Latest news with #Naidoo
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Jaya Naidoo and Justin Chetty triumph in thunee competition, winning R20 000
Jaya Naidoo and Justin Chetty. Image: Supplied Jaya Naidoo and Justin Chetty have defeated more than 200 participants and scooped R20 000 at a thunee competition held over the weekend at the Wildcoast Sun. The duo, from Tongaat, were crowned victorious after seven grueling rounds. Naidoo, 66, a hospitality and tourism lecturer at the Durban University of Technology and the general manager of FEDHASA East Coast, said thunee was a beloved South African card game, created by Indian forebears. "It is perfect for socialising, relaxation, and family entertainment. This sport is affordable and can be played almost anywhere," said Naidoo. 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 He said he had won the competition three times previously with different partners. Naidoo and Chetty began playing together a year ago in the Hotshots and Phoenix Thunee League. 'I started playing at age 12 with my father, who was both my mentor and partner. After 54 years immersed in the game, I have accumulated experience, a passion for mentorship, and a commitment to empowering young players and promoting the growth of thunee,' said Naidoo. He said there was no qualifying criteria for the competition. Anyone familiar with the game was eligible to enter. 'A total of 100 teams participated. Each match was played as a 'best of three' with winners progressing to the next round. Teams that secured six consecutive wins qualified for the finals. 'Thunee is a simple game at heart, counting catches accurately and sticking to the basics are essential for success. It is an enjoyable, relaxing, and intellectually stimulating mind-mapping game." Naidoo said he would host a R100 000 thunee competition in September, before the Purtassi fast. "This will provide players with an opportunity to showcase their skills, unwind, and have a great time." He encouraged the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to formally recognise thunee as an indigenous game "so we can continue to grow it and empower the youth". Chetty, 43, a sales representative at an industrial tooling company, also started playing thunee at age 12. 'I used to watch my dad play and instantly took a liking and passion for the game,' said Chetty. 'I knew Jaya by sight for a long time, as he is a respected community leader and mentor, but he didn't know me. We met two years ago but started playing together in the Tongaat and Phoenix thunee leagues." Chetty said winning was indescribable. 'It's awesome, fulfilling, emotional and exciting all at once. It's a dream for any thunee player to win a major competition. I'm still basking in our victory as I'm still receiving compliments and congratulations from other opposition teams, friends and family. 'The competition was intense with some tough opposition but with skill and good cards, we achieved this remarkable fate. To play thunee, you have to be committed to the game, play fair and most of all, enjoy the game." Chetty will compete in Naidoo's R100 000 thunee competition in September. The details will be finalised. THE POST
IOL News
7 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Mervyn Naidoo receives nomination for Standard Bank Sikuvile Award
The Daily News' Mervyn Naidoo has been nominated for a prestigious 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Award Image: Supplied Mervyn Naidoo of the Daily News is among the nominees for a prestigious 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Award. This recognition underscores Naidoo's commitment to storytelling, a craft in which he has excelled, delivering powerful narratives that resonate with audiences across South Africa. "I count it a great privilege and honour to be counted among some of country's leading journalists, who have also been nominated," said Naidoo Other accolades in his journalism journey includes Vodacom Journalist of the Year awards on two occasions; in 2022 for his engaging story on car culture, and in October 2024 for capturing the inspiring journey of a KwaMashu sailor and his all-women crew who triumphed in an international yacht race. His ability to weave tales—whether about local heroes, politicians, or the everyday triumphs and struggles of South Africans—demonstrates his passion for the profession. 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 ✕ Throughout his career, Naidoo has embraced the nuances of narrative delivery, which he credits to his journalism studies and life's experiences. His dedication to honing his craft is evident in the articles he pens, engaging readers with compelling content that has garnered extensive attention on various social media platforms. Naidoo's contributions to journalism extend beyond writing; his leadership roles also includes various stints acting as News Editor, during his time with the Sunday Tribune. The Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards is organised by the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef), has seen significant interest this year, with 437 entries submitted from across the nation, although slightly lower than last year's figures. However, judges noted an increase in the quality of submissions, particularly from the community media sector, which bodes well for the future of journalism in South Africa. This shift illustrates a sector that is nurturing talent and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
