Veteran leader urges Indian and African unity in South Africa

Mangosuthu Buthelezi,President of Zulu Inkatha Freedom Party,expressed concern that South African Indian and African youth were lacking the united spirit in the fight against apartheid.

Veteran politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi,President of Zulu Inkatha Freedom Party,expressed concern that South African Indian and African youth were lacking the united spirit previously seen between the two communities in the fight against apartheid.

In an opening address at the 10th annual conference of the Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO),Buthelezi detailed history of the struggle and involvement of South African Indian leaders like late Monty Naicker and Fatima Meer.

“But I do not see that close getting together between our Indian youth and African youth in this province that existed (before),” Buthelezi said.

“I think that we should urge our youth to join hands,just as we did in the past. We achieved our freedom because we all joined hands across the racial divide which apartheid imposed on us. Today there are no such barriers.”

He acknowledged the perceptions within the Indian community that the government’s policy of Affirmative Action favoured Africans more than Indians,despite both groups being officially regarded as blacks.

“I know that these policies have made young Indians feel alienated. Deputy President,Kgalema Motlanthe,once suggested that these policies be revisited. I feel that there is urgency in doing so,if the foundation of brotherhood between Indian and Zulu youth is to flourish once again.”

Late Professor Fatima Meer had proposed setting up an Indo-African Institute to foster this objective,but her illness prevented her to complete the task,he said.

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“Her idea of setting up this Institute remains a challenge to all of us as the Indian and Zulu communities of this province – we can’t blame apartheid as an excuse.”

Activist Ahmed Kathrada,supporting Buthelezi’s view on unity,called on young leaders to come together in the interest of the people.

“If we could stand united against apartheid,why can’t we unite against poverty and hunger..,” the activist wondered.