Fourteen years ago, the Cape Town Sikh community took a momentous step forward. The opening of the first Gurudwara Sahib marked a new chapter in the city’s interfaith journey.
As I reflect on the occasion, I swell with pride at how far they’ve come as a sangat. At the time, Cape Town’s Sikh and Punjabi population was blossoming rapidly. They yearned for a sanctuary to call their own—a place where they could gather to worship, serve others, and nurture their shared spiritual heritage far from home.
As pointed out by Ranjeev Kapoor, chairman of the Gurudwara Sahib Cape Town, in a TimesLive article: “Most Sikhs in South Africa are expatriate Indians from India, Kenya, Botswana and other countries who have migrated to the country in the past 10 to 15 years and are now residents here.”
Back then, they could not gather as one sangat. Instead, they held prayers in their homes, scattered across the city.
Today, I am filled with gratitude for the efforts and sacrifices of all those involved. For the hands that laid each brick and placed each tile; for the hearts that fill it with love. Our vision was graciously supported by the Radha Krishna Temple in Rylands and the Hindu Association of the Western Cape, which provided the land for the temple.
It was an honour to contribute to the Gurudwara Sahib Cape Town’s establishment. It will always hold special meaning for me, as it does for all those who dreamed of having a sacred refuge.
Sangat from all corners of the city and beyond come there, finding connection, belonging, and inner fulfilment. The sounds of Kirtan resonate beautifully. The langar feeds all who come with open arms.
Of course, the holiest place of Sikhs is the Sri Harimander Sahib, known as the Golden Temple in the city of Amritsar, India. No Sikh’s spiritual journey is complete without paying homage at this divine shrine. It represents the very heart of our faith. The blessings received there nourish the soul with eternal energy.