26 September 2006
Media is invited to the Centenary celebrations of the Satyagraha, the
non-violent struggle on passive resistance initiated and led by Mahatma Gandhi
in South Africa in 1906. It is one of the country's 2006 earmarked
anniversaries to mark a journey in the struggle for freedom and democracy in
South African history.
The celebrations will commence on 30 September to 1 October 2006 in
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), with a special and significant official visit from Prime
Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh to South Africa. Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh will be accompanied by business personalities.
The celebrations will be characterised by the four nodal events as
follows:
* Train drive - Saturday, 30 September 2006
The Prime Minister of India and his delegation, Minister in The Presidency,
Essop Pahad and Minister of Arts and Culture, Pallo Jordan, Premier of
KwaZulu-Natal Sibusiso Ndebele, MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism in
KwaZulu-Natal Weziwe Thusi and Mayor of Msunduzi Municipality Ms Zanele
Hlatshwayo will participate in a train drive from Penrich Station in
Pietermaritzburg to Pietermaritzburg Station, viewing the pictures and
memorabilia displayed on the walls of the station.
* Site visits Sunday, 1 October 2006
Prime Minister Singh together with President Thabo Mbeki will visit the
following areas before addressing a public gathering at Kingsmead Sahara
Stadium.
Phoenix or Ghandi settlement: Walkabout at the Phoenix settlement and laying
of wreath on Ghandi's bust.
* Umbilo Resistance Park: Public gathering at the park where Mayor of
Ethekwini, Councillor Obed Mlaba and Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad
will outline the significance of the site.
* A public event or gathering at the Kingsmead (Sahara) stadium where
President Thabo Mbeki and Prime Minister of India will address the public.
Members of the media are requested to RSVP in order to get accreditation and
avoid any inconvenience when covering the event.
Members of the media wishing to cover this event are advised to provide
their full names, identity numbers and contact details by end of business on
Wednesday, 27 September 2006.
For further details and RSVP contact:
Swazi Dlamini
Cell: 083 964 0961
E-mail: (swazi@gcis.gov.za)
For transport arrangements and RSVP:
Jeff Hassan
E-mail:hassanj@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Cell: 082 884 1872
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
26 September 2006
