South African President Zuma acknowledges role of Indians

Addressing the nation live on television and radio,Zuma also applauded the role of the Indian community in South Africa.

“In November this year,we will mark the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa,” Zuma said.

“It provides an opportunity to recognise the important contribution of the Indian community in the fields of labour,business,science,sport,religion,arts and culture in the achievement and consolidation of our democracy,” he said.

In his speech,Zuma also addressed issues that have stymied the government’s progress on promises to improve education,health,crime and housing.

He extended condolences to the people of quake-stricken Haiti and praised South African-Indian doctor Imtiaz Sooliman,founder of ‘Gift of the Givers’ which was the first rescue team to reach the Caribbean nation.

“I would like to especially recognise (Sooliman) one South African who never fails to assist in times of disaster and helps us to promote a vision of a caring society,” Zuma said.