President extols non-racial values of Luthuli
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has urged the public to follow in the footsteps of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Luthuli by espousing the values of non-racism and justice, as well as ensure a better life for all.
“As our country’s experiment with constitutional democracy continues, this is one key lesson that we must take to heart from Chief Luthuli, even during difficult moments when we feel the non-racial project is faltering,” Zuma said yesterday.
“We all have a responsibility to build a non-racial society and to unite all our people, black and white.
“In dealing with the problems facing the country, Chief Luthuli uttered the profound words on the need for courage that rises with danger.
“Indeed we are in that phase in our country where we need to be stronger and more steadfast in defending and protecting our country and to consolidate democracy. We need courage that rises with danger.”
Zuma was addressing the 50th anniversary of the death of Luthuli in KwaZulu-Natal.
He said the values of respect, selflessness, openness and accountability were all epitomised by Luthuli.
“As Luthuli would have implored us, the values of our constitution that so many sacrificed for should provide us with the moral and ethical edifice from which we can draw sustenance and a sense of purpose.
“These values have a universal appeal as they are premised on ubuntu, the sense that our survival and well-being is interdependent; that I am because we are.
“Chief Luthuli was a practical exponent of these values as exemplified in his quest for equality, especially gender equality, non-racialism, openness, respect and his fervent fight against all manifestation of tribalism.”
Zuma also hailed Luthuli’s contribution in the struggle against patriarchy. – ANA