Gandhi Salt March to go ahead

Gandhi Salt March to go ahead

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/gandhi-salt-ma...

Independent Online

Krishna Perumal Govender, a Mahatma Gandhi look-alike, is one of thousands that are expected to participate in the Durban Gandhi Salt March.
Picture: Zanele Zulu

By Simone Samuels

Organisers of the Gandhi Salt March are appealing to the public to go the extra mile and join the 20km walk in Durban on Sunday.

The event honours leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Luthuli, who resisted oppression through non-violence, and is aimed at fostering unity and a spirit of ubuntu.

Participants will begin walking from the Phoenix settlement, which was established by Gandhi in 1904, and continue to the Kings Park athletic stadium on OR Tambo (Marine) Parade.

The initiative, a collaboration between Gandhi Development Trust and the eThekwini municipality, began in 2005 marking the 75th anniversary of the 1930 Dandi March in India.

During the Dandi March, Gandhi and millions of his followers defied the colonial law that imposed tax on salt and prevented Indians from manufacturing salt.

The theme for the Salt March is “Our Legacy of Non-Violence – A Reflection on the ANC Centenary”.

Krishna Perumal Govender, a Mahatma Gandhi look-alike who has lead the walk for the past seven years, said the event had attracted about 3 000 participants each year, and he encouraged people to participate.

The Salt March will begin at 7am and participation is free. All who participate will be given T-shirts and medals will be awarded to those who complete the walk.

Buses will be provided to the Phoenix Settlement and from the stadium, on request. - Daily News

For more information, go to : www.saltmarch.org.za