ABSTRACT
This chapter explains many Hindus in South Africa did not generally maintain their caste status, due to the fact that the structures that were necessary to maintain a caste-based society could not be established in the new environment with its many social and political challenges. There are scores of temples and small shrines, and many new Hindu organizations and new Hindu movements have made a home in South Africa. Although they do not come from homogenous religious and cultural backgrounds, they are Hindus, and both are keen to introduce their soon to be born baby to their respective religious and cultural values. This occurred both among the south Indians as well as north Indians, with the Gujarati community being an exception. The worship of the goddess Mariamman is common among Tamil and Telugu-speaking Hindus, as well as among many Hindi-speaking Hindus.
