The governing body for Hindus in SA has lined up a team of lawyers to tackle incidents of racism that may arise over the use of fireworks during Diwali.
The Festival of Lights will be observed around the world on Saturday.
The threat of a second wave of Covid-19 has also prompted the SA Hindu Maha Sabha to call on the Hindu community to avoid large family gatherings that are synonymous with Diwali and celebrate virtually.
Ashwin Trikamjee, the organisation’s president, told Sunday Times Daily: “Every year we receive complaints about alleged racial incidents because of the fireworks.
“If there are any complaints the lawyers will attend to [them]. They will deal with procedures that need to be followed. It is a free legal service.”
Five lawyers have volunteered to tackle any legal woes.
Every year we receive complaints about alleged racial incidents because of the fireworks
— Ashwin Trikamjee, SA Hindu Maha Sabha president
Trikamjee said the use and abuse of fireworks was an annual controversy.
He said the Maha Sabha was being proactive in “avoiding racial attacks and conflicts of previous years” with the appointment of lawyers to assist the community.
In 2019, Pradeep Ramlall, from Pretoria, laid criminal charges against a resident at a plush complex who allegedly hurled racist insults at him and his guests for lighting fireworks on Diwali.
Ramlall, his family and guests – including Indian diplomats – were subjected to a scathing verbal attack while celebrating at his son’s home in Arcadia, about 1km from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s official residence.
Trikamjee said the matter was still before court.
On marking Diwali in the midst of the pandemic, Trikamjee said: “With Diwali celebrations coming, we have to be mindful of the consequences of dropping our guard.
“There is a tendency to socialise. We are appealing to the community not to forget the rules of mask wearing and social distancing.
“Avoid socialising if you can.
“I think the only time people will realise how serious this situation is, is when somebody close to them is affected.
“We can only caution the people as much we can, particularly when there are religious services. There are regulations and we have to comply them.”
Trikamjee said the annual Durban Diwali festival will be held virtually in 2020.
“We want the community to understand that Covid-19 compliance is essential to ensure the virus is not spread.”
Abdool-Karim said he was worried about Diwali celebrations because young people would be mingling with older, vulnerable relatives.
“I am deeply concerned about multigenerational family gatherings. I think it poses quite a high risk to the elderly. If families are going to do that, I would encourage them to do so by social distancing and mask wearing.
“It’s not that you shouldn’t have a family gathering. It’s important [and] we need that, especially with what we have been through this year.
“But you need to keep it to an intimate group and try to have it outside, where the air flow is good. Make sure you protect your distance, avoid hugging, and keep your mask on as much as possible.”
