Hindu practices likened to witchcraft in PMB hospital drama

This follows an incident at Northdale hospital in Pietermaritzburg, where a staff member was allegedly criticised and probed over their possession of religious Hindu items - which included among other things an incense stick, a statue of Hindu deity Lord Muruga, and a framed photograph of Sai Baba. 

The staff member's religion was also apparently likened to witchcraft. 

The premier's spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, says the incident has prompted Premier Willies Mchunu to establish a social cohesion programme which will be rolled out soon.

"It will be spearheaded by leaders of society, leaders of faith. We want to ensure that we embark ion interfaith programmes, focusing on denominations, and we want leaders of society to be at the forefront of this," he said.

The SA Hindu Maha Sabha's Brij Maharaj says the incident highlights the gap between different groups within our society.

"The deep-seated ignorance about the faith - I think it's also a hangover from the apartheid era. Every now and then you have blatant racism coming up on Facebook, so SA is a deeply-divided and prejudiced society. I think we have a long way to go," he said.

Maharaj says this is an insult to the Hindu faith in South Africa, and shows contempt for minority faiths, as well.

Meanwhile the KZN Health Department says this was an isolated incident and that it's launched an investigation. 

In its statement it's called on staff to be tolerant of others' religious practices.