The Durban University of Technology (DUT) supports the call of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, through story telling by South Africa’s legendary storyteller, Dr Gcina Mhlophe. The programme was held at Kasturba Gandhi Primary School, in Phoenix, on Wednesday, 2 October 2019.

The 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated in ways that advance learning, discussion and application of Gandhi’s ideas in long-learning, higher education and knowledge for change.

South African anti-apartheid activist, actress, storyteller, poet, director and author, Dr Gcina Mhlophe gathered with grade seven pupils where she shared a story on perseverance and making a difference. She further emphasised the importance of preserving history, story-telling and celebrating those who played a huge role towards democracy.

“In celebrating 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, it is very important to note that history telling is and should be part and parcel of our lives because if we don’t remember the stories and experiences of the older generation than what will we tell in the future,” said Mhlophe.

Additionally, she said just like the late political activist, Mahatma Gandhi , it is very important to nurture, love and respect all humans despite race or culture because when we plant these factors, we grow them inside us and hand them over to others in the future just like Gandhi did.

Primary School pupil Sanelisiwe Mageza said story-telling plays a big role in their academic life at Kasturba Primary School.

“In my school we do a lot of reading, our teachers share various historical stories with us and we are always told of the importance of taking care of books that we read so that the next generation will be able to learn about historical events,” she said.

Mahatma Gandhi was the primary leader of India’s independence movement and also the architect of a form of non-violent civil disobedience that influenced the world. Until Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, his life and teachings inspired activists including Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. He was the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement against British rule and in South Africa who advocated for the civil rights of Indians.

The celebration continues with a three-day conference themed: “The Confluence of Spirituality and Life-Gandhian Legacy for 21st century”. The conference begins today, (Thursday) 3 October to (Saturday)5 October 2019. The conference will be held at the Phoenix Settlement (Bhambayi) in Inanda.

Pictured: Kasturba Primary School pupils with storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe at the celebration on 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.

Nomfundo Ngcobo