Durban: South Africa's Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi for inspiring the world with the philosophy of non-violence.

She was addressing the United Nations in New York on the International Day of Non-Violence as designated by the UN, a copy of her speech was released in Pretoria.

Dlamini-Zuma said, "Today as we commemorate this day, we cannot but reflect on Mahatma Gandhi. His life, vision and philosophy inspired this United Nations to designate the 2nd of October, his birthday, as International Day of Non Violence. Gandhi and many others have bequeathed us and future generations with this philosophy and practise of non violence."

"Humanity has witnessed and experienced the tragedy of violent struggles and wars. We know too well how many lives are lost, how many people are maimed. It is very destructive and leaves deep scars both physical and emotional. It leaves a trail of destruction, it leaves widows and orphans. There is no bright side of war," said the South African foreign minister.

She added, "Non-violence on the other side requires just as much courage and sacrifice without the spiral of violence. If you respond to injustice, to oppression, to racism or any unfair treatment with non violence, it exposes the immorality of the perpetrators."

Quoting Martin Luther King, Dlamini-Zuma said, "The meaning of non-violence We must recognise that just as there is a capacity for evil, there is a capacity for goodness. Just as a Hitler can lead man to the darkest and lowest depths, a Gandhi can lead men to the highest heights of non violence and goodness."

She observed that the non violent discipline goes on with this belief that even the most difficult person, even the person who is committed to the old order with all his might, can be transformed.

"The question we ought to ask ourselves on a daily basis is not how passionate we are, about the philosophy of non violence but rather how much have we ensured that it is an integral part of our thinking and our work. How do we apply this in resolving conflicts in all situations, in our countries, in our inter-state disputes or in international conflicts as we try to advance a more peaceful world free of wars and hatred," the foreign minister said.

Showering praises on Nelson Mandela, Dlamini-Zuma said said, "Former president Nelson Mandela, having spent 27 years in jail with his comrades, showed no bitterness and no revenge, is a practical application of this philosophy. It put him on a moral high ground and demonstrated that he is not as evil as his oppressors. Had he been full of hatred and revenge he would have been no better than his own oppressors."

The foreign minister also reiterated South Africa's commitment to remain true to the values and principles of non violence that were fashioned in the struggle against apartheid.
Source : PTI