RELIGIOUS leaders are calling for “religious cohesion” after a video of a “prophet” condemning Hinduism surfaced on social media recently.
In the 10-minute clip posted on the TikTok page @africabacktojahweh, titled “The judgement of Indian Descendants in South Africa”, Zukiswa Mfenqa claimed to be a prophet.
In the video, she said that on June 21 she had received a “word” from God on the Indian community in South Africa, especially those living in Chatsworth, Phoenix, Westville, Overport and Parlock.
Mfenqa, who according to her account is from Durban, only posted the video on July 4.
According to the “word” Mfenqa received, the Lord was going to shake the Indians in South Africa for “tyranny and gatekeeping”.
“I elevated them in the time of Afrikaners to build themselves for the freedom ahead because I wanted them to help their brothers rebuild, and they took my altars to the other Gods and started tyranny over my people.
“They became very proudful towards me and built temples and went to get the names from the priests at those temples,” she said.
“All of their wealth I will take away in one night. There will be no more Chatsworth, Phoenix, only Welbedacht. The Lord says that the Indian people go to the temples to get their names.
“When the Indian people have babies they go to the temple and the priest in that temple gives them the name of the baby so the priests to the other Gods are naming the children of the Indians. The temples are not the temples of God. These are not churches,
Mfenqa said the Lord also told her that “waters” (floods) would hit areas with the most Indian people, like Phoenix, Chatsworth, Overport, Parlock and Westville, all in one night and there would be no way of escaping.
“The Lord is saying that there will be floods in Westville. Westville is the elite place where there is a concentration of Indians where they build these palaces for themselves. They have these big dogs praying for a congregation of worshippers. During his prayer, he calls out for a congregation member who feels a sense of heaviness in his or her home and family when Kavady is being observed.
“All the flags of Krishna and the buses will be gone in the floods.”
Reverend Mervin Naidoo, of the Cornerstone Church, said South Africa was known for its cultural and religious diversity.
“This is reflected in the relationships among its various religious communities, including the Indian, isiZulu and Christian population. The legal framework of South Africa’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion,
Europe with yoga. A video of his sermon went viral. Perumal further told the congregation that a woman from Phoenix, “was suffering badly with a spirit coiled up on her wishbone” and the spirit was a demon. He said the woman was experiencing pain because she helped her neighbour make vedas (a savoury snack) for a Hindu celebration. He went on to call the celebration devil worship. belief and opinion. This legal framework provides a foundation for religious tolerance and the peaceful coexistence of different religious groups.”
Naidoo said an interfaith dialogue was needed for religious cohesion.
“There are various interfaith initiatives and organisations in South Africa aimed at promoting understanding and co-operation between different religious communities.
“These initiatives often include members from the Indian community (Hindus, Muslims, and Christians) and various Christian denominations.”
Perumal said there were also some churches promoting yoga for exercise, and he referred to this as being the work of the devil. He was reported to the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission. After an investigation the commission order him to give a written and video apology to the Hindu community, acknowledging the hurt he had caused through his hate speech and religious intolerance. Perumal made the apology.
He said in many areas, Indian, isiZulu and Christian communities lived and worked together harmoniously.
“Festivals such as Diwali, Eid, and Christmas are often celebrated publicly and are attended by people from different religious backgrounds, fostering a sense of shared community.
“The lady in the video who claims to be some prophet or voice for the people simply makes unfounded, unsubstantiated and divisive claims targeting a very humble, hard-working and patriotic Indian community.
“The very nature of her claims is a feeble attempt to sow discord among a healthy social integration of communities particularly in the areas mentioned in the video.
“Nelson Mandela, a global icon for peace and tolerance, often spoke about the importance of religious tolerance.
“One notable quote by him is ‘for to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others’.
“While this quote does not directly mention religion, it embodies Mandela’s philosophy of mutual respect and tolerance, which extends to religious freedom and understanding,” said Naidoo.
He said another relevant quote was “without tolerance and appreciation of diversity, the new South Africa would never be able to build a sustainable and peaceful society”.
“I strongly condemn those remarks made by this lady and call on all South Africans, in all our communities, to remain tolerant, respectful and appreciate our diversity.
President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, Ashwin Trikamjee, said the organisation received several complaints about the offensive and racist TikTok video attacking Hinduism and Indians in South Africa.
“We have lodged a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission and the Cultural Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission.
“The Sabha will not permit this type of an attack on Hindu dharma and our people.”
Trikamjee said a commitment to non-racialism was a founding principle of the South African Constitution.
“The South African Constitution entrenches the right to freedom of religion and worship.”
Mfenqa did not respond when asked for comment.
The POST