The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has contacted the Minister of Communications to voice serious concerns regarding the quality and appropriateness of Hindu programming broadcast by SABC, following multiple unsuccessful attempts to communicate directly with the broadcaster.
SAHMS stated that it had been trying to initiate discussions with SABC for a period of nine months. When these efforts yielded no results, the organization subsequently wrote to Solly Malatsi, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, requesting ministerial involvement and a formal meeting.
In their correspondence, SAHMS detailed ongoing worries about the Hindu religious programming on SABC. They noted that over recent months, they formally addressed the SABC executive concerning the continuous deterioration in the quality, relevance, and sensitivity of Hindu programming, specifically mentioning the program Sadhana - The Inward Path.
Although SABC acknowledged the concerns and attributed them to financial and operational limitations, SAHMS argued that subsequent events revealed a persistent pattern of neglect. This neglect, according to the group, compromises both the public broadcaster's mandate and the constitutional recognition of religious diversity within South Africa.
A major point of contention raised in the letter was the failure to air any pertinent content during the significant Hindu observance of Kavady, which took place from January 27 to February 1, 2026, even though substantial archival material was available. Instead, the programming shown during that time related to a different Hindu ritual scheduled much later in the year.
SAHMS characterized this not as an isolated mistake, but as evidence of deeper structural weaknesses in planning, advisory capabilities, and general religious knowledge concerning Hindu subjects. The organization expressed growing apprehension that repeated interactions with SABC leadership have failed to produce meaningful corrective actions, and there has been insufficient openness regarding how Hindu content is chosen, scheduled, and approved.
The SAHMS further emphasized that SABC operates under the policy and oversight structure managed by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies. They requested a meeting with the minister to gain clarity on policy oversight mechanisms, aiming to guarantee equitable religious representation and find collaborative solutions that support SABC's public service duty while rebuilding trust within the Hindu community.
Brij Maharaj, the deputy president of SAHMS, informed the POST that engagement with SABC regarding these issues began in October 2025. He lamented that the response from SABC leadership has been insufficient, noting that the pattern of inaction persists despite numerous attempts to resolve the situation.
Maharaj stressed that these issues demand immediate attention, accountability, and concrete remedial steps to ensure the public broadcaster fulfills its duties fairly and equally. Despite the urgency conveyed, he reported that they had not yet received a reply regarding a meeting.
For the sake of transparency and public accountability, Maharaj urged SABC to clarify the processes, standards, and governance methods utilized for selecting, commissioning, approving, and broadcasting Hindu religious and cultural material. He also demanded details on the qualifications, expertise, and relevant experience of the individuals, advisory boards, committees, or editorial teams responsible for managing Hindu content, including any organizational or religious ties.
Furthermore, SAHMS seeks information on existing policies and safeguards designed to ensure the fair, accurate, authentic, and balanced portrayal of the Hindu community, aligning with SABC's public service obligations to South Africa's varied religious and cultural groups. SAHMS strongly encouraged SABC to engage constructively and respond promptly to these inquiries.
The office of the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies eventually responded, referring the matter back to SABC. SABC provided no comment to the POST at the time of publication.
Ram Maharaj, president of South African Hindu Dharma Sabha (SAHDS), voiced his support for SAHMS's endeavors, stating that SABC should allocate more quality time and increase its budget substantially to better serve the Hindu Community of South Africa. He asserted that Hindus deserve fairer and better treatment, urging SABC to consult more broadly and deeply to offer fresh, relevant content, especially concerning Sadhana - The Inward Path.
Sidney Govindsamy, chairperson of the Devasthanam Foundation of South Africa, the National Council of South Indian Temples, echoed this sentiment, supporting the call for SABC to review and improve its Hindu programming. He remarked that public broadcasting must accurately reflect the nation's rich religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity. Govindsamy found the lack of programming during Thaipoosam Kavady deeply disappointing, viewing it as a missed chance to educate the wider South African public about the country's multicultural heritage.
Dr Rajendran Govender, representing the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission), clarified that SAHMS's appeal extends beyond mere requests for religious programming. He framed it as a recognition of constitutional principles like cultural diversity, religious freedom, and linguistic rights, highlighting the vital role of public broadcasting in fostering a cohesive society.
Govender suggested that Sadhana - The Inward Path serves as an excellent model for fulfilling this mandate, acting as a window for all South Africans to understand Hindu philosophy and traditions. He concluded that SABC has an opportunity to recommit to diversity by meaningfully engaging with the Hindu community and other stakeholders to celebrate South Africa's cultural and religious wealth.
The activities of people's representatives in studying local problems, identifying and eliminating difficulties, as well as providing social support to the population, are of great importance. These events are held in districts, as well as in neighborhoods and quarters.
Ulugbek Inoyatov, head of the faction of the People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan in the lower house of parliament, is conducting inspections of social facilities in Urganch district of Khorezm region and meeting with voters and residents.
During his visit, U. Inoyatov visited secondary school No. 38 in the district, where he familiarized himself with the progress of reconstruction work. This school, which educates over a thousand students, is being fully renovated under the 'Initiative Budget' based on a deputy's request. Recommendations were given regarding the quality and timely completion of repair work according to the established schedule, as well as the effective organization of the process of preparing for the new academic year.
A meeting was held with the 'neighborhood community' in the 'Arboblar' quarter of the district, during which the progress of work in several areas was analyzed: teaching youth crafts, increasing women's economic activity, social support for needy families, and creating favorable conditions for citizens wishing to start their own business.
During the meetings, appeals from representatives of the quarters were heard, and measures to resolve them were determined jointly with deputies of the local Council and heads of organizations.
In addition, Deputy Durbek Akhmedov of the Legislative Chamber visits quarters in Uchtepa district of Tashkent city, as well as socio-economic facilities, holding open discussions with residents. Measures are being taken to eliminate identified shortcomings and problems while studying socio-economic facilities in the region.
The Central Methodist Church in Durban has a long history. The first Methodist church building in Durban was constructed in 1843. It was a hut made of straw and clay, erected by Reverend J. Archbell on the corner of Aliwal and Smith Streets (which are now named Samora Machel and Anton Lembede Streets).
In 1850, this original structure was replaced by a more imposing building designed by his successor, Reverend U.S. Holden.
The old building on West Street (opposite 320 West Street, now Dr. Pixley Caseme) became the fourth church of this type, consecrated on January 13, 1878. This majestic Gothic temple was designed by architect Roland Ridgway in 1877, and the cornerstone was laid by Mrs. Benjamin Greenacre. The church accommodated 650 people and took ten years to pay off the expenses.
In 1968, the church trustees received a favorable offer to sell the property, which they accepted. The site chosen for the new church was, ironically, at the corner of Smith and Aliwal Streets—where the first straw and clay hut was originally built. The new building replaced the popular 'Broadway' hotel, which was frequented by people who went to Durban cinemas on Saturdays, although it probably did not look as good as it once did.
The new temple was designed by John Churchill Simpson from the firm Geoffrey Le Sueur and Partners. One parishioner once described the new Central Methodist Church as a 'rather unsightly structure.'
