REMARKS BY KWAZULU-NATAL PREMIER HONOURABLE THAMSANQA NTULI DURING THE CELEBRATION OF 11TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA
REMARKS BY KWAZULU-NATAL PREMIER HONOURABLE THAMSANQA NTULI DURING THE CELEBRATION OF 11TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA AT THE DURBAN BEACHFRONT, ON SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2025
Programme Director,
Esteemed Yoga Practitioners and Instructors,
Dignitaries and Diplomats,
Community Leaders,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning! Sanibona!
It is both an honour and a profound joy to stand before you today as we celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on the beautiful Durban Beachfront.
Today’s International Day of Yoga is a global event which embraces unity, wellness, peace and harmony.
Today, thousands of people from different cultures, faiths, and walks of life have come together under the banner of this year’s powerful theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness.”
This universal and divine message reminds us that our well-being is intertwined with the health of our planet and the unity of humanity.It reminds us to take care of our planet so that we curb natural disasters associated with climate change – such as the recent heavy winds and rain which left a trail of destruction in the province.
The theme also reminds us that there is more that unites us than that which divides us.
Yoga is A Gift to the World
Yoga is an ancient practice, yet its wisdom and health benefits are timeless. Yoga is traced from the sacred lands of India, from where it has transcended borders, becoming a universal language of peace, resilience, and unity.
In 2014, the United Nations, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga, recognising its power to foster global health and harmony.
Here in KwaZulu-Natal, we embrace yoga as a form of exercise, and a gateway to holistic living. In a world where stress, division, and environmental crises challenge us daily, yoga offers inner peace – a way to reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with the Earth.
One Earth
This year’s theme also reminds us that the health of humanity and the health of our planet are inseparable. Climate change, pollution threaten our collective future. But yoga teaches us mindfulness—not just in breath and movement, but in how we treat the world around us.
The principles non-violence and contentment encourage us to protect our oceans, our forests, and our wildlife. Here at the beach, we see the beauty of nature every day. Let us pledge to honour the beauty of the beach by reducing waste, by conserving water, and embracing a healthy living.
One Health
Yoga is medicine for the body, mind and soul. In this world, where mental health issues abound, yoga offers comfort, balance, and inner strength. Various studies agree that yoga reduces anxiety, improves heart health, and enhances concentration.As a government of provincial unity, we recognise the importance of integrated wellness. That is why we support initiatives that bring yoga into communities, schools, and workplaces. Whether through public classes, or partnerships with healthcare providers, we believe in making wellness accessible to all.
Oneness
KwaZulu-Natal is a province that is rich in diversity – it has a mixture of Zulu, Indian, European, and many other cultures. Yoga, in its essence, is a practice of unity. It does not discriminate by race, religion, or nationality. On we sit on the mat to practise yoga, we are all equal – breathing together, moving together, growing together.
Today, as we stretch, meditate, and breathe in unison, we embody the spirit of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” This is the spirit of yoga, which reminds us that humanity’s divisions are illusions, and our connections run deeper than we know.
Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen, int the words of renowned yoga teacher and author – the great B.K.S Iyengar: “Yoga is a light, which once lit, never dims. The better you practise, the brighter the flame.”
Today, that light shines brightly on the Durban’s beachfront and inspires new hope among us all. Let us carry it forward, for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness.
Ngiyathokoza. I thank you.