Peace walk first steps to KZN unity

PREMIER SIHLE Zikalala led a peace walk from Rydalvale in Phoenix to nearby Bhambayi on Tuesday in a bid to strengthen unity and social cohesion.

This follows the recent unrest and racial tensions in Phoenix, which claimed 36 lives.

“It is important that we continue to mobilise and encourage communities to live together in harmony … ” said Zikalala. “We strive to build a non-violent society, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, given the violent incidents we continue to see either racially motivated, gender-based violence, or criminality. We want to deal with all of that for peace and harmony amongst the people.”

The march was part of a wider government initiative to rebuild trust between communities. “This is the beginning and it is going to unfold in different ways. It’s the walk today.

“We are still going to have sports activities, exchange programmes in schools, address conflicts and have cultural activities, including on Heritage Day. We will ensure that peace is sustained throughout.”

Before the peace walk, the premier unveiled a logo created by Tshiamo Molehabangwe, a graphic design student from the Durban University of Technology, that was selected as a symbol of peace. The logo is titled “One Nation”.