The South African Hindu Maha Sabha has condemned social-media remarks made during a dispute over Diwali fireworks in Umhlanga, while residents raised concerns about noise, animals and vulnerable people.
Complaints about Diwali fireworks in Umhlanga have prompted the South African Hindu Maha Sabha to condemn what it calls ‘inflammatory and offensive’ remarks directed at the Hindu community.
The controversy follows a series of Facebook posts expressing anger over fireworks being set off during Diwali on Sunday night.
A post shared by Pete’s Post described the Diwali celebrations in Umhlanga as a “total war zone”, and accused those celebrating Diwlai of hurting people, animals and elderly residents.
“Total war zone brought to Umhlanga by the Diwali "celebratory croud (crowd)". Hurting humans, hurting animals, hurting the elderly, hurting pretty much everyone. Do you care? Wow, you must be so proud. We are supposed to pretend that it's OK for you to hurt everyone around for one night because if we don't, we are intolerant
“Well, guess what... I'm f*** intolerant!,” the post read.
Another Facebook post by Alan McAslan also expressed frustration over the fireworks, saying: “OMG f*** off with your fireworks please, the dogs are going mental, enough already.”
The posts attracted mixed reactions, with some social media users defending the celebrations, arguing that Diwali took place once a year and should be respected as an important religious occasion.
Others supported the complaints, citing the impact of fireworks on domestic animals, elderly residents and people sensitive to loud noises, while some called for people who set off fireworks to face charges.
However, the comments have also raised concerns about the distinction between legitimate complaints about fireworks and remarks that could be perceived as hostility towards an entire religious community.
Professor Brij Maharaj, Deputy President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said they strongly condemned the posts, particularly the language used to describe Diwali celebrants.
“The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) condemns the vulgar, inflammatory and offensive social media post that describes Diwali celebrants as a ‘war zone’ and openly declares intolerance and hostility towards an entire cultural and religious community,” said Maharaj.
He said there was a fundamental difference between raising concerns about specific behaviour and vilifying millions of people who observe one of the world's most sacred festivals.
“Diwali is a deeply spiritual occasion observed by Hindus across the world and forms part of South Africa's rich cultural and religious diversity.
“To characterise Diwali celebrations in a manner that paints an entire community as reckless, harmful, or indifferent is not only unjustified but also promotes prejudice and social division,” he said.
Maharaj said the sweeping generalisations against an entire faith were particularly troubling, warning that such rhetoric fuelled intolerance, stereotypes and hostility.
He said that the organisation had consistently encouraged responsible, lawful and considerate celebrations, taking into account neighbours, elderly people, animals and the wider community.
“Where individuals act irresponsibly, they should be held accountable. However, collective condemnation of an entire community is unacceptable. However, collective condemnation of an entire community is unacceptable,” he said.
Maharaj further emphasised that South Africa's constitutional democracy was founded on the principles of dignity, equality, freedom of religion and respect for cultural diversity.
“No community should be subjected to ridicule, hostility, or discrimination because of its faith or cultural practices,” he said.
He added that differences of opinion should be expressed without resorting to insults, prejudice or vulgar attacks on an entire community.
“The offensive post is illegal in terms of SA law and will be referred to our legal and IT teams for further action and consequences.
“SAHMS remains committed to fostering understanding, promoting responsible celebrations, and building a society in which all faiths and cultures are treated with the dignity and respect that our Constitution demands,” said Maharaj.
Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality's fireworks regulations allowed fireworks to be discharged on Diwali between sunset and midnight, subject to applicable safety requirements.