Yoga is KwaZulu-Natal’s New Spirit of Ubuntu
Five Thousands Unite in Celebrating International Day of YogaBy Marlan Padayachee |KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli joined more than 5000 yoga practitioners, spiritual leaders,royal dignitaries and civic representatives at Durban’s North Beach Amphitheatre on Saturdayfor the 11th edition of the United Nations–declared International Day of Yoga, held under theglobal theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.
”In a stirring keynote, Premier Ntuli hailed yoga as a “timeless gift from India to humanity,” adding with a warm smile that yoga is “KwaZulu-Natal’s new spirit of Ubuntu.” The phrase drewthunderous applause from a sea of yellow-shirted yogis—young and old, Indian and Zulu—many of whom arrived long before sunrise to claim their spots on the beachfront lawns.“Yoga is more than just physical exercise,” Ntuli told the crowd. “It is a philosophy of life thatteaches balance, discipline, and compassion.
In the face of mounting mental health crises andclimate challenges, yoga grounds us in mindfulness, resilience, and collective healing.”The event, hosted by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in partnership with Hinduorganisations and supported by the provincial government, became a powerful expression ofpeace, wellness, and cultural harmony.
Representing His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithiniwere traditional leaders, joined by King Makhosonke Mabhena and Queen Sekuthali Mabhenaof the Amandebele Kingdom, Queen Thandi Zulu , Queen Nompumelelo Zulu, governmentofficials, faith leaders, and local and international dignitaries.The day’s chief organiser, Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, president of the Foundation and philanthropist, described the celebration as a defining milestone. “Yoga has evolved from a niche discipline into a mainstream lifestyle, embraced across race, class, and age in post-apartheid South Africa. It reflects our constitutional promise of unity in diversity,” he said.
“I am very delighted that we can on behalf of the Sivananda world peace foundation be able to demonstrate yoga on a large scale to benefit various communities. Yoga is a source of inspiration that binds us all as a nation. It teaches us to remain calm through turbulent times. When this idea came about, we felt it important to take yoga through to the communities. We will continue to promote social cohesion in all communities. It’s so befitting that Yoga gives us the opportunity for us as a nation to unite, creating oneness and peace”. Said Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu.
Participants—many dressed in white (peace), yellow (energy), and green (nature)—arrived from schools, universities, temples, mosques, churches, and wellness centres across the province.They engaged in stretching, breath work, and meditation, guided by trained instructors from the Foundation and its partner studios.
As the golden sun rose over the Indian Ocean, the Durban beachfront was transformed into asanctuary of calm. Diplomats, healthcare workers, township-based wellness advocates, elders,and youth moved together in rhythm and breath, creating a living mosaic of mindfulness andmulticultural unity.Premier Ntuli and other speakers lauded the event as an example of KwaZulu-Natal’s potentialto promote holistic wellness and social cohesion. He reaffirmed the province’s commitment toincorporating yoga into health and wellness programmes aimed at both urban and ruralcommunities.The event was widely endorsed by political and civic leaders, including:
Before delivering his keynote and cutting a celebratory cake, Premier Ntuli observed guidedasanas alongside the crowd, acknowledging the cultural bridge yoga has become betweenKwaZulu-Natal and the Indian diaspora. He also expressed gratitude to India for introducingyoga to the global stage, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 UN initiative that led to the formal declaration of the International Day of Yoga.
Multicultural Durban, home to over three million people, has been endorsed as the annual hostvenue for the International Day of Yoga for the next decade. Organisers say the city’s richdiversity and coastal serenity make it an ideal place for the annual gathering.The Chinmaya Mission of Chatsworth contributed to the day’s spirit of service by offering freevegetarian meals, as dancers and musicians provided live cultural entertainment. The
amphitheatre, once a colonial relic, became a stage for a renewed sense of shared SouthAfrican identity.The SA Hindu Maha Sabha, represented by its trustee Dinesh Naidoo, has officially recognised the event.“This was a beautiful scene,” reflected Prince Ramlutchman. “Children, youth, and elderspracticing side-by-side.
It was a visual and spiritual celebration of our Constitution’s values—peace, presence, and purpose.”
He confirmed 5 000 free T-shirts and goodie bags were handedout by volunteers.The Premier’s enthusiastic endorsement capped off a day of shared intention and spiritualalignment. “As we confront our shared challenges,” Ntuli said, “let yoga remind us that wellnessis not only a personal journey, but a collective responsibility.”With a renewed sense of purpose and community, attendees were encouraged to continuepracticing beyond the day—and to embody yoga’s principles in service of personal wellbeing,environmental stewardship, and Ubuntu.
• Until Sunday, 21 June 2026—when the sun will rise on the 12th edition of the International Day of Yoga – Surya Namaskara!