SOUTH AFRICA, December 14, 2014 (Times Live by S. Makhanya): Rarely do we in South Africa have a year in which someone does not touch someone else on their religion, race, culture or ethnic heritage. We have reported on recurring disputes such as the spat over fireworks during Diwali every year.
In 2002, Hindu vets Vis Pillay, Ramona Rambally, Sanil Singh and Vis Govender – who lost an eye during a fireworks display – called for a ban on “big bang” fireworks. Their call followed the tabling of an Explosives Bill, with Hindu leaders Ram Maharaj and Ashwin Trikamjee blasting policy-makers for not consulting the Hindu community before declaring that people wanting to use fireworks would have to apply for permits. In 2007, the bill was still being debated, and by 2013 nobody was sure whether a national ban on the use of fireworks at private homes was in place.
Conflicts over religious issues have not been restricted to adults. Children have often found themselves at the centre of religious and cultural battles, mostly at schools. In November 2012, we reported on a row over a Johannesburg private primary school exam set on the same day as Diwali. The matter was reported to the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities by a mother whose son attended the school.
Commission CEO Pheagane Moreroa said at the time that the matter would be cited in a report that would form part of the recommendations for a Public Holidays Act, which would propose seven more religious holy days converted to public holidays. The act remains in the works at the Home Affairs Department.