The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) Organising Committee has concluded its year-long programme marking the 130th anniversary of the organisation’s founding.
A final report, adopted after extensive consultations, highlights the NIC’s enduring impact on South Africa’s liberation struggle and its ongoing relevance to the nation’s democratic journey.
“The report reaffirms the important legacy of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) in its contribution to the Freedom Struggle and the creation of our democracy. Its principles of ethical leadership, non-racialism, equality and economic justice remain all enduring,” said the NIC statement.
The year-long programme featured two widely attended public events, extensive media coverage, two workshops, and nine consultations across local and sector levels.
Prominent figures, including Kgalema Motlanthe, Mac Maharaj, Mavuso Msimang and the late Pravin Gordhan addressed the public events. The committee expressed satisfaction with the strong public engagement, discussions, and debates sparked by the anniversary activities.
“The observation was made that no account of South African history could be complete or credible without inclusion of the contribution of the NIC.
“This legacy must be protected and preserved for posterity and be a catalyst for progressive work in our democratic South Africa, especially in the context of the serious challenges we currently face,” said the statement.
“The NIC 130 consultations debated the issue and resolved that the NIC should not at this time be revived as a political party contesting elections. The focus must rather be on a wider and deeper promotion of progressive Congress values as set out in the Freedom Charter and our national Constitution.”
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