Johannesburg, Feb 3 (PTI) – A South African teacher has sparked widespread condemnation after allegedly cutting off a Hindu student’s sacred thread, an act the community deems “insensitive and irresponsible.” The incident occurred last week at Drakensburg Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal province.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has strongly condemned the teacher’s actions and is urging education authorities to take decisive action. According to reports, the teacher justified the act by citing a school policy that allegedly prohibits wearing religious or cultural symbols.
In a statement on Sunday, SAHMS denounced the educator’s actions and vowed to investigate the matter. However, their inquiry is reportedly being hindered as the affected student fears further victimization and has refused to come forward.
SAHMS President Ashwin Trikamjee revealed that both the school’s principal and the governing body chairman, who are Hindus themselves, were defensive about the allegations. During a telephonic conversation, they insisted that religious discrimination is not tolerated at the school, citing their own religious adornments.
Trikamjee also referenced a landmark ruling by South Africa’s Constitutional Court, which had previously sided with a Hindu student who was prohibited from wearing a nose ring. The court had affirmed that no one should be deprived of their right to religious and cultural expression.
Sources indicate that the incident has ignited inter-religious tensions in the region. South Africa’s Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms, enshrined in the Constitution, explicitly prohibits discrimination based on religion. Additionally, the Human Rights Commission and the Cultural, Religious, and Language (CRL) Rights Commission are tasked with addressing complaints of religious discrimination.
Trikamjee criticized the Education Ministry for its lack of clear guidelines on religious and cultural tolerance, leaving schools uncertain about what is permissible.
However, Muzi Mahlambi, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, dismissed this claim, stating that the Constitution is the supreme law and overrides any conflicting school policy.
“The Department has instructed schools to review and revise their codes of conduct to ensure alignment with the Constitution. No student should be punished for their religious beliefs,” Mahlambi stated in an interview with Lotus FM.
Raj Govender, an Indian-origin CRL Commissioner, emphasized that individuals facing religious discrimination can seek recourse through the commission.
"If a school policy fails to respect cultural and religious diversity, it must be amended to accommodate minority communities," he stated.
Regarding the alleged incident, Govender insisted that educators should remain neutral.
“If the teacher indeed cut off the sacred thread, she has violated her professional role. An educator’s duty is to foster inclusivity, not discrimination,” he added.
The incident continues to fuel debate over religious rights in South African schools, with calls for stricter enforcement of constitutional protections.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has strongly condemned the teacher’s actions and is urging education authorities to take decisive action. According to reports, the teacher justified the act by citing a school policy that allegedly prohibits wearing religious or cultural symbols.
Community Outrage and Investigation
In a statement on Sunday, SAHMS denounced the educator’s actions and vowed to investigate the matter. However, their inquiry is reportedly being hindered as the affected student fears further victimization and has refused to come forward.
SAHMS President Ashwin Trikamjee revealed that both the school’s principal and the governing body chairman, who are Hindus themselves, were defensive about the allegations. During a telephonic conversation, they insisted that religious discrimination is not tolerated at the school, citing their own religious adornments.
Trikamjee also referenced a landmark ruling by South Africa’s Constitutional Court, which had previously sided with a Hindu student who was prohibited from wearing a nose ring. The court had affirmed that no one should be deprived of their right to religious and cultural expression.
Inter-Religious Tensions and Legal Implications
Sources indicate that the incident has ignited inter-religious tensions in the region. South Africa’s Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms, enshrined in the Constitution, explicitly prohibits discrimination based on religion. Additionally, the Human Rights Commission and the Cultural, Religious, and Language (CRL) Rights Commission are tasked with addressing complaints of religious discrimination.
Trikamjee criticized the Education Ministry for its lack of clear guidelines on religious and cultural tolerance, leaving schools uncertain about what is permissible.
Government Response
However, Muzi Mahlambi, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, dismissed this claim, stating that the Constitution is the supreme law and overrides any conflicting school policy.
“The Department has instructed schools to review and revise their codes of conduct to ensure alignment with the Constitution. No student should be punished for their religious beliefs,” Mahlambi stated in an interview with Lotus FM.
Call for Policy Change
Raj Govender, an Indian-origin CRL Commissioner, emphasized that individuals facing religious discrimination can seek recourse through the commission.
"If a school policy fails to respect cultural and religious diversity, it must be amended to accommodate minority communities," he stated.
Regarding the alleged incident, Govender insisted that educators should remain neutral.
“If the teacher indeed cut off the sacred thread, she has violated her professional role. An educator’s duty is to foster inclusivity, not discrimination,” he added.
The incident continues to fuel debate over religious rights in South African schools, with calls for stricter enforcement of constitutional protections.
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