News & Updates

 

Rainbow Nation Rising: 30 Milestones of South Africa’s Democracy

by | May 30, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi | 0 Comments

What a momentous occasion we find ourselves celebrating this year. Three decades of democracy.  As South Africans stand on the cusp of our seventh ballot journey, now is the time to pause and reflect on the incredible journey that began on a transformative day in...
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The Beautiful Game That Built a Beautiful Nation

by | May 29, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi, news | 0 Comments

Soccer runs deep in the soul of this nation. When I see kids play barefoot on rocky dirt, visualising themselves as the next superstar, I understand soccer's power to uplift. When neighbours bond over matches, their cheers rising in harmony, I recognise the game's...
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Mothers, May You Feel Special Today and Every Day

by | May 12, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi | 0 Comments

Mother’s Day is a time to appreciate the care, empathy, and moral guidance mothers provide, often in subtle but powerful ways. They teach us, through their own quiet courage and grace, how to face challenges with resilience, navigate life with compassion, and embrace...
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My Thoughts & Prayers for The Flood-Stricken Communities In East Africa and Dubai

by | May 11, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi, news | 0 Comments

Sat Sri Akaal ji. What a heavy few weeks it has been in East Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The torrential downpours have caused so much devastation and difficulty. My heart goes out to all those affected. In Dubai, flights have been grounded, while schools and...
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My Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore on His 163rd Jayanti

by | May 7, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi | 0 Comments

I grew up hearing the name Rabindranath Tagore uttered with deep admiration and respect. To the people of India, he is Gurudev - the venerated teacher and guiding light. But, Mr. Tagore also represents the pinnacle of artistic achievement. With a poet's keen eye, he...
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Workers’ Day: Honouring the Value of Every Worker

by | May 4, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi | 0 Comments

This past Workers' Day was uplifting to witness the rallies and celebrations taking place across South Africa as we honoured the spirit and resilience of every worker who fuels the heartbeat of the nation's economy. In Cape Town, people gathered at the Athlone Stadium...
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Freedom is a Gift We Must All Treasure and Share

by | April 27, 2024 | Freedom day, Harbinder Singh Sethi | 0 Comments

Today, I join all South Africans in commemorating Freedom Day. When the sun rose on 27 April, 1994, it was the dawn of a new era of democracy. Millions cast their first vote in an election open to all. Though diverse in tongue and tradition, they were united by a...
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How the Spirit of Vaisakhi Samagam Brings Us Closer

by | April 25, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi, news | 0 Comments

I am excited to share with you some of the highlights from our recent Vaisakhi Samagam celebration here at Gurudwara Sahib Johannesburg. From the 19th to 21st April, we welcomed over 600 guests from all walks of life to commemorate this special time. The Vaisakhi...
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A Retrospective On Cape Town’s First Gurudwara Sahib

by | April 22, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi | 0 Comments

Fourteen years ago, the Cape Town Sikh community took a momentous step forward. The opening of the first Gurudwara Sahib marked a new chapter in the city's interfaith journey. As I reflect on the occasion, I swell with pride at how far they've come as a sangat. At the...
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Bringing People Together: How Vaisakhi Mela Celebrations Unite Us

by | April 14, 2024 | Harbinder Singh Sethi, news | 0 Comments

The Sikh New Year festival grips me with its profound significance. More than a celebration, it memorialises a defining episode for Sikhs worldwide.  When Guru Gobind Singh Ji summoned Sikhs in 1699, few anticipated the Guru's solemn vow. With sword in hand, the Guru...
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Why I Connect Deeply with Black History Month

by | Feb 21, 2024

During Black History Month, I always find myself reflecting on the legacies of heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, and so many others. Black History Month evolved from Negro History Week, launched in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson to honour the...

How You Can Make a Difference on World Cancer Day

by | Feb 19, 2024

Cancer. A single word that evokes so much fear and uncertainty. Yet on this World Cancer Day, I choose to see it differently. I see the people who continue to fight, to live, to love. I see the doctors and nurses who provide comfort and care. I see the researchers...

Wishing Everyone a Joyous Basant Panchami Celebration

by | Feb 18, 2024

Basant Panchami – celebrated on the fifth day of the Magh month of the Hindu calendar – is the arrival of spring in India. The fields turn yellow with bursts of mustard flowers. The sweet fragrance of the season fills the air. And our spirits lift with the promise of...

5 Meaningful Lessons From Holi, The Festival Of Colours

5 Meaningful Lessons From Holi, The Festival Of Colours

by | Mar 24, 2024

The colours of spring are upon the people of India once more as they welcome the festival of Holi. Like the first blossoms after winter's chill, joy and merriment burst forth in technicolour splendour. This treasured Hindu celebration brings people together in a...

How I Encourage Others To Stand Up For Human Rights

How I Encourage Others To Stand Up For Human Rights

by | Mar 21, 2024

Human Rights Day holds so much meaning for South Africans. On 21st March 1960, the oppressed peacefully protested the Pass Laws in Sharpeville, but were met with such brutal and deadly force. That day, 69 lives were lost and 180 were injured. A day this nation will...