Yoshini Perumal|Published
Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) commissioner Dr Rajendra Govender has rejected allegations circulated in an anonymous social-media video, including claims about his remuneration, travel and links to India.
In the video, which is not endorsed by any individual or organisation, the narrator calls for the CRL commission to investigate Govender.
The narrator alleged that Govender received more than R1 million a year from the South African government while drawing a pension and working for India’s government in South Africa.
“We are calling for attention to the concerning conduct of Govender, who was appointed to represent the interests of the Indian community in South Africa.
“Despite his mandate to address pressing issues affecting the community, commissioner Govender has neglected these responsibilities while involving himself in business matters beyond his official government mandate.
“He was recently involved in the controversial Section 22 oversight body to regulate all religious organisations that would receive credentials or certification from the government.
“Most recently, Govender co-hosted a two-day workshop on ayurvedic medicine with the Consul General of India in Durban.
“This collaboration occurred despite the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) having established regulatory barriers to these medicines which we do not support,” said the narrator.
He accused Govender of benefiting from numerous free trips to India for him, his family and friends.
“He spends an inordinate amount of time at the office of the consul general for the past six years, and this raises suspicion.
“These alleged benefits create a serious conflict of interest question regarding his collaboration with the Indian government.
“We must ask, is commissioner Govender prioritising foreign interests over the needs of the South African Indian community.
“He appears to lack the relevant qualifications to engage in matters of medical regulation and healthcare policy.
“His involvement in these technical areas represents an over-reach of his mandate, and expertise as a CRL Commissioner.
“We call upon the chairman of the CRL Commission to launch a formal investigation into Govender’s conduct,” the man said in the video.
Govender said he reported the video to cyber-crimes experts, who were working to establish the source of the video.
He said following the outcome of their investigation, he would institute criminal charges.
He rejected the allegations, and said the suggestions that his appointment was questionable or that he lacked the necessary qualifications was both inaccurate and deeply misleading.
Govender said he was nominated through the prescribed process, shortlisted, subjected to a rigorous interview and vetting process, and subsequently recommended for appointment as a commissioner by President Cyril Ramaphosa in December 2024.
“My academic qualifications include postgraduate studies and doctoral research in social anthropology, with particular emphasis on cultural practices, religious traditions, indigenous knowledge systems and community heritage.
“I bring close to four decades of professional experience in education, arts, culture, heritage, research, public administration and international cultural cooperation. My professional journey has included senior leadership positions in government, academic research fellowships and participation in national and international institutions.
“My appointment was therefore neither accidental nor the result of political or foreign influence.
It followed a formal process that recognised my qualifications, experience and contribution to the sector.”
He also dismissed claims that he received over R1 million annually from the South African government for serving as a commissioner, in addition to his pension.
“Commissioners serving under the applicable part-time arrangements receive sitting allowances for authorised commission work, which is substantially below the amount alleged.
“The video makes the extraordinary allegation that I have received numerous free trips to India for myself, my family and friends, and suggests that I am moonlighting for the government of India.
“My professional engagements with India have been transparent and legitimate, arising from academic research, cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.”
Govender said he was awarded an IBSA Fellowship to conduct research in India on traditional medicine.
He said the fellowship was awarded through a competitive process involving an application, shortlisting and interview.
The associated travel and logistical arrangements were supported by the Indian government under the fellowship programme.
More recently, he was appointed by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) to co-chair the Culture Working Group of the BRICS Civil Forum.
“The logistical arrangements for participants were supported by the Indian hosts as part of an official international engagement. I have also travelled to India on other occasions for personal reasons and to attend conferences and events, with expenses borne by me. The suggestion that my family and friends have benefited from improperly sponsored trips or that I receive undisclosed financial benefits from the Indian government is false.”
“The oversight body to regulate all religious organisations includes encouraging religious communities to develop appropriate mechanisms for self-regulation, ethical conduct and accountability, particularly in response to complaints concerning exploitation and other harmful practices affecting congregants.”
He said the India–South Africa Traditional Medicines Symposium was an important platform for knowledge exchange between South African indigenous traditional medicine systems and Indian traditions, including ayurveda.
The symposium brought together researchers, academics, traditional health practitioners, complementary healthcare professionals, representatives of relevant institutions and other stakeholders.
“The objective was not to bypass South African medical regulations, endorse unregistered products or promote the commercial interests of pharmaceutical companies.
“Rather, the initiative encouraged dialogue on traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, research, ethical practice, regulatory considerations and opportunities for responsible cooperation.
“Traditional healing practices are deeply connected to the cultural and spiritual heritage of many communities.”
“Their cultural significance deserves serious scholarly engagement, while questions of safety, efficacy and regulation remain matters for appropriately qualified professionals and statutory authorities.
“The suggestion that I have undisclosed pharmaceutical business interests or used the commission to promote such interests is entirely without foundation.”
Govender said he challenges anyone making such allegations to produce credible evidence.
He said the narrator repeatedly suggests that he was appointed specifically to represent the South African Indian community and that he had neglected that community.
“This reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the constitutional mandate of the CRL Rights Commission.
“The Commission exists to promote and protect the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities throughout South Africa. My responsibilities are therefore not restricted to one ethnic, religious or linguistic community.
“Throughout my professional life, long before becoming a Commissioner, I have worked with communities across cultural, religious, linguistic and geographical boundaries. I have consistently supported initiatives involving indigenous African traditions, Indian cultural heritage, language preservation, interfaith dialogue, community development and the protection of vulnerable communities.
“My record of service is open to public scrutiny.
“However, there is a fundamental difference between responsible accountability and the circulation of damaging allegations without supporting evidence. Anyone possessing credible evidence of misconduct is entitled to submit it through the appropriate lawful channels. I have no objection to legitimate scrutiny of my professional conduct,” Govender added.