Durban: Faced with an alarming increase in pre-teen violence and youth falling prey to consumerism, South Africa on Sunday asked its youngsters to stay on the path of peace and righteousness shown by Mahatma Gandhi a 100 years ago.
A century has gone by and yet the Father of the Nation's philosophy of satyagraha, non-violence and passive resistance is as relevant today as was 100 years ago, the chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi Settlement Trust, Mewalal Ramgobin said during the 100th anniversary celebration of Gandhi's policy of satyagraha on Sunday.
"I am saddened by reports that our schools today are plagued by violence by pupils and abuse by teachers", Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor said.
Pandor advised students to learn and practice Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and passive resistance to face all social problems instead of inflicting pain on each other.
Gandhi visualised the philosophy of passive resistance during his stay in South Africa in the late 1890s and early 1900s.
The minister said while many young men and women recognised the value of hard work and community development, others had fallen prey to consumerism.
"Girls as young as twelve turn to prostitution so that they can buy the latest cell phones while young men scale the fences of schools to rob pupils and staff at gunpoint. I am also appalled at the abuse of girls and women teachers by male teachers," she said.
The function was attended by top government leaders and members of the Opposition Inkatha Freedom Party and the Democratic Alliance.
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