India, S Africa relationship has stood test of time: Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed Indian diaspora in Pietermaritzburg during her last leg of South Africa's visit while stressing on relationship between India and South Africa.

Addressing the Indian community, Swaraj said, "Both India and South Africa are rich in their cultures and traditions. The relationship between our people has stood the test of time."

Further remembering the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, she said, "Tomorrow, we will celebrate the memory of our greatest Pravasi, who came here as a young lawyer and emerged as one of the tallest leaders of all time. I am talking about Mahatma Gandhi. South Africa was the place where Satyagraha was born."

Recalling the Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela's words, who unveiled Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Pietermaritzburg, 25 years ago, she stated, "Mandela said, It's an honour for me to unveil the statue of hope."

Swaraj concluded by inviting people living in South Africa to attend the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will be held in 2019, on the banks of Ganga at Varanasi.

On Wednesday, Swaraj visited the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology at Phonix settlement in Durban.

Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology at Phonix settlement served as Mahatma Gandhi's home during his stay in South Africa.

Mahatma Gandhi had gained his Law degree from South Africa and spent a large amount of time there fighting apartheid.