The over 150-year-old first Hindu temple and a national monument in South Africa's Durban, the Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam, has said it runs a risk
of discontinued civic services owing to a pending bill of over half a million rands amid allegations of fraud.
The History of the Oldest Hindu Temple in South Africa
Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam, the oldest Hindu temple in South Africa, was established by indentured labourers who arrived in Durban in 1860 from India. It was declared a National Heritage Site in 1980 by the apartheid-era National Monuments Council.
It is also known as the Cato Manor Second River Temple and is situated on a hill amongst lush vegetation in Cato Manor. The temple complex is home to three deities - the first temple dedictaed to Lord Shiva is known as Ambalavaanar, the second in honour of the 'mother' is known as Sri Draupadi Alayam and the third is the Phutu (Phutuvan) Temple.
Over the years, the temple has been known as 'the temple that refused to die' because of the many challenges it faced, according to The Harmonist.
Hindu Temple Faces Pending Bills, Fraud Allegations
The temple authorities have announced to initiate a forensic audit, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) called on the community to save the 151-year-old Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam.
The dire financial condition of the place of worship came to light after the temple authorities posted a notice on its Facebook page last week making the allegations without naming any of the officials involved. It is also reported to be struggling to maintain the temple after allegations that donations and other funds were diverted to private bank accounts rather than the temple account, according to PTI.
“The reality of the situation is that the Alayam currently has an outstanding account with the Thekwini Municipality at approximately half a million rand, which is as a result of poor management and mishandling of funds within the NPO (non-profit organisation).
“Our Alayam is in a financial crisis and may be the reason that our lamps will be turned off in the near future,” the Facebook post read, adding that the temple’s executive management had since resolved to initiate a forensic audit.
“This audit will examine, verify and reconcile all financial transactions, funding records and reported inconsistencies, including those identified in relation to the existing auditor's report. The outcome of the forensic audit will be addressed in accordance with applicable legal, fiduciary and regulatory requirements,” the post said.
The post further requested all donations intended for the Alayam to be made “strictly and exclusively through official channels” and said that it was aware of different private bank accounts that had been used for the acceptance of donations under the previous management committee.
(WIth PTI inputs)
