South African History Online

Speech on Receiving the Freedom of Durban

Durban, 16 April 1999

Your Worship, Mayor Obed Mlaba
Mayors of Local Councils
Distinguished
Guests
Citizens of Durban.

I am truly honoured to be receiving the Freedom of Metropolitan Durban today.
In extending to me the privileges of the citizens of this gre3at city you are, I
know, honouring not one individual, but the whole South African nation.

It is they who overcame the divisions of centuries, by reaching out to one
another. In so doing they have made our country a symbol to the world of renewed
hope, of the possibility of the peaceful resolution of even the most intractable
conflicts. It is they who mandated our representatives to write a constitution
which embodied the noble ideals of unity in diversity, and tolerance and respect
for all our cultures and religions.

In paying this tribute, through me, to the people of South Africa; in this
gathering and in a ceremony which reflect the diversity of our land, the city of
Durban is declaring its commitment to those aspirations and ideals.

I am therefore proud to accept the honour, in all humility, from a city in
which I feel at home whenever I visit it.

Durban's hospitable attraction is, it seems, no recent phenomenon. Historical
records show that even before it was colonised by the British, sailors from the
east and west settled among the local inhabitants and refused opportunities to
return to their homelands. They were made to feel welcome in an area that had
already become ac customed to a harmonious diversity of peoples.

Durban's potential must have been recognised by the indentured labourers who
chose to remain here after freedom was granted to them from the 1960s.

Today, this busiest port of Africa, this haven for investors and holiday
makers alike, is home to part of the souls of many nations and cultures,
precious threads in the rich diversity of our African nation.

The splendi way in which durban hosted the Non-Aligned Movement Summit last
year did South Africa proud. It makes us look forward with confidence to the
many international events which our country will host in this city.

As much as Durban is associated with hospitality and diversity, it is also
remembered as a place of immense suffering, war and sadness.

For was it not here that the indigenous peoples fought bravely against
military invasion by colonising forces? And here where the first concerted
attempt at group area segregation emerged during the 1870's, long before
apartheid? And here that some of the cruellest acts of savagery were enacted,
like the durban by-laws requiring Africans to be dipped with their belongings in
a disinfectant tank on entering the city?

And yet out of this ferment great leaders emerged who helped shape the
world's understanding of human development. Those who revere freedom and human
dignity around the world know of this city and region because of Mahatma Gandhi
and Chief Albert Luthuli.

Their legacy, along with that of people like the Revered John Dube and Isaiah
Shembe, Bishop Colenso, Sobantu and Dorothy Nyembe left an indelible mark on our
country's history.

Many organisations which laid the foundation stones of South Africa's vibrant
democracy, including my own organisation, the African National Congress, have
drawn sustenance from the soil of KwaZulu-Natal.

Much has been said before about the calibre of leadership and the legacy of
those early pioneers of resistance. But today let us also honour the current
political leaders who have done so much to bring peace.

When we visited KwaZulu-Natal in 1990, as the opening of the prison doors and
the unbanning of organisations signalled the beginning of our transition to
democracy, this province was gripped in bloody violence. There were many who
believed that the call to throw weapons into the sea would never be answered.

But since then immense progress has been made, thanks to the efforts of
people from across the political spectrum. Although many of us take it for
granted, the way in which political violence subsided and communal co-operation
increased will be remembered as one of the success stories of our democracy.

We should pay tribute to all those who have worked so hard at achieving
peace. But even though there has been much progress, the task will only be
complete when every citizen can feel safe in bed at night; in exercising the
right to vote; and in being able to express opinions freely.

As we approach South Africa's second democratic election, we should all be
concerned to eradicate the remaining pockets of violence. And we should give no
space to those who would like to see the province plunged back into political
violence, in order to hold back progress. All people of influence - political
leaders from every party; traditional leaders; religious and community leaders -
all of us have an obligation to ensure a climate of tolerance. We must emerge
from this election, whatever our differences, more united as a nation and
therefore strengthened in our capacity to bring about even more change than we
have already achieved.

Many people have been sceptical of our capacity to realise the ideal of a
rainbow nation. It is true that South Africa was often brought to the brink of
destruction because of differences. But let us re-affirm this one thing here
today; it is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or
religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there
can only be one division amongst us; between those who cheris democracy and
those who do not!

As freedom loving people, we want to see our country prosper and provide
basic services to all. For our freedom can never be complete or our democracy
stable unless the basic needs of our people are met. We have seen the stability
that development brings. And in turn we know that peace is the most powerful
weapon that any community or nation can have for development.

As we rebuild our country, we should remain vigilant against the enemies of
development and democracy, even if they come from within our own ranks. Violence
will not bring us closer to our objectives.

All of us should ask ourselves the question; have I done everything in my
power to bring about lasting peace and prosperity in my city and my country?

And when we are satisfied with our answer, we should ask that question of our
constituencies. Let us enjoin them to work together with the police in freeing
our society of criminals and mischief makers. Let us ask them to behave in an
exemplary fashion, that would make Gandhiji and Chief Luthuli proud.

Let us live up to the expectations which the world has of us, as a nation
which has rekindled hope for reconciliation and peaceful resolution of
differences.

People of Durban,

I thank you for honouring me with the freedom of your city. As long as I have
strength, I will try to redeem this honour.