Follow Gandhi’s path to tackle crime, GBV and drugs, says Ntuli

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has called on the province to follow in the footsteps of global struggle icon and peace activist Mahatma Gandhi, urging unity, non-racialism and non-violence in tackling crime, gender-based violence and substance abuse. Speaking at a memorial service marking the anniversary of Gandhi’s assassination at the Gandhi Phoenix Settlement on Saturday, Ntuli said the province should continue to “fly the multicultural and non-racial flag high” and unite in diversity to honour Gandhi’s legacy. If Gandhi were alive today, he would have implored us to refrain from engaging in crime, gender-based violence and femicide — scourges that threaten to reverse the gains of our democracy.

“Let us honour his memory by protecting the women and girls of KwaZulu-Natal from harm perpetrated by those who rob them of their dignity and humanity.” “Even though they arrived as labourers on sugar cane fields, they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. Today, their descendants are influential nation builders and leaders in science, education and business, contributing significantly to the economy and development of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said. Ntuli urged communities to work closely with police to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

“If Gandhi were alive today, he would have discouraged the youth and communities from partaking in drugs and drug dealing, which destroy families and leave children vulnerable,” Ntuli said. Durban Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni said it was important to honour Gandhi’s values, not only to remember his tragic death. “We must reaffirm his commitment to non-violence and human dignity.

[paywall]

Gandhi was one of the giants of African soil, and his years in South Africa shaped his philosophy. Phoenix is not only a monument; it is a place where leaders must reflect on whether we are still walking in his footsteps,” Myeni said.

[/paywall]