Message from Dr Zweli Mkhize
I offer you on behalf of the provincial government, my greetings and my warm wishes as we celebrate Deepavali.
Times like these are dedicated to reflect on what has gone before and reconnect with the light which lies within us. During this Diwali season we need to pray for the transformation of our society into one nation united in diversity. We need to increase our consciousness of the ways in which light can triumph over darkness.
More importantly, in the face of the present economic crisis we should resist the temptation of focusing on our personal interests and encourage each other to assist those that are in need. That's what the spirit of Ubuntu is all about.
My hope is that in this spirit of looking to the light, we should find reconciliation where there has been division and hurt.
Bound together as we are in the new South Africa, we need to recognise one of the most powerful potentially constructive elements, Nation Building. The new government is determined to promote unity because we believe that this is the only way of creating a compassionate society. Unity can be achieved if we celebrate together national days such as Diwali, Rosh Hashan, Eid, umthayi, umkhosi wokweshwama and many other days of importance in our lives.
This year we set aside a day to celebrate the diversity of South African cultures. Heritage Day was day in which all South Africans celebrated who we are; one people one nation with many cultures.
We demonstrated as we marched through the streets of Pietermaritzburg that we are indeed proud children of a united South Africa. We made a statement that we accept our diversity and that we respect different cultures and different religions and faiths.
May the light that Deepavali brings shine in all of us and may we use this light to bring happiness and contentment to the lives of all the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
22 October 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za)
