By Charles de Olim
South Africans must not relax in their efforts towards national reconciliation.
This was stated by the Dalai Lama, speaking yesterday at a press conference in Johannesburg, where he was accompanied by his “Zulu warrior” host, Qhuzuluni John Sithole, the co-founder of the African Cultural Heritage Trust (ACHT).
The dreadlocked Sithole was in his traditional ibheshu skins, while the exiled head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people wore his scarlet and saffron monk’s robes. But the Dalai Lama pointed out that the differences between the two started and ended with the way they dressed.
“I am only one of 6-billion people on this planet. Each of us has the responsibility to think carefully about the world. We have the same potential to create a more compassionate society,” the Dalai Lama said.
His visit had been arranged by the ACHT to celebrate its Zindala Zombili National Traditional Dance and Music Festival.
“Africa is a huge continent with much potential, but it has its difficulties. Whether I can help or not, I don’t know,” the Dalai Lama added.
He said South Africa was still a country in transition and that there was no time to relax.
“There still (remains) work on all levels on issues of reconciliation,” he said, giving special praise to fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu for his peacemaking efforts.
Commenting on Africa, he lauded its people’s respect for nature and the emphasis they placed on traditional wisdom, despite the advent of technology.
Continuing with his message of a shared brotherhood, the Dalai Lama spoke of the possibility for harmony among different religions as they all preached the same message of love, compassion, self-discipline and forgiveness, despite their different philosophies.
“We all need to find a common ground to work together. This is very important. Indeed, it is very necessary,” he said.
After an absence of nearly 50 years, the Dalai Lama expressed a keenness to return to Tibet and China on a pilgrimage of the holy places, but felt the Chinese government and media still portrayed him as a separatist.
The main public highlight will be his visit to Pimville in Soweto tomorrow, where the Dalai Lama will speak at RAU Vista University on the role of cultural heritage and the arts in the development of free societies.