IOL News
7 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Understanding borehole insurance and compliance for homeowners
Discover the essential information homeowners need about borehole installations, including insurance implications, compliance requirements, and expert advice on ensuring a safe and legal drilling process. Image: File photo. For many reasons, including the desire to build more drought-resilient homes, South Africa has seen an upsurge in residential borehole installations. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, between 80,000 and 100,000 boreholes are installed every year. Local homeowners need to be aware of the insurance implications of owning a borehole, how to get the right cover, and most importantly, why it's important to have it drilled by a qualified professional. Get a borehole – but make it compliant. Recent headlines have highlighted the potential risk associated with borehole drilling, particularly when it's done without proper planning and adherence to regulations. These risks extend beyond individual properties and can lead to damage to underground infrastructure and disruption to essential services. According to Youlon Naidoo, executive head of claims and procurement at Miway, this issue also highlights the importance of understanding how borehole installation impacts home insurance cover. 'Installing a borehole is an effective way to ensure an uninterrupted water supply and reduce reliance on municipal water,' he explains. 'However, any form of underground drilling can affect the structural integrity of your home, impact neighbouring properties, and alter the health of the surrounding soil.' Naidoo stresses that compliance is the most critical part of the process. Borehole drilling must be approached with proper planning, adherence to safety standards, and alignment with regulatory requirements to minimise risks both during and after installation. Homeowners and service providers alike should be aware of these responsibilities to ensure safety, legal compliance, and appropriate insurance coverage. Important regulatory issues to consider Firstly, the regulation prescribes that any homeowner wishing to drill a borehole must have a hydrogeological study conducted to identify any potential issues with water quality and availability. Next, the homeowner needs to obtain a water use licence from the relevant municipality as well as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a Drilling Permit. The drilling itself needs to comply with the proper technical, environmental, and safety requirements as set out by the Department of Water and Sanitation, The National Water Act, municipal by-laws, and the South African National Standard SANS 10299 guidelines. Service providers also need to comply with several safety requirements to protect the health and safety of their employees during the installation. 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 ✕ For this reason, as Naidoo explains: 'Many insurance policies may not cover damages caused by non-compliant boreholes. Just like with any structural insurance claim, where we'd look into whether your home was built by a registered builder, the same applies to borehole installations. Homeowners need to make sure the installation was done by a qualified, reputable contractor, and that all the necessary permissions and legislative requirements, such as those outlined in SANS 10299, were met. When it comes to boreholes, getting it done right from the beginning could save you a lot of unnecessary stress, time, and expense if something goes wrong." How borehole insurance cover works The cost of replacing or repairing a borehole is covered by most local insurers; not as part of a separate standalone policy but as part of home insurance cover. Miway Buildings insurance policyholders, for example, enjoy cover on their property's permanent fixtures, fittings, and improvements, which include boreholes. It's important, therefore, that homeowners add their borehole to their insurance policy as soon as it is installed. There is also a third-party side of borehole insurance cover to consider. For example, Miway covers clients for any damage caused to a neighbour's property during borehole installation. As in other cases, however, checks and balances apply, including compliance-related factors such as whether the right kind of drilling equipment was used, whether the technical requirements were followed, and whether all safety elements were considered. This again, is where hiring a qualified professional can make all the difference. The homeowner's duty of care Homeowners need to remember that they have a duty of care to ensure that their borehole is properly maintained, just as they would in the case of their home or car. Some important steps include checking the system for leaks, inspecting the pump, and assessing the filters to ensure that the water is being properly cleaned. These routine checks are relatively affordable but in the long term, will help you protect your investment and make sure that if anything unexpected occurs, your insurer can step in to help.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
Casino predator: woman (74) charged with drugging and robbing elderly victims
Hannah Naidoo Image: Yoshini Perumal A 74-year-old woman has been re-arrested for allegedly drugging and robbing another vulnerable, elderly woman at Suncoast Casino. It has been alleged that the suspect preyed on the victims in the casino by striking up a conversation and befriending them. Hannah Naidoo, of Westville, was first arrested in October 2024 after she allegedly assaulted, drugged, and robbed a 92-year-old grandmother of R337 000 worth of jewellery and watches from her flat, in March of the same year. According to the charge sheet Naidoo befriended the woman about a month before the crime at the casino, and their friendship grew. The woman lived alone. On March 22, 2024, Naidoo and an accomplice - who is unknown to the State - had visited the woman in the late afternoon at her flat in the Durban Central Business District. It has been alleged that they took cake and a milkshake for the woman. The milkshake was allegedly spiked with a sedative known as benzodiazepines. Naidoo allegedly encouraged the woman to consume the milkshake, which rendered her unconscious. The woman was then allegedly assaulted and robbed. Her son and grandson found her unconscious on her bed, two days after the robbery. She was taken to hospital and regained consciousness four days later in ICU. None of the stolen items were recovered. Following police investigations, Naidoo was arrested and charged with robbery with aggravated circumstances and attempted murder. At the time, Naidoo was granted bail of R5 000. She is expected to stand trial later this year. Last Thursday, Naidoo was re-arrested on charges of attempted murder and theft. She appeared in the Durban Regional Court on Friday. It has been alleged she drugged and robbed another woman at Suncoast Casino in May this year. State prosecutor Calvin Govender told the court that on May 1, at Suncoast Casino, Naidoo was alleged to have put an unknown substance into the 66-year-old woman's coffee in an attempt to sedate her. He said this resulted in her getting medical complications and she was admitted to hospital. The woman was allegedly robbed of R20 000 in cash. Naidoo's attorney Advocate Ashwin Baijnath urged the court to hear the matter again at the earliest possible date instead of the seven day adjournment for a bail application. He said Naidoo had cancer and needed to undergo chemotherapy on Monday (June 23). Govender said the State would accommodate Naidoo, and ensure that she has access to her treatment, but she should remain in custody until her bail application. However, by Monday, Baijnath had not provided the court proof of Naidoo having stage 4 cancer, details of her chemotherapy sessions or details of the facility she needed to be taken to or her oncologist's contact details. She was remanded into custody at Westville Prison while she awaits her formal bail application. Govender said the State was opposed to bail, and that two more charges, with complainants from Umhlali and Sydenham, are to be added to Naidoo's existing charges. Suncoast Casino did not respond to questions at the time of print. THE POST
The South African
21-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
SIXTY more ways to spend your money at GrandWest
GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World is set to expand its footprint with the introduction of the R600 million GrandWest Mall, a premium retail centre that will add 60 new stores to the area. Construction of the 22 000m² shopping centre is scheduled to begin in September 2025 with the official opening planned for March 2027. The GrandWest Mall will be directly connected to the GrandWest Casino complex, combining retail convenience with the precinct's entertainment offering. Key features of the mall include: Two major supermarket anchors Two pharmacies A variety of fashion and athleisure boutiques Health and beauty services Banking facilities A new range of dining options GrandWest General Manager Mervyn Naidoo confirmed that the group has already invested in local infrastructure, including contributions to the Jakes Gerwel Drive upgrade, but pointed out that a dedicated retail centre has long been missing. 'With GrandWest attracting over 16 000 daily visitors, a full-scale mall is a logical next step,' said Naidoo. Once completed, GrandWest Mall is expected to become a community-focused retail anchor, complementing the precinct's round-the-clock entertainment and providing new employment and commercial opportunities in Cape Town's northern suburbs. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
