South African Temples and Mosques Implement Civil Society's Security Guidelines

In Johannesburg, on March 20th, a significant development unfolded as leaders of Hindu temples and mosques across South Africa, grappling with criminal threats to their congregations, embraced a security guide initially crafted for Christian institutions. This guide, developed by AfriForum—a civil rights organization founded by members of the former minority white Afrikaner ruling community—aims to bolster the safety of religious spaces amidst rising concerns over security.

AfriForum's security assessment guide, designed to enable churches to proactively enhance their safety through audits and the implementation of protective measures, has been recognized for its applicability beyond Christian churches, extending its benefits to mosques and temples. AV Mohammed, Chairman of the Grey Street Mosque—an iconic structure established by Indian settlers in 1930 and a beacon for international tourists—highlighted the universal need for such security insights across all places of worship.

Recent years have seen a troubling spike in criminal activities targeting worshippers at these sacred spaces, including armed robberies and vehicle thefts during prayer times. Hindu temples have not been spared, with incidents involving the theft of sacred Mangal sutras and deity statues. The Grey Street Mosque has responded by ramping up security measures, especially during the Ramzan period, to protect worshippers from potential threats.

Faisal Suleman, Chairman of the South African Muslim Network, expressed his condemnation of the escalating violence and criminal acts against religious institutions both within South Africa and globally. He urged the South African government to take decisive action to safeguard these spaces.

The Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramaniar Temple, represented by spokesperson Sidney Govindsamy, has also felt the brunt of criminal activities. Located in an industrial zone prone to break-ins, the temple has had to enhance its security infrastructure significantly. Govindsamy believes that AfriForum's assessment could serve as a valuable resource for religious institutions facing similar challenges.

Natasha Gunpath from Foresthaven Hindu Dharma Sabha in Phoenix—a township with historical ties to the apartheid era—shared concerns about community safety following recent incidents affecting local devotees. The call for vigilance among worshippers underscores the broader community's apprehension regarding crime.

This collective move towards adopting AfriForum's security guide underscores a shared commitment among diverse religious communities to protect their congregations and preserve the sanctity of their worship spaces in the face of growing security challenges.