South Africa Unveils Largest Hindu Temple in Southern Hemisphere

An incident at Drakensburg Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal has ignited significant backlash after a teacher allegedly cut off a sacred thread from a Hindu student's wrist, which is part of their cultural practice. The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) condemned the action as "insensitive and irresponsible," and is calling on education authorities to take action against the teacher, according to a statement released on February 4, 2025. According to SAHMS President Ashwin Trikamjee, discussions with the school’s principal and governing body revealed they too are Hindus and oppose religious discrimination. However, he noted that the victim has not come forward due to fears of further victimization. The incident has reportedly sparked inter-religious tensions within the community. Provincial Department of Education spokesman Muzi Mahlambi stated that any school policy that contradicts the Constitution is unacceptable, emphasizing that students should not be punished for their religious beliefs. The South African Constitution contains provisions protecting against religious discrimination. The matter is under investigation, with calls for improved guidelines on religious and cultural tolerance in schools.

US President Donald Trump announced intentions to cut future funding to South Africa, citing concerns over allegations of land confiscation and human rights abuses. His comments followed the recent signing of a law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that permits land seizures without compensation under certain conditions. Trump's remarks were made via social media and during a press briefing where he claimed South Africa's leadership was engaging in "terrible" actions. Ramaphosa clarified the situation, stating on social media that South Africa is a constitutional democracy that follows the rule of law and emphasized that no land has been confiscated. He mentioned that the US contributions, mainly through the Pepfar health initiative, accounted for 17% of South Africa's HIV/AIDs program, with the US aid reaching approximately $440 million in 2023. The land ownership issue stems from historical injustices dating back to apartheid, with 72% of privately owned farmland still in white hands, despite a population of only 7.3% identified as white in the 2022 census. Critics warn that the new law may lead to negative economic consequences similar to those experienced in Zimbabwe.

U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to cut all future funding to South Africa, citing allegations of land confiscation and mistreatment of certain demographics. This announcement follows South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's signing of a new law that permits land seizures without compensation under specific circumstances. Trump made the statement on social media and emphasized the need for a full investigation into South African policies, claiming that the country's leadership is engaging in "terrible things." The contentious issue of land ownership in South Africa remains unresolved 30 years after apartheid's end, with significant farmland still predominantly owned by white individuals. South Africa's government maintains that the new land reform law requires negotiations with landowners before any seizure can occur. Ronald Lamola, the International Relations Minister, expressed hope that Trump's team would gain a deeper understanding of South African constitutional democracy during the investigation period. In 2023, the U.S. allocated approximately $440 million in assistance to South Africa, a figure that may be impacted by these developments.