Gandhi’s time in SA made him a strong leader

MAHATMA Gandhi was known as the Father Of India. After a lifetime of working for human rights, he helped the people of India to independence in 1947.

But the greatest gift to the world was an idea of non-violence. He believed in solving problems peacefully without fighting.

Choosing a path was not ideal for millions of his followers, but with Gandhi as its guide, the freedom of India was born. Non-violence was not a new idea, of course.

Most great religions of the world preach against violence. However, people tend to use these teachings only in their personal lives. For him, non-violence was not a sign of weakness. It was a way for people to become stronger. It could be a powerful force for change.

Non-violence could change laws, gain freedom and equal rights. Every day in South Africa saw more prejudice against Indians and other groups.

As his time in South Africa was ending, his Indian friends gave him a farewell party where he heard some bad news.

The colony of Natal, where he was living, was about to pass a new law that would ban Indians from voting. Gandhi quickly organised his fellow Indians. He made speeches, wrote letters and gathered hundreds of people, but the law was passed anyway. Gandhi was just getting started.

However, he formed the Natal Indian Congress to organise Indians and teach them their rights. He said they should have good jobs, an education, and healthcare.

Gandhi returned to his homeland of India in 1915. By now he was committed to helping his people and ready for the task at hand. His years in South Africa made him a strong leader.

Mahatma Gandhi