South African President Zuma acknowledges role of Indians

Fakir Hassen
Johannesburg, Feb 12 (PTI) South African President Jacob
Zuma has acknowledged the role of the Indian community in his
State of the Nation address at the opening of Parliament in
Cape Town.
"In November this year, we will mark the 150th
anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa," Zuma
said Thursday.
"It provides an opportunity to recognise the important
contribution of the Indian community in the fields of labour,
business, science, sport, religion, arts and culture in the
achievement and consolidation of our democracy."
Zuma addressed the nation live on television and radio on
wide-ranging proposals, from cutting crime and improving
education to creating employment and ensuring service delivery
in all areas.
As Zuma extended condolences on behalf of his countrymen
to the people of quake-stricken Haiti, he singled out South
African Indian doctor Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of relief
organisation Gift of the Givers, which was the first rescue
team to reach the Caribbean nation.
"I would like to especially recognise (Sooliman as) one
South African who never fails to assist in times of disaster
and helps us to promote a vision of a caring society," Zuma
said as the Indian graciously acknowledged the accolade from
the gallery. (More) PTI