SA Hindu Maha Sabha approves proposal for national SHAKTI helpline - IOL

Through its innovative helpline, the SAHMS seeks to empower every South African facing life's challenges, creating a network of support that fosters resilience and compassion within communities.

AT ITS recent Annual General Meeting, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) approved the proposal to establish a national SHAKTI (Support Helpline for Assistance, Knowledge, Trust and Information) Helpline. This initiative reflects the Maha Sabha’s commitment to addressing the growing social, emotional and practical challenges affecting individuals, families and communities across South Africa.

Many South Africans continue to face severe social and economic pressures. Communities grapple with substance abuse, youth offending, gender-based violence, crime, family breakdown and increasing mental health challenges. These difficulties are compounded by persistent unemployment, poverty, inequality and financial insecurity.

These interconnected challenges trap many families in vicious cycles of hardship that are difficult to escape. Many people feel isolated, overwhelmed and unsure where to get help for financial stress, emotional trauma and lack of access to support services.

Family structures are also changing. Extended family support networks are not always readily available. As a result, many families require access to childcare services, support for older persons, home-based care, mental health services and caregiver assistance. Increasing life expectancy has further intensified demand for support relating to chronic illness and other age-related conditions.

The mission of the SHAKTI Helpline is to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive information, support and referrals, with confidentiality subject to clearly stated legal and safeguarding limits, to members of Hindu communities and, as capacity allows, the wider public.

The values that the SHAKTI Helpline will be guided by include: Seva (selfless service), Compassion, Dignity, Confidentiality, and Accountability.

The service is rooted in Hinduism and welcoming to all, as per the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family (motto of SAHMS). Access will not depend on participation in worship, donations, race or gender. Spiritual referrals will not replace professional care.

While a helpline cannot solve unemployment, poverty or inequality, it can serve as a vital gateway to existing resources that many people struggle to navigate. The SAHMS-SHAKTI Helpline will provide information, guidance and referrals to appropriate support services, including, but not limited to:

- Spiritual: Provide links to priests, scholars and counsellors; information on Hindu practices, festivals and samskaras; and offer guidance in ethical and Dharmic matters. 

- Emotional and family needs: Address family problems; marital guidance; parenting; senior citizen's concerns; bereavement; care for the aged; debt counselling. 

- Youth: Deal with identity and cultural issues; bullying and discrimination; academic problems; education; substance-abuse and other related problems. 

- Crisis and welfare: Provide crisis intervention, family or domestic violence, gender-based violence, and referrals for suicide prevention, substance-abuse services, shelter, welfare, funeral assistance, food distribution. 

- Disaster and emergency: Mobilise communities in cases of disaster, respond to humanitarian needs. 

The SHAKTI Helpline will not start from scratch or attempt to reinvent the wheel. Many SAHMS affiliates already promote Seva through feeding schemes, family assistance programs and access to medical and legal support from qualified professionals. The helpline will build on and coordinate these existing efforts rather than duplicate them. It will help to identify service gaps, encourage collaboration between organisations, and ensure individuals are directed to the most appropriate forms of assistance.

The SHAKTI Helpline will initially be launched as an information, support and referral agency rather than as a full crisis counselling service. This phased approach will reduce legal and operational risk, and enable SAHMS to develop governance structures, volunteer capacity, referral networks and financial support. The service will then be gradually expanded to include counselling and crisis support functions once the appropriate safeguards, professional supervision and sustainable funding are in place.

This will test demand whilst boosting the operations and effectiveness of the service.

The Helpline would be primarily offered as a virtual service during its pilot phase. With modern telephone and online systems, trained volunteers will be able to assist people across South Africa, cutting costs and expanding reach.

SAHMS also intends to set up a technical working group of professionals from the information technology, telecoms, cybersecurity, and data protection sectors to advise on technology and risk management issues.

The service will remain free to users, with no referral commissions and no sale of caller information. The pilot phase will help determine long-term demand, funding requirements and operational sustainability.

The long-term success of the SAHMS-SHAKTI Helpline will depend on securing sustainable and diversified funding that enables the service to operate reliably, professionally and safely. While the initiative will always be rooted in volunteerism and the ethos of seva, there are certain critical operational costs, including technology infrastructure, training, safeguarding, oversight, administration and quality assurance that require ongoing financial support.

A healthy funding model supported by donations, sponsorships, grants, fundraising activities, and partnerships will allow the service to continue uninterrupted and reduce risks for those seeking help. It is essential for the sustainability and continuity of the service whilst also building public confidence and serving vulnerable groups who will benefit from this much-needed service.

The SHAKTI Helpline is one of the most significant national initiatives undertaken by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha. By connecting with existing voluntary service networks, harnessing professional expertise, and promoting the fundamental Hindu values of compassion, responsibility, and seva, the Helpline can serve as a trusted agency supporting thousands of individuals, families, and communities.

The SHAKTI Helpline will increase co-operation among temples, affiliates, qualified professionals and established public and nonprofit providers. With sound governance, sustainable funding and phased implementation, the SAHMS-SHAKTI Helpline can become a flagship national community support service that embodies the timeless Hindu principle: Nar Seva is Narayan Seva - service to humanity is service to the Divine.

Professor Brij Maharaj is Deputy President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha. The SHAKTI Helpline concept proposal can be downloaded from the Maha Sabha’s website.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or post.co.za