Investigation Underway Over Allegations of Religious Intolerance at KwaZulu-Natal School

Posted on February 3, 2025
by Yashmika Dukaran


An investigation has been launched at Drakensberg Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal following allegations of religious intolerance after Hindu learners were reportedly told to remove or cover their Luxmi prayer strings.

According to reports, two students were ordered by a Muslim teacher to take off their prayer strings, while the school principal instructed them to hide the strings during school hours.

In response, the school held a meeting with the Estcourt Hindu Cultural Society, the school’s governing body, and other stakeholders to address the issue. The Estcourt Hindu Cultural Society emphasized the importance of religious and cultural tolerance and the protection of constitutional rights that ensure freedom of religious expression in schools.

"The school has initiated an internal investigation," the institution stated, adding that they requested time to follow due processes.

The provincial Department of Education has sent officials to the school to assess the situation. Muzi Mahlambi, spokesperson for the department, reiterated that religious observances in schools must comply with the Constitution, be voluntary, and follow public authority rules.

Meanwhile, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha stressed the need to respect cultural rights, such as the wearing of Luxmi strings and nose studs, which hold deep religious significance. "These items are not merely fashion accessories but have deep religious meaning," said Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the organization.