A South African teacher allegedly cut a religious thread from a Hindu student’s wrist, sparking community outrage. The incident took place last week at Drakensburg Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Also Read : Rahul Gandhi Slams ‘Make in India’ in Parliament
SAHMS Calls for Action by Education Authorities
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has called for action after a teacher allegedly cut off a Hindu student’s sacred thread, citing the school’s ban on religious symbols. SAHMS condemned the act and is investigating, though the victim is hesitant to come forward due to fear of retaliation.
Education Ministry Blamed for Lack of Guidelines
SAHSM president Ashwin Trikamjee said the school’s principal and governing body chairman, both Hindus, defended their stance against religious discrimination, stating they wore rings and strings themselves. However, they have not issued an official statement. Trikamjee also referenced a past ruling by South Africa’s Constitutional Court in favor of a Hindu student denied the right to wear a nose ring. The court noted that no one could be deprived of exercising their cultural or religious practices.
According to sources, the incident has sparked inter-religious conflict in the area as well.
The South African Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms in the Constitution prohibits unfair discrimination on various grounds, including religion. The government has set up the Human Rights Commission and the Cultural, Religious, and Language (CRL) Rights Commission to address complaints about discrimination. Trikamjee criticized the education ministry for not providing clear guidelines on religious and cultural tolerance in schools, leaving them unsure of what is acceptable.
Department of Education Stands by Constitutional Principles
Muzi Mahlambi, spokesman for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, disagreed, emphasizing that the Constitution is the highest law and any conflicting school policies are unacceptable. He stated that the department instructed schools to review their codes of conduct to align with the Constitution.No student should face punishment for their religious affiliation.
CRL Commissioner Calls for Policy Change
Indian-origin South African CRL Commissioner Raj Govender said that anyone who violates religious rights can approach the organization.
CRL Commissioner Raj Govender urged the school to change its policy to accommodate the cultural and religious needs of minorities. He also emphasized that teachers should remain neutral in such matters.
“If she (the teacher) has done (what is alleged), she has seriously violated her role. She has diverted from her real role as an educator,” he said.