Teacher cuts off religious thread from Hindu student’s wrist, faces backlash in South Africa

“The SAHMS strongly condemns the insensitive and irresponsible action of an educator cutting off a religious string from a Hindu learner,” the organisation stated in a press release on Sunday.

The organisation is investigating the case, but efforts are being hindered as the student is reluctant to come forward due to fear of further victimisation.

SAHMS President Ashwin Trikamjee revealed that he had spoken to the school principal and the chairman of the governing body, both of whom are Hindus. However, they seemed unwilling to take responsibility.

“They were very defensive, insisting that their school does not tolerate religious discrimination. They also mentioned that they themselves wear rings and threads,” Trikamjee said in an interview with national Indian radio station Lotus FM.

Trikamjee recalled a past case where South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled in favour of a Hindu student who was previously banned from wearing a nose ring at school.

The court affirmed that individuals should not be prevented from practising their cultural or religious beliefs.

The incident has reportedly caused inter-religious tensions in the area. South Africa’s Constitution protects religious freedom and prohibits discrimination based on religion.

The government has also set up bodies like the Human Rights Commission and the Cultural, Religious, and Language (CRL) Rights Commission to address such concerns.

Trikamjee criticised the education ministry for not providing schools with clear guidelines on religious and cultural tolerance, leaving them uncertain about what is allowed.

However, Muzi Mahlambi, a spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, disagreed. He stated that the Constitution is the highest law, and any school policy that goes against it is unacceptable.

“No student should be punished for their religious beliefs,” Mahlambi said. The department has instructed schools to review their rules to ensure they align with the Constitution.

Raj Govender, an Indian-origin South African and CRL Commissioner, advised that anyone whose religious rights have been violated can seek help from the commission.

“If the teacher really did this, she has failed in her duty. Teachers should be neutral and respect all religions,” Govender said. He also suggested that the school should update its policies to accommodate the religious and cultural needs of minority communities.

(with inputs from PTI)