SA Teacher Cuts Hindu Student’s Wrist Thread

A teacher at Drakensburg Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal province allegedly cut a sacred red string from a Hindu student's wrist, igniting widespread condemnation from the Hindu community. 

The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) denounced the act as "insensitive and irresponsible" and has called for immediate intervention from education authorities. 

According to reports, the teacher justified the action by stating that the school prohibits the wearing of cultural or religious symbols. 

SAHMS President Ashwin Trikamjee emphasized the organization's commitment to addressing religious intolerance in schools and has reached out to the Department of Education for a substantive response. 

This incident has raised concerns about religious intolerance in South Africa, where the Constitution protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely. The South African Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms prohibits unfair discrimination on religious grounds. 

The provincial Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has instructed schools to review and revise their codes of conduct to ensure alignment with the Constitution, emphasizing that no student should face punishment for their religious affiliation. 

Community members have reported similar incidents at the school, with some students alleging that they were asked to remove their red strings or hide them. 

The incident has also led to inter-religious tensions in the area, highlighting the need for clear guidelines on religious and cultural tolerance in educational institutions. 

The SAHMS continues to investigate the matter and urges affected students and parents to come forward, assuring them of support and protection against victimization.