KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has urged the province to follow in the footsteps of struggle icon and peace activist Mahatma Gandhi in fighting the scourge of crime, gender-based violence, and substance abuse at the memorial service of his assassination held at the Gandhi Phoenix Settlement on Saturday. Let us continue to fly the multicultural and non-racial flag high and unite in diversity to honour the memory of [Gandhi] who lived his life to realise these ideals. “If [Gandhi] were alive today, he would have implored us to refrain from engaging in crime, gender-based violence, femicide – the scourges that threaten to reverse the gains of democracy.
“Let us honour Gandhi’s memory by protecting the women and girls of KwaZulu-Natal from harm perpetrated by men who rob women of their humanity and dignity,” he said. “If [Gandhi] were alive today, he would have discouraged the youth and the community at large from partaking in drugs and drug dealing, which break down families and demolish homes, leaving children destitute and vulnerable. “We urge our communities to work with police to root out drug peddlers whose sole mission is to destroy the future of our youth through drug dependency,” said Ntuli.
Durban Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni said it is important to honour the legacy of Gandhi and his light, not only to remember his tragic end. “We must reaffirm his values of non-violence. He was one of the giants of the African soil.
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His years in South Africa were very informative. Decades later, it highlights the powerful ways to move forward. He had a commitment to human dignity.
Phoenix is not only a monument. All of us today need to reflect as leaders: are we still walking in the footsteps of Gandhi” said Myeni. Gandhi’s granddaughter, Ela Gandhi, thanked those who supported the Gandhi Phoenix Settlement for their continued support.
“This particular settlement is so important because the values are entrenched on this soil. We are grateful to all who continue to support the settlement, which shares the history of the struggle and is a beacon of hope to the community,” said Ela.
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