State of disaster regulations impact on religious gatherings
"All believers are implored to use this time to lament to God, to intervene and heal the world."
The state of disaster regulations, announced by President, Cyril Ramaphosa to stem COVID-19 (coronavirus) have also affected local religious gatherings.
Geetha Dookhi of the Dundee Hindu Temple told the Courier that with the banning of gatherings of 100 people or more, the temple had this week taken a decision not to conduct prayer festivals until further notice. She said this was done in the best interests of residents.
Following a meeting of the Dundee Faith Based Sector, chairman, Reverend Siphamandla KaMhlongo Ndlovu said drastic measures had been taken to limit contact, by suspending all mass faith-based activities in the Dundee area.
“We call on all members to acquiesce to the State President’s call to take steps to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, by applying all measures put by the Department of Health and the President.”
The traditional mass Palm Sunday procession normally held in April in Sibongile and other areas within Endumeni, has been suspended along with other pre-Passion Week activities.
The sector further called on households to promote a ‘hygiene culture’, by washing hands thoroughly with water and soap, or a hand sanitiser at least. Kitchens, toilets and bathrooms should be kept clean.
“Congregations in and around Dundee must practice and emphasise a sanitising policy during Sunday services. Those who have minor flu should go and visit medical institutions which are nearby, and must not attend any mass gathering until they are fully healed.”
The Dundee Faith Based Sector called on all believers to use this time as ‘an opportunity of reflection’ on the role they should play in promoting a universe of clean and protected environment.
“All believers are implored to use this time to lament to God, to intervene and heal the world. We hope and trust that all our people would take care of themselves during this time. We pray this pandemic will soon disappear. We will continue to pray to the Almighty to heal the world.”
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