This morning Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Dr Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration, lit the Peace Torch at the Ubuntu Wellness Centre in Kloof Street, Cape Town.
They were joined by Mr Ian MacFarlane of the SA Friends of Tibet and Mr Ngodup Dorjee, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama himself lit the torch on his last visit to SA. He handed over political authority (Sikyong) to Dr Sangay in 2011. With the lighting of the Peace Torch, the two leaders expressed their shared commitment to non-violent resistance against all forms of oppression.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP said, “What a humbling experience it was to light the Peace Torch with Tibet’s Sikyong, Dr Lobsang Sangay, knowing that my friend the Dalai Lama lit the torch himself the last time he was allowed on South African soil.
I admire the way in which Dr Sangay has continued the struggle for Tibet, after receiving political authority from His Holiness seven years ago. He has represented the cause of freedom, justice and non-violence throughout the world, explaining the relevance of Tibet’s struggle to our global future.
This struggle is not just about Tibet, just as our own struggle against oppression was not just about South Africa. The mere fact that human rights abuses continue, anywhere, in a world that embraces democracy and freedom, should concern us all. What is happening to Tibet could happen elsewhere.
This is not a fight against China, but a fight against oppression. Can it be won? We must never abandon hope, because light always prevails against darkness.”
IFP Media, Parliament
