Issued by: Office of the Presidency
Millions of Hindus in South Africa and the world will be celebrating Deepavali - the festival of lights - in the first week of November.
As deepavali is in essence a symbolic celebration of the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness, it is our hope that this celebration will pave the way for the dawn of a society free of the overbearing darkness of criminality, poverty, unemployment and conflict.
May Deepavali bring light to all Hindus, and to all the people of our country. May it revitalise the bonds of love and friendship and inspire us to continue our spiritual struggle against evil and wrong.
We join you in your prayers for an equitable society, the Kingdom of God on earth.
Happy Deepavali and a prosperous New Year.
25 October 1999