Salt march hopes to promote non-violence and uBuntu
The Gandhi Development Trust invite the greater Durban community to participate in the spirit of uBuntu and nation building at the annual Salt March on Sunday, 29 March.
THIS year, 2015, marks the eleventh anniversary of the annual Salt March, which is aimed at commemorating the struggle of Mahatma Gandhi and Nkosi Albert Luthuli for peace and equality and will take place on Sunday, 29 March departing from Phoenix Settlement.
The Salt March is presented by the Gandhi Development Trust in partnership with the Department of Sport and Recreation, with support from eThekwini Municipality and the Government of KwaZulu-Natal.
“The Salt March is an annual event held in Durban in which people from all walks of life and of diverse cultures come together to celebrate the life of Mahatma Gandhi and Inkosi Albert Luthuli, both of who have been vocal in their support for the development of a culture of nonviolence and ubuntu. Our march also commemorates the Freedom Charter and this year marks the 60th anniversary of our Freedom Charter,” explained Gandhi Development Trust’s Ela Gandhi.
The original Salt March took place from March to April 1930 in India. It was an act of civil disobedience led by Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) to protest British rule in India. Britain’s Salt Acts prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt, so Indian citizens were forced to buy the vital mineral from the British. During the march, thousands of Indians followed Gandhi resulting in the arrest of nearly 60 000 people, including Gandhi himself.
Gandhi declared resistance to British salt policies to be the unifying theme for his “Satyagraha,” campaign or mass civil disobedience.
The event is inspired by the tenth clause of the South African Freedom Charter which states: “There shall be Peace and Friendship! South Africa shall be a fully independent state which respects the rights and sovereignty of all nations. South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation –not war. Peace and friendship amongst all our people shall be secured by upholding the equal rights, opportunities and status of all.”
“In this spirit we walk to promote goodwill and friendship among all,” says Gandhi.
The Salt March is organised by the Mahatma Gandhi Salt March Committee comprising various organisations and individuals. The march begins at Phoenix Settlement where the original Gandhi home stands in Inanda at 7am and takes walkers through Inanda Road and on to North Coast Road uMgeni Road and to the Kings Park Athletics Stadium – a distance of approximately 18km.
There are kombis ready to pick up tired walkers from all the water and refreshments points. T-shirts and medals will be given to all. Refreshments and drinks will be supplied at various points en-route. A hot meal will be provided at the end.
To join this walk you can enroll online at www.gdt.org.za and click on registration for 2015 salt march and then follow the steps. Call Avishkar on 031 3735486 or 0827816843 for more information.
Entry is free and all are welcome. Clubs and schools are encouraged to join as a unit.
