Photo: KAMEYA CHINSAMY
THE uThungulu District Municipality has donated R50 000 towards the 2013 Diwali Festival scheduled for 1 and 2 November.
The donation came as a lifeline for the organising committee who earlier had to postpone the festival owing to lack of funds.
At the cheque handover on Tuesday morning in the Mayor’s office, District Mayor Thembeka Mchunu commended the committee members for their hard work and dedication towards the community function.
10 OCTOBER
THE Zululand Diwali Festival that was set for the weekend of 18 and 19 October has been postponed till next month.
This comes after the committee called for an emergency meeting this week to decide on whether the event should proceed as announced, due to a lack of adequate financial resources.
A decision was taken to postpone the event until 1 and 2 November. The Chairperson of the Diwali Committee, Dazzil Reddy, has issued an urgent press statement to confirm the decision taken.
‘This is a very solemn and painful decision undertaken by the EXCO of the Committee. Due to the tough economic conditions, most of our regular sponsors have explained their dilemma and are not able to sponsor their usual funds towards this auspicious occasion. This means that we are still trying to get more support from new sponsors to ensure that the festival does indeed come to fruition,’ said Reddy.
Diwali is a religious festival celebrated by Hindus worldwide. The significance of this ‘Festival of Lights’ is to ultimately conquer good over evil.
Rhana Naicker, who is the Director of Public Affairs for the committee, said,
‘It is sad to note that such a religious festival is not fully supported by civil society in its entity. Cultural cohesion is being promoted in the country, yet support from the corporate sector is not forthcoming towards all cultural events.
‘The Diwali committee members should also be applauded for their perseverance in raising funds for this community endeavour, selflessly sacrificing their time and their own financial resources to ensure that our community’s needs are catered for’.
‘This event is unique because we cater for all ethnic groups who reside in the greater Zululand area. Our committee prides itself on serving the previously disadvantaged groups and will continue to do so, irrespective of the current challenges. Only with the support of the business can we cater for the needs of our people and succeed in our endeavours,’ commented Naicker.
