This week the Indian and Hindu community in our province joins the rest of their brothers and sisters elsewhere in the world to celebrate the Dewali. As they celebrate this greatly anticipated event in the Hindu calendar, I call on them to continue strengthening family ties and helping those in need in their communities.

For a number of decades the Indian community has embodied the true values of Ubuntu by providing assistance to needy communities. Many people in our province, including in the Indian community still go to bed hungry, they do not have the slightest clue where their next meal will come from. It is our collective duty to ensure that during this Dewali Festival, we reach out to them so that they too can enjoy the spirit of cheerfulness and togetherness.

As a unique province with a diverse cultural heritage, we trust that the Hindu community continues to celebrate the Dewali Festival and ensure that it is preserved for future generations.