An investigation into allegations of religious intolerance is underway at a school in KwaZulu-Natal after Hindu learners were reportedly told to remove their religious strings.
The Post reported that two Drakensberg Secondary School learners were ordered to take off their Luxmi prayer strings or to cover them up during school hours.
It is alleged that a Muslim teacher told the learners to remove the strings, while the school's principal told learners to hide it.
In a statement, the school said a meeting was held with the Estcourt Hindu Cultural Society, the school's governing body and various stakeholders to discuss the matter.
"The Estcourt Hindu Cultural Society strongly advocates for religious and cultural tolerance and emphasizes the importance of upholding constitutional rights that protect freedom of religious expression in school. We would like to report that the school has commenced with an internal investigation in this regard," the school said.
The school further appealed for time to allow for due processes to be followed.
The provincial Department of Education said officials have been dispatched to the school to understand the depth of the allegations.
"Religious observances can take place at state-aided or state institutions, but they must be conducted fairly, follow public authority rules, and be free and voluntary, hence, all schools must adhere to the above-mentioned prescripts contained in our Constitution of the Republic of South Africa," the department's Muzi Mahlambi said.
Meanwhile, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha stated that cultural rights, like the wearing of Luxmi strings and nose studs should be respected.
"These items are not merely fashion accessories but have deep religious significance," the organisation's president, Ashwin Trikamjee, said.
IOL