May I say in conclusion that it is a matter of common knowledge that the Indian community in this province (Natal) and the Coloured community, especially in the Western Cape, voted overwhelming for the National Party
In the Indian and Coloured areas you find that as much as 70 percent of the population voted against an African government.
They decided to be part of a minority and not the majority. They decided to be part of a past which has divided us, created conflict, hostility, instead of being part of the future.
The Indian community decided to forget about such international and venerable personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, like Jawaharlal Pandit Nehru, like Dr Dadoo, like Dr Naicker. Debbie Singh, George Singh and many others.’
The Indian community decided to renounce the rich tradition of struggle and hatred of their fate being decided by others.
We have these (local) government elections coming. We have- had a most difficult task in the government of national unity because the fact that the Indian and Coloured communities identified themselves with the oppressor has created problems for me in promoting a spirit of reconciliation and the building of our nation which should be the joint activity of all South Africans: Sothos, Shangans, Venda, Tswana, Coloureds, Indians, whether they are Muslims or Hindus and Whites.
We need to promote the spirit of reconciliation. We need to work together to build our country and the Indian community is a very important sector of our community.
Enterprising, they have been able to overcome the disabilities which were created by the very party which you voted for.
You have ... you were moved. 'The National Patty tried to destroy you, your powerful economic positions.
They moved you to the ghettos, to certain areas set aside for the Indian community. What happened? You created the flourishing townships on the bare veld. Places like Lenasia today are as thriving as the centre of Johannesburg.
You have an opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past in the forthcoming local elections.