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Zuma talks peace and development

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma yesterday challenged the Pietermaritzburg community to maintain levels of peace and tolerance, saying a stable environment always enabled investments and development.

Speaking during a cleansing ceremony at Vulindlela in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Zuma emphasised the need for the communities to be cooperative and united towards developing the nation.

Thousands from communities of different clans converged on the local stadium with the aim of restoring dignity after factional fights and political violence between IFP and ANC that left many dead.

IFP leadership snubbed the event because of a previous national executive council resolution not to attend the event.

The ceremony was attended by members of the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet led by Premier Zweli Mkhize, while warriors were led by King Goodwill Zwelithini and local amakhosi.

Zuma said: "We should be grateful that certain individuals came up with an ideal to create stability in this region."

Zuma said it was important for them to now strive for development and fight poverty.

"I'm thankful the government has also donated 15 tractors for the community in order to plough and deal with poverty," he said.

King Zwelithini ordered the warriors to play a leading role in fight against crime and HIV-Aids.

"You must help police in ensuring that we do not see bloody murders of innocent people like we recently saw in Ntshongweni."

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