President Cyril Ramaphosa Shares Diwali Wishes, Says Festival of Lights Promotes Unity and Tolerance
- President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his well-wishes to all those celebrating the Festival of Lights, Diwali
- The president noted that the Festival of Lights promoted unity, tolerance, and spiritual renewal
- South Africans weighed in on Ramaphosa's wishes, with some calling on the government to show more support
- Speaking to Briefly News, Trisha Rajkumar explained the significance of the Festival of Lights
- Hindu priest, Ray Singh, provided a deeper insight into why the celebration was important
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his wishes to all those celebrating Diwali.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is being celebrated on Monday, 20 October 2025. The Festival of Lights is celebrated annually and symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
With millions across the country celebrating the auspicious occasion, the President shared a heartfelt message to all celebrating.
Ramaphosa’s message to the Hindu and Tamil community
In a statement released by the Presidency, the president emphasised that the festival of Diwali promoted unity, tolerance, and spiritual renewal.
“I wish our Hindu community a blessed festival that brings together elements of faith, cultural expression, outreach to people in need and belief in the centrality of family,” Ramaphosa said.
The president added that this was a time of spiritual renewal, and the traditions associated underscored the diversity and unity of all humanity.
“May the observance of Diwali enrich our nation’s social fabric and advance tolerance, inclusion and unity,” the president added.
Hindu community divided by the president’s wishes
While many expressed appreciation towards the president for his well-wishes, others called on the government to show more support for the Hindu community. Religious groups like the South African Hindu Maha Sabha praised Ramaphosa’s gesture, saying it promoted inclusion in a multicultural nation.
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Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, Trisha Rajkumar explained the significance of the Festival of Lights.
"Diwali marks Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Just as Ayodhya lit up to welcome Lord Ram home, may we fill our lives with light, kindness, and new beginnings," she said.
Briefly News also reached out to a Hindu priest, Pundit Ray Singh, who shed more light on the celebration.
"Many people assume that Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, revolves around the return of Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Shri Laxmanji to Ayodhya. Although it is widely accepted, there is more to the festival. Basically, Deepavali celebrations span over 5 days, each day being of great significance.
The celebration consists of Dhantraodashi: Inviting wealth and worshipping the deity of Ayurveda, Choti Deepavali: the celebration of Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura, Deepavali and Lutchmee Puja: Worship of Lutchmee Devi for prosperity and lighting of diyas, Goverdhan Puja: when Lord Krishna lifted the Goverdhan mountain to protect the villagers from the flood waters released by Indra Dev and Bhai Dhooj: when sisters place a Tilak on the brothers' forehead for good lives and brothers promise protection to sisters