The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has expressed concerns over the South African Broadcasting Corporation's (SABC) alleged marginalisation of Hindu programming. In a letter to the SABC board, the SAHMS claimed the public broadcaster failed to provide timely and meaningful Hindu programming, despite previous engagements. The organisation cited the omission of Kavady coverage as an example of this marginalisation.
The SAHMS's deputy president, Professor Brij Maharaj, stated that they had made several attempts to engage the SABC, particularly regarding the show Sadhana: The Inward Path. The SAHMS had previously written to the SABC in October last year and again in February. In April, they approached the office of Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, requesting an intervention.
Maharaj highlighted concerns about the excessive repetition of outdated content, the absence of refreshed programming, and the lack of transparency regarding content curation. He also noted the lack of consultation with legitimate South African Hindu organisations. The SAHMS received a response from the SABC, which attributed some shortcomings to financial constraints and assured them that schedules were being refreshed and new content acquired.
However, Maharaj stated that subsequent developments demonstrated that the underlying problems remained unresolved. A particular concern was the absence of programming dedicated to Kavady during its observance from January 27 to February 1, 2026. Instead, the SABC broadcast programming on an unrelated observance that occurred months later. Maharaj described this as a "troubling lack of understanding, sensitivity and responsiveness to the religious calendar and lived experiences of South African Hindus."
The SAHMS called on the SABC board to investigate the "persistent marginalisation" of Hindu programming. They requested a strategy to improve the quality, relevance and diversity of Hindu programming. This includes a review of the current state of Hindu religious programming, an investigation into the causes of repeated programming failures, and mechanisms for regular engagement with nationally representative South African Hindu bodies.
Mmoni Ngubane, the SABC's head of communications, acknowledged the concerns raised by the SAHMS and thanked them for their engagement. Ngubane stated that the SABC values Sadhana: The Inward Path and welcomes the SAHMS's participation. The SABC attributed the lack of Kavady programming to a "scheduling oversight" and stated that it is reviewing its faith-based offering.
The SAHMS received support from other voices within the Hindu and cultural communities. Sidney Govindsamy, chairperson of the Devasthanam Foundation of South Africa, expressed concern that Hinduism continued to experience marginalisation within the broadcaster's religious programming. Govindsamy stated that the absence of appropriate programming during one of Hinduism's most sacred observances was deeply disappointing to the Hindu community.
Key points
- The South African Hindu Maha Sabha has accused the SABC of failing to adequately represent the Hindu faith on its platforms.
- The SAHMS has called on the SABC board to investigate the alleged marginalisation of Hindu programming.
- The SABC has attributed the lack of Kavady programming to a scheduling oversight and is reviewing its faith-based offering.
