Friday, September 22 2006 11:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Durban: The participation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Satyagraha celebrations in South Africa this month-end reflects the strong relations between the two countries.

"The participation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the celebrations reflect the bond between people of South Africa and India," Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said yesterday (Sept 21,2006).

"The main public event will be held at the Kingsmead stadium in Durban where President Mbeki and Singh are expected to address the public," he said.

"The observation of the 100th anniversary of Satyagraha is one of South Africa's planned anniversaries being observed this year to mark the journey in the struggle for freedom and democracy," he said.

"The strengthening of relations has further grown in pursuance of development and peace in the developing world", said Maseko.

"The various anniversaries being marked during this year celebrate the part played by many sectors of our society in the achievement of freedom and by various forms of struggle, including non-violent or passive resistance as exemplified by Satyagraha," he said.

He said this after the Cabinet was briefed about the Satyagraha celebrations and the visit of the Indian Prime Minister.