OPINION: ‘South Indians feel marginalised’
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha responds to claims by the Devasthanam Foundation of South Africa.
DEAR Editor:
Monday, March 9, was a very important day in the lives of South Indians in South Africa as the Devasthanam Foundation of South Africa (an association of South Indian Temples) met with the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission.
In this very fruitful meeting, the crucial issue was the constant marginalisation of the South Indian community, particularly in areas such as the announcement of prayer dates, prayer practises and governance of temples.
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This marginalisation has come from the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS).
In recent times this has become more apparent when important prayer dates where announced incorrectly.
The attitude of SAHMS is one of confrontation rather than resolution when these errors are pointed out.
Importantly, at the meeting with CRL the Devasthanam agreed that in the spirit of unity (which is what the organisation is about) it would be amenable to meeting SAHMS so that each organisation clearly understands their mandate and as such will work within their own space.
The CRL believes that the Devesthanam has an important role to play as the mandate of the CRL, which is providing for the creation of community councils and the Devasthanam could easily fill that role.
This would mean positive times ahead for the South Indian people.
DEVASTHANAM FOUNDATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
The SA Hindu Maha Sabha responds:
We have noted a media statement wherein the DFSA makes certain claims about the SAHMS.
We reject these claims completely as it contains facts which are incorrect.
We now await with bated breath their implementation as set out in their statement: “Importantly, at the meeting with CRL the Devasthanam agreed that in the spirit of unity (which is what the organisation is about) it would be amenable to meeting SAHMS so that each organisation clearly understands their mandate and as such will work within their own space.”
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