Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan
Photo by: Reuters
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela received special honours at the 2016 Mahatma Gandhi Awards held at the Durban City Hall on Monday.
Gordhan, who could not attend due to ill health, received the Mahatma Gandhi Satyagraha Award for his contribution to promoting integrity and commitment in his various roles.
Madonsela received the second Satyagraha Award for the contribution she made to the country in her position as Public Protector. She was honoured for her integrity, commitment and courage as enshrined in the country's Constitution.
Dr Bernard LaFayette Jnr received the International Award for Peace and Reconciliation.
In his acceptance speech, he said he was inspired by Gandhi's life and had learnt a lot from him.
LaFayette, who worked with Dr Martin Luther King Jnr, said some might ask why no one had ever heard of him.
Political instability
"It is because my hand has been down rather than up. I have been down lifting others up. In leadership sometimes you have to bow and be humble in order to help others take a stand."
LaFayette said he had lent a hand to some of South Africa's most popular leaders.
Welcoming guests, eThekwini councillor Sipho Kaunda took the opportunity to address the political instability in the country.
"We are even attacking each other like there is no tomorrow, let us focus our eyes on the economy, the poor and the hungry who also want a slice of this growing economy.
"They are not interested in the factions and ideological battles. Our duty is to refocus our energy and the spear of Gandhi. We are deeply disturbed by the scenes of violence in our campuses, burning of libraries and the brutal force by the police."
He said students who were involved in the #FeesMustFall campaign should protest peacefully.