Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini met in Sandton on Monday, 27 September, to address issues of culture and heritage among Gauteng residents. The two leaders reminded the residents of the province about the importance of respecting and taking pride in their traditions and cultures, despite Gauteng being a melting pot of all cultures.
"We must stop labeling each other by ethnicity, we need to demonstrate tolerance of diversity and cultures. Always remember that South Africa belongs to all those who live in it, said Premier Mokonyane.
She also emphasised government's responsibility to growing and investing in "our heritage for generations to come so that South Africa can have a rich history".
Mokonyane further said as part of ensuring diversity her government was in a process of integrating all hostels around the province.
King Zwelithini expressed his gratitude to the Indunas who are now residing in Gauteng and thanked them for preserving and upholding their different cultures.
Speaking about his visit to Gauteng, His Majesty said that his reason for coming to Johannesburg was to teach and preach peace amongst different racial groups and try to persuade people to appreciate and tolerate one another's cultures. "To live in harmony we don't have to relocate. Gauteng is our home and we must feel safe to live in it".
Premier Mokonyane concluded that the meeting with King Zwelithini was the start of good things to come and pleaded with young people to always respect their elders and for elders to try and understand and also reciprocate the respect given to them.
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Thabo Masebe
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