Historic 150-year-old temple at risk of closure as R500 000 debt looms

THE historic Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam - widely regarded as the first public Hindu temple in South Africa and a national monument - is battling to keep its doors open due to an alleged financial mismanagement scandal.

- NADIA KHAN

With R500 000 in municipal debt and accusations of funds being diverted to private accounts, temple executives have called for a forensic audit while the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) urges community support to save this 150-year-old national monument.

Last week, a public notice was shared on the temple’s Facebook page, detailing their plight.

It read: “The reality of the situation is that the Alayam currently has an outstanding account with the eThekwini Municipality at approximately half a million rand which is as a result of poor management and mishandling of funds within the NPO. Our Alayam is in a financial crisis and may be the reason that our lamps will be turned off in the near future.”

According to the notice, 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.