The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) has approved a proposal to establish a national SHAKTI (Support Helpline for Assistance, Knowledge, Trust and Information) Helpline. This initiative aims to address the growing social, emotional, and practical challenges affecting individuals, families, and communities across South Africa. The helpline will provide a network of support that fosters resilience and compassion within communities.
Many South Africans face severe social and economic pressures, including substance abuse, youth offending, gender-based violence, crime, family breakdown, and increasing mental health challenges. These difficulties are compounded by persistent unemployment, poverty, inequality, and financial insecurity. The SAHMS-SHAKTI Helpline will provide information, guidance, and referrals to appropriate support services.
The SHAKTI Helpline will be guided by the values of Seva (selfless service), Compassion, Dignity, Confidentiality, and Accountability. The service is rooted in Hinduism but welcoming to all, as per the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. Access will not depend on participation in worship, donations, race, or gender.
The SHAKTI Helpline will provide links to priests, scholars, and counsellors, as well as guidance in ethical and Dharmic matters. It will address family problems, marital guidance, parenting, senior citizen's concerns, bereavement, care for the aged, and debt counselling. The helpline will also deal with youth issues, crisis intervention, and welfare.
The SHAKTI Helpline will not start from scratch but build on existing community services. Many SAHMS affiliates already promote Seva through feeding schemes, family assistance programs, and access to medical and legal support. The helpline will help identify service gaps, encourage collaboration between organisations, and ensure individuals are directed to the most appropriate forms of assistance.
The SHAKTI Helpline will initially be launched as an information, support, and referral agency rather than as a full crisis counselling service. This phased approach will reduce legal and operational risk and enable SAHMS to develop governance structures, volunteer capacity, referral networks, and financial support. The service will be primarily offered as a virtual service during its pilot phase.
The long-term success of the SAHMS-SHAKTI Helpline will depend on securing sustainable and diversified funding that enables the service to operate reliably, professionally, and safely. A healthy funding model supported by donations, sponsorships, grants, fundraising activities, and partnerships will allow the service to continue uninterrupted and reduce risks for those seeking help.
Key points
- The SAHMS-SHAKTI Helpline will provide a network of support that fosters resilience and compassion within communities.
- The helpline will be guided by the values of Seva, Compassion, Dignity, Confidentiality, and Accountability.
- The service will be primarily offered as a virtual service during its pilot phase.
