Teacher Cuts Sacred Thread from Hindu Student, Sparks Outrage in South Africa

ZASouth Africa|

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.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from South Africa

South African Man Admits to Rape and Murder of Newborn Daughter

Hugo Ferreira, a 37-year-old man from South Africa, has confessed to the horrific rape and murder of his 8-day-old daughter. The crime occurred in June 2023 at their home in a railway house near Welverdiend, where Ferreira admitted to inflicting severe physical and sexual abuse on the infant, ultimately leading to her death from head injuries. According to News24, Ferreira's actions stemmed from anger at being left alone with the child while the infant's mother, Maureen Brand, was out selling clothes to buy necessities. Upon her return, Brand found the baby severely injured. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the infant succumbed to her injuries. Ferreira reportedly stated he wanted to give the baby "something to cry about" and expressed regret for the "cruel and gruesome attack" but claimed his methamphetamine use did not impair his judgment. He is currently awaiting sentencing for his crimes.
ZASouth Africa

Antarctic Researchers Allege Assault and Death Threat Amid Isolation

A South African researcher stationed in Antarctica has made grave accusations against a colleague, alleging physical assault and a death threat, sparking concerns for the safety of the team. According to the Sunday Times, the claims were made in an email sent from their isolated research base, over 2,600 miles from Cape Town, where the team of ten continues their work under harsh conditions. The email detailed an incident involving an assault on the team leader, citing escalating tensions due to disagreements over weather-related scheduling. South Africa's Environment Minister, Dion George, confirmed the incident and noted that the alleged assailant had expressed remorse and undergone a psychological evaluation. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is currently investigating the matter while maintaining constant communication with the team to ensure their well-being. The crew's situation is precarious, as they will not be relieved until December when the research vessel SA Agulhas II returns. This incident follows a history of violence within South African research teams, highlighting ongoing challenges in remote and isolated environments.
ZASouth Africa

Scientists in Antarctica Send SOS Amid Colleague's Threats

A group of South African scientists stationed at the Sanae IV research base in Antarctica has sent an alarming email requesting assistance after facing threats from a colleague. According to a report by Daily Mail, the email claimed that one scientist had threatened to kill another team member and had previously attacked them. The writer described a "deeply disturbing" escalation of this individual's behavior, which included accusations of sexual assault against a colleague. The email, which was shared with South Africa’s Sunday Times, indicated that the team has been living in fear, with one member stating, “I am experiencing significant difficulty in feeling secure in his presence.” The situation reportedly escalated to a physical assault involving the team leader, highlighting the intense pressure of isolation in the harsh Antarctic environment. South Africa’s Environment Minister, Dion George, stated he would communicate directly with the team to address the crisis. The research group faces significant challenges due to extreme weather conditions and total isolation in Antarctica.
ZASouth Africa
All South Africa News ->