Dr Zweli Mkhize, Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has welcomed this visit by Her Excellency Mrs Pratibha Patil stating that throughout the long years of oppression and discrimination with communities in this country being ripped apart by political violence, people from South Africa and India shared a vision of a brighter future. He was speaking today during the president’s historic visit to Ghandi Phoenix Settlement and Dr JL Dube residence in Durban.
“India has remained partner during the most difficult period in our history. India through the force of inspiration shared its colonial oppression and made our desire for a free democratic dispensation even stronger.”
“Our focus therefore today is no longer about political liberation but about economic liberation. We must deepen the friendship between the two countries through exchange programmes focusing on economic and skills development.”
“Importantly, our shared interests, history and economic similarities have enabled us to build together a unique relationship that has benefited our people. India has helped our country integrate with economies of the world.”
“Since this term of office started in 2009, this province has hosted a number of activities coordinated by India’s Consul General’s office wherein we collectively promoted partnerships and identification of opportunities for investments in both countries.”
“The highlight was the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Africa Convention Convened under the theme “India, Africa: Building Bridges”. Whilst this conference formed part of efforts of the Indian government to keep in touch with Indians in the Diaspora but we regarded it as platform for us as the provincial government to pay tribute to the people of Indian origin who have been integrated with citizens of this country and KZN in particular.”
“Compared to many parts of the country and the world as a whole, KZN hosts the largest concentration of people of Indian origin. Indeed, KwaZulu-Natal is an appropriate province to be considered by the Indian government for tourism, foreign direct investment and cultural exchange programmes.”
“The cultural religious and spiritual bond remains strong between the Indian Diaspora in South Africa and the ancestral motherland. I have always emphasised the point that it is most significant that the Indian Diaspora have integrated their contributions into the growth of their current homeland – making a strong contribution in education, welfare, economic, cultural and other aspects of the lives of their nation within which they have been integrated.”
“The contribution of the well known leaders who hail from the Indian Diaspora is well documented. They became national heroes whose contribution is now part of a very proud history of our country. These includes the revered Mahatma Gandhi whose leadership, spirit and values are at the core of our modern democratic revolution.”
“Mahatma Gandhi remains the strongest bond that has bound our countries past, present and in the future. The values he espoused remain the core values of our contemporary struggle for our liberation. These were developed during the last violent confrontation of the 1906 - anti colonial uprisings as well as the fight that he led to open access for Indian people from other parts of the country.”
For more information contact:
Regi Khumalo
Media Liaison
Cell: 079 751 6108
E-mail: regi.khumalo@yahoo.com
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Premier Spokesperson
Cell: 082 375 4742
E-mail: sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za
