POST scoops global award for uplifting community
THE Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio) has honoured POST and its new editor with its Community Service Award.
The award was presented at the New-York-based organisation’s gala dinner in uMhlanga on Saturday by King Goodwill KaBhekuzulu Zwelithini, who congratulated
POST on its strong and growing focus on promoting and uplifting the community.
“We’re reminded every day of the importance of journalism in a world where, unfortunately, fake news is gaining ground,” said King Zwelithini, who himself received the Gopio Life Achievement Award.
“Today we congratulate the editor of POST, Krisendra Bisetty, on receiving the prestigious international award.”
Gopio’s Africa co-ordinator, Ishwar Ramlutchman, said: “On behalf of Gopio International, we take pride and joy to honour Bisetty and the POST newspaper for their commitment and dedication to the Indian community.
“We also acknowledge all the social programmes that are hosted by POST. Over the past few months we have seen POST become even more active within the Indian community under the leadership of Mr Bisetty.”
About 200 delegates from the Indian diaspora were in Durban for the Gopio International Business Summit.
Awards were presented to community leaders and Gopio members for outstanding achievements in their respective field of work, contribution to their adopted countries and to the well-being, advancement and proliferation of the vision and mission of the non-profit organisation.
Other Community Service Award recipients included Struggle stalwart Swaminathan Gounden, Minority Front leader Shameen Thakur Rajbansi and MP Omie Singh.
“This award means a great deal to all of us at POST, South Africa’s #1 news brand around the Indian cultural identity,” said Bisetty.
“Today, POST readers from every walk of life – ordinary workers, professionals, businessmen and women, academics, students, moviemakers, sportsmen, those in the arts, etc – are tweeting, status-updating, blogging and debating their way to prominence with information gathered from journals like POST.
Added Bisetty: “As journalists, we are motivated by the impact we make in the lives of those we serve.”
In his speech at the awards ceremony, IFP president Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who also received a Life Achievement Award, said South Africa had benefited from the presence and contribution of people of Indian origin for 157 years.
“There is, within the DNA of Indian people, a desire to uplift and build,” he said.
KING Goodwill Zwelithini has lauded India and the South African Indian community for the role they played in bringing freedom and prosperity to South Africa.
Zwelithini was speaking on Saturday after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the first Gopio Africa Business Summit in Durban, attended by about 200 delegates from across the globe.
“The people of India have helped develop the South Africa of today and we should strive together even further to develop a better South Africa, Africa and the world at large.
“I (also) appreciate the good work that the Indian companies in South Africa are doing,” he said.
The king was referring to the fact that India had started the international campaign against the minority white apartheid government at the UN in 1947 and played a prominent role until Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected president in 1994, when trade between the two countries was resumed.
Turning to the local Indian community, the king said: “For 157 years we have witnessed a great community spirit where people of Indian descent have worked together (with indigenous communities) for humanity.”
The first Indians arrived as sugar cane plantation indentured labourers in 1860.
“I want to acknowledge that 158 years ago many Indians chose KwaZulu-Natal province as their home, although they were forced to by the colonial styles of the past.
“They worked in sugar cane plantations under terrible conditions, but because of them sugar has become the most important product that we export to many countries from this province.
“In October 2012, I addressed the Indian Diaspora conference (in Durban) and called on both countries to work together to eradicate hunger and poverty.
“I want to once again encourage leaders from all countries to work together to help eradicate poverty and help create jobs for our people.”
Calling for partnerships to achieve this, Zwelithini said this was exactly why both South Africa and India were members of Brics.
“This South-South partnership (with Brazil, China and Russia as the other members) will help us realise a better life for all. It is significant as it signals a new thinking in our relations.”
The king also called for more attention to be given to developing skills among the youth in both countries.
“The per capita income in our countries is still low, compared to developed countries. It is therefore important that we upskill our youth.
“There are more Indians in KZN than in any country in the world,” Zwelithini said to loud applause from the delegates.
“In KZN, the Indian community’s dedication to improving their personal conditions (despite apartheid) should serve as an inspiration to all of us. This experience must be used to empower all our people to fight poverty and to help their lives against other social ills,” Zwelithini concluded.