. Tyson Pillay showcased his 1980 BMW 635 CSI Image: Yoshini Perumal 'I bought the car about 10 years ago. I have a passion for BMWs and became a BMW collector because of my dad. It was something we had shared a connection with. Since he died, I have been collecting e34 5 series BMWs and the 6 series was one of the vintage classic BMWs to have. 'It was one of the rare gems that I managed to collect. The car is still stock standard. I put a custom wheel on it, which is a three-piece split wheel, but other than that, it is still in its original form. It is a motorsport edition, so it is a manual which is rare." Phoenix resident, Shabeer Karim, with his classic BMW e30 325is Image: Yoshini Perumal Phoenix resident, Shabeer Karim, 51, was proud to show off his classic BMW e30 325is. He said he owned the car for 20 years and would never sell it. 'My son also drives it. We both love classic cars. This car is every boy and man's dream car,' he said. Magashlen Pillay's 1983 Cortina XR6 had been a family heirloom. Image: Yoshini Perumal
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How the Phoenix Deaf Club is changing lives
Some of the members of the Phoenix Deaf Club Image: Yoshini Perumal THE PHOENIX Deaf Club, which was formed to assist deaf people with employment, starting their own home industries, and assisting with barriers in communication, has been growing rapidly, with about 40 members in just five months. Members said they had 'found light at the end of a long tunnel' after joining, and that the club had given them a voice and hope for a brighter future. Yogavelli Shanmugam, 43, of Stonebridge, was elected president of the club. She was born deaf and described her life as being at a standstill because of her disability. President of the Phoenix Deaf Club, Yogavelli Shanmugam and her husband, Adam Chan Image: Yoshini Perumal 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 ✕ 'There have been so many barriers and it was impossible for us to generate an income. Unemployment was our main issue. People think that because we are deaf, we cannot do anything. But the truth is, we can do everything an able person can do. The only thing we cannot do is hear. 'Being sidelined for jobs was depressing. Some of us have spent our entire lives unemployed. The life of a deaf person is difficult because of communication barriers. Even though sign language has been recognised as an official language, not enough is being done in the employment sector to include us. "The club has allowed us to generate an income with the help of the founder, Keven Govender, who has dedicated his life to making sure that things change for us, and we are included,' she said. The men, who have been trained in plumbing, tiling, painting, and have other skills, like gardening, have been recruited for jobs since they began promoting themselves as a club on social media, she said. The women have offered services like sewing, babysitting, and taking care of the elderly to generate an income. Allan Naidoo, 59, the club's treasurer, and Daya Naidoo, 48, the secretary, have been friends from the time Daya was a year old. They both can drive and called for sign language interpreters in government facilities after they had difficulties at the licensing office. Daya Naidoo, Indrani Naidoo and her husband, Allan Naidoo Image: Yoshini Perumal Daya said when he went to renew his licence, he had carried cash and did not know that they only accepted cards. 'There was no sign language interpreter there to tell me what they were saying. I had to call Keven to assist me. Communication is a huge barrier in all government facilities, malls, doctors surgeries, or at police stations. This requires us to be reliant on others and we cannot live independent lives,' Daya said. Allan, of Rainham, said he was thankful that deaf people were allowed to drive. 'I cannot get a job, so I run a cab service to earn an income. My wife is also deaf and we receive a grant of R2 300 each. We pay R4 400 for rent. With the R200 left, we pay towards the electricity and water, but it is not enough. 'The reality is that deaf people are often shunned from society and nobody wants to employ us as they feel they cannot communicate with us. But nothing is done to address that barrier. My wife, Indrani has also been turned away from every job she has tried to apply for,' he said. Catherine Govender, 47, of Caneside, a qualified machinist, said being a single mother who was deaf was difficult and depressing. Logambal Govender, Kogie Govender, Catherine Govender and Shireen Govender Image: Yoshini Perumal 'The social grant is not enough. I have been to three places to seek employment in the last month. As soon as I explain that I am deaf, I am told that there is no vacancy or that they cannot employ deaf people. But I can do the work and have worked before. The problem is, we are used for cheap labour and then told there is no job. 'I was paid R100 a day at my previous job, and when my employer found out I was looking for another job, he fired me. Once people realise I am deaf, I am turned away. I have no idea how to sustain myself. I am thankful that the club is offering us an opportunity to create our own income,' she said. Lee Mohamed, 40, of Sunford, is a qualified information technology specialist with 10 certificates. She said she was only able to find a job in Johannesburg, but after two years, her contract ended and it was not renewed. Lee Mohamed Image: Yoshini Perumal 'I moved back home and now I am unable to find a job. Although I am qualified in fixing computers, I started fixing cellphones to earn an income. Even though it is not a stable income, it has helped me sustain myself. After joining the club, due to the awareness, I have had more jobs fixing cellphones,' she said. Alvin and Dinah Naicker, of Caneside, described the challenges they faced and how they overcame it. Alvin, 54, cannot read or write but he is plumber by trade and also does tiling, repairs to buildings and painting. He does odd jobs to earn an income and said he was not deterred by a lack of employment but he urged the government sector to create jobs for the deaf. Dinah, 56, said she was unable to find work but looked forward to the roti business that was due to start at the club. She said there were many ways to overcome challenges. 'We are able to use our cellphones and we activate the light function so we see the light and know that the phone is ringing. 'We also feel the phone vibrate if we have it in our pockets, and the flashing light function is also activated for text messages. If people cannot understand us at the shops, we write down what we are trying to say. There are many ways to break barriers. If business owners could take a small step to include us, we can add value to their businesses and work without talking, so there are no distractions,' Dinah added. Alvin and Dinah Naicker Image: Yoshini Perumal
