SAHMS condemns social media posts over fireworks
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha has condemned social media comments made after Diwali fireworks in Umhlanga, while eThekwini rules permit fireworks between sunset and midnight, subject to safety requirements.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has denounced inflammatory social media posts targeting the Hindu community's Diwali celebrations in Umhlanga. The controversy arose following Facebook comments criticizing the fireworks and expressing anger towards celebrants, with one user describing the event as a "total war zone" and accusing participants of harming people, animals, and the elderly.
SAHMS deputy president, Professor Brij Maharaj, strongly condemned the posts, particularly the language used to portray Diwali celebrants as reckless and harmful. He emphasized the distinction between legitimate concerns about fireworks' impact on domestic animals, elderly residents, and those sensitive to loud noises, and hostility towards the entire religious community.
Maharaj noted that while responsible and lawful celebrations are encouraged, collective condemnation of an entire community is unacceptable. He highlighted South Africa's constitutional democracy, which values dignity, equality, freedom of religion, and respect for cultural diversity. The eThekwini Municipality's fireworks regulations permit the discharge of fireworks during Diwali, subject to safety requirements.
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