ADDRESS BY GAUTENG PREMEIR, Ms NOMVULA MOKONYANE, DURING THE OCCASION OF TURQUOISE HARMONY INSTITUTE UBUNTU AWARDS

04 April 2013

Program Director

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Greetings

The measure of greatness in a world afflicted by insatiable greed, perpetual conflict, fatal diseases, and stinging hunger should be humanity. It should never be about the economic, military or political sway you hold over others or even the social station you occupy by virtue of the level of education and the resources you command. True greatness must find expression in the humane manner in which one relates with the environment one lives in. If our interaction with the world is largely influenced by values alien to the philosophy of humanity we are more than likely to create a world that is at war with itself. In fact, as humankind we constantly create and shape the world which then makes us the world. If that is the case then we need to embrace the notion of humanity and allow ourselves to live by its dictates and teachings in all our endeavors and surely the world will be a better place to live in and bequeath to posterity.

While humanity is about love, respect, empathy, sharing and coexistence our world today is devoid of these virtues. It is a world in need of peace and harmony more than perhaps any other time in history. Inspite of the blessings of the digital era which provide us with numerous platforms of communication which are suppose to enhance dialogue, the nations of the world seem to be averse to dialogue.We cannot help but notice that instead of growing closer together, humankind seems to be growing farther apart in terms of mutual respect, dialogue and understanding.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests

Problems arising from excessive worldliness, scientific materialism, and ruthless exploitation of the environment are pervasive. Everyone talks about the horror of wars and environmental pollution, yet nations continue to be torn apart by wars and toxic waste is in abundance. The healthy balance between humanity and nature has been destroyed as a result of modern materialistic conception of, and corrupt attitude toward humanity and nature.

Fortunately, we still have amongst us those who refuse to be consumed by the vices of self-enrichment and total disregard for the environment as well as the welfare of their fellow humankind. These are people who consider it as their social responsibility to improve the conditions of others and the world we live in. They work tirelessly to ensure that all humankind live in a world that is just, peaceful and fair. They are unsung heroes and heroines who embody the true spirit of UBUNTU.They espouse the virtue of dialogue as a catalyst for peaceful coexistence and mutual appreciation for each other’s differences.

Program Director

The peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa serve as an excellent example of what dialogue can achieve. Through dialogue we appreciate each other’s right to dignity and right to exist which in our country is even enshrined in the constitution.

Dialogue should not be a romantic concept which is seen only as a topic for theoretical discussion but it is indeed a pragmatic way to be lived by. Most of you present tonight can attest to that because you dedicated your life working for peace, dialogue and understanding.

It is for this reason that tonight we honor all of you for your efforts; your time that you have spent, your energy that you have used, your leadership and your dedication to the cause of dialogue, peace, tolerance, harmony and social cohesion. Tonight is about recognizing your invaluable contribution in the creation of a better world. It is the occasion in which we deeply appreciate your endeavors in spreading the values of UBUNTU.

Ladies and Gentlemen

I congratulate Turquoise Harmony Institute for taking the initiative to spread and foster the culture of dialogue. It is especially of significance that it is an initiative of a small community in terms of numbers but it is obvious that this community sees itself as part of the greater South African society and we appreciate this.

Your effort and commitment is highly commendable.

Dankie. Ngiyabonga

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