Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has extended good wishes to the Hindu, Tamil, Gujerati and other communities as they prepare to celebrate Diwali or Deepavali, as it is known, on Friday.
"We look forward to joining our country's Indian community in marking this joyous occasion," said Jacob Zuma on Thursday.
During Diwali, devotees from across the world light lamps that symbolise the victory of light over darkness.
"May this divine light shower you with peace, prosperity, happiness and fulfilment. This is a time not only for celebration but also for contemplation. Diwali honours the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil, of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance and thoughtlessness.
"Let these prayers guide us in our daily endeavours as we seek, individually and collectively, to make South Africa and the world a better place for all its citizens," he added.
The President said this year marked the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in the country and the tapestry of the rainbow nation has been richly blessed by the addition of this beautiful culture and people.
