Chair, Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by millions all over the world on 26 October. This marks the Hindu New Year, the beginning of the new lunar year according to the lunar calendar, with the festival being significant to Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains all over the world.
The festival is celebrated by the lighting of flares, which symbolises the victory of light spreading through the reign of darkness. Light is hope, goodness over evil, a time for prayer, happiness, prosperity and sharing. It is a festival filled with spirituality and religious activities spread over five days. The main day is 26 October, the third day of Diwali.
We would like to wish all those who are celebrating a joyous Diwali and may all the lights which are lit lift any darkness remaining in their lives. In the spirit of this festival, we, as the IFP, trust that the majority of South Africans who still live in squalid conditions and are socially and economically deprived through corrupt actions, nepotism and inefficiencies begin to receive the full benefits that they are entitled to. I thank you.