There is an article on TimesLive dated 2014 that starts with the opening line: “An eight-year battle to build a Sikh Gurudwara (temple) in Sandton has finally ended in victory for businessman Harbinder Singh Sethi.”
I can still remember that day I got the news. My heart swelled with gratitude and purpose. It was a historic moment that felt like the happy ending to a journey that has spanned countries and years since I arrived in South Africa from East Africa.
My family owned a piece of land on 4th Street in Parkmore that I decided to donate for the building of a Gurudwara Sahib. I envisioned a beautiful temple where Sikh devotees could come to worship and find fellowship.
Looking back now, I’m amazed at how something so positive and well-intentioned could be met with such resistance. My proposals were objected to countless times by the Parkmore Residents’ Association on grounds ranging from zoning technicalities to aesthetics. At times it felt like an endless mountain of red tape and opposition, but I refused to abandon hope for the Sikh community I wished to provide for.
But finally, after making compromises and adjustments, withdrawing and revising the proposal to accommodate concerns, the City of Johannesburg approved the plans. We worked closely with them to ensure all requirements were met.
Of course, I understood the residents had their reservations about disruption. I’m glad we could work through them amicably because this temple isn’t just for Sikhs. It’s for South Africa. It represents the freedom to practise religion and celebrate diversity—cherished ideals of our young democracy.
Today, my struggle seems distant. What remains close is the joy of what we built. Our Gurudwara stands proudly in the heart of Sandton. The magnificent golden domes shine in the African sun. Inside, the sanctuary echoes with prayer and song, and the langar hall bustles with people sharing meals. We’ve created a true community centre whose doors are open to all.
It fills me with immense pride and purpose when I walk the halls of a Gurdwara Sahib we fought so tirelessly for. This journey has taught me so much about determination, faith, and building bridges across cultures. I hope this Gurudwara can stand for the very best of these values.
Beautifully worded an impressive achievement .