Programme Director
Director of Turquiose Harmony Institute
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
South Africa generally is a country with diverse cultural and religious groups. The highest concentration of this diversity is found in the smallest province of the country. This province, called Gauteng is a melting point of all the cultures that are found not only in South Africa but the world over. It reflects what a rainbow nation is all about.
In spite of such diversity, Gauteng has been able to accommodate and create space for all cultures and traditions to be practised and thrive without any threat or fear of socially engineered extinction. Because the freedom and protection of this diversity is guaranteed by our constitution, the healthy coexistence of differences, be it on the basis of creed, race, or culture, is therefore cemented.
Tonight we gather here to observe the 5th annual Iftaar, the breaking of the fast by Muslim followers, which reminds us of the importance of humility, the appreciation of what the Creator has given us, and how those who have nothing cope with the drudgery and sufferings of the modern world.
As we observe the Iftaar, we need to reflect on the teachings and practice of our religious philosophy and how it enhances humanity and the promotion of peaceful coexistence; and how our faith propels us towards the achievement of the world that is just and harmonious.
In essence, all faith and cultural traditions have the interest of the people at heart and the true happiness of human beings can be achieved through peaceful coexistence. The essence of this coexistence is dependent upon mutual respect and appreciation of differences.
Therefore, it is of vital importance that effort is made to improve and promote the culture of coexisting and the respect for the right of those different to us to exist. The peaceful transition to democracy in SA is an excellent example of what dialogue can achieve.
In fact, through dialogue we appreciate each other’s right to dignity and right to exist. Dialogue as an act of open interaction exposes one to the world and perspective of the other. It is through dialogue that one learns to embrace and respect what makes the other different.
It is in this context that dialogue should be understood and not made to be an idealistic concept which is seen only as a topic for theoretical discussion instead of being a philosophy to be lived by. Dialogue should be about bringing out the qualities which makes a certain tradition unique.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Such occasions are significant for maintaining the culture of dialogue and strengthening social cohesion and the discussions and deliberations should move beyond these gatherings into the daily lives of all our people.
I congratulate Turquoise Harmony Institute for taking the initiative to spread and foster the culture of dialogue. It is especially of significance that it is an initiative of a small community in terms of numbers but it is obvious that this community see itself as part of the greater South African society and we appreciate this.
I also wish the Muslim community of Gauteng well for the rest of Ramadaan and an Eid Moobarak.
Enquiries:
Xoli Mngambi
Cell: 082 373 1146
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Province
