South Africans want to adopt Indian way of life

NEW DELHI, October 11: South Africa, a new-born democracy, has a lot to learn from the mistakes and achievements of India the world's big...

NEW DELHI, October 11: South Africa, a new-born democracy, has a lot to learn from the mistakes and achievements of India the world’s biggest democracy, observed the South African railway minister Mack Maharaja.

Speaking at the third memorial lecture of the South African freedom fighter Dr Yusuf Dadoo, organised by the Institute of African Studies, the Maharaja felt that the occasion was opportune to remember the mark left behind on the world by a truly remarkable man who unfortunately could not witness the reawakening of South Africa, for which he had struggled. He

praised Dr Dadoo’s efforts to mobilise his people against racial discrimination which was being practiced before South Africa was set free from colonial rule.

Recalling the firm belief in duty and flexibility of action which the freedom fighters of yore possessed, the South African minister expressed regret that both the qualities were absent from the society today. “Democracy would be only successful when apart from the state institutions, various non-governmental bodies work together to implement policies”, Maharaja said, emphasising that the state cannot be the sole institution to try bring about a change in the society. He added that one has to find ways in order to put the concept of a participating democracy in practice.

Maharaja said he would like to acquire the process of the state functioning in India. “If possible, South African government would like to adopt the way India’s government functions. If there are any faults with it, we can learn from them and work on the lines of the policies which have been successful”.