Durban - With a host of activities lined up, some political, others purely entertainment, KwaZulu-Natal is set to celebrate the national Day of Reconciliation.
Three of the province's MECs have given their messages of support for the day that is celebrated throughout the whole country and signifies the ability of South Africans to overcome their struggles and unite as a nation.
"Love, peace, joy and hope - so many beautiful words are woven in our songs, prayers and traditions. As we celebrate Reconciliation Day, let us resolve to build a future where all people learn to love one another and to live together in harmony, where our children know true joy, where our hopes for peace, freedom and prosperity for all are finally realised," said Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Wesizwe Thusi, reiterated the national importance of the day: "The Festive Season has begun in earnest and within this period, our country celebrates one of the most important days on the South African calendar, the Day of Reconciliation. This is a day set aside by our government to foster reconciliation and national unity.
"Our history of division and disunity dictates that as a nation, we should go all out to reach out to each other in order to foster greater understanding. Our government has put in place several initiatives aimed at assisting all of us in building on the foundations laid by our forefathers who fought to liberate our country.
"As a nation, we now have a responsibility to ensure that we do not squander the gains we have made in the first 16 years of democracy. We must use days like these to build bridges and strengthen relations with fellow South Africans."
MEC for Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nomsa Dube, had this to say: "Reconciliation is not a one day event. But it is that time of year when we remind ourselves as a nation, of the significance of holding one another's hands firmly through all the challenges we face as we work towards enhancing our hard earned democracy.
"And what better time to enforce this message of togetherness in harmony, than around Christmas - the time for love and peace."
Meanwhile, the province's Premier Zweli Mkhize and members of the provincial government will celebrate the spirit of one of the architects of South Africa's democracy, Inkosi Albert Luthuli.
The celebrations mark the 50th anniversary since Luthuli was bestowed with the Nobel Peace Prize.
Luthuli, who was a businessman, farmer, preacher and traditional leader, was the first in Africa to be honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in bringing about change in the country.
