Journeys to Peace, an international conference, set to be held at DUT from 18-20 September 2015, at the University’s Ritson Exam Hall will confront the issues of violence facing humanity at present.

The aim is to understand the nature of violence and to advance the possibilities of building a world on the foundations of nonviolence.

Organised by the International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON), the conference will be co-hosted by the Durban University of Technology and the Gandhi Development Trust. It will draw in a wide range of delegates from academia, NGOs, schools, the state and private sectors.

The conference also enjoys the backing of the eThekwini Metro, which will host a civic reception and tours for delegates.

“The recent xenophobic violence was a sharp and painful reminder that South African society has failed to address deep seated forces of stigmatisation and violence,” said Crsipin Hemson, Director of ICON. “But we are not unique. Similar challenges face societies around the world and threaten the viability of human life and well-being,” he added.

Central to the organisation is a group of DUT students on the Innovative Leadership Programme. “As an aspiring leader, I am keen to be engaged in interaction with a wide range of people committed to nonviolence from around the world,” said Nomfanelo Dlomo, a student in Public Relations Management at DUT. Msizi Maphumulo added, “Given the level of discrimination faced by many groups around the world, we need to meet in a platform where we can learn to understand each others’ cultures.”

For further details, please contact ICON on (031) 373 5499/ icon@dut.ac.za. Registration is possible through the ICON website: www.icon.org.za.

– Noxolo Memela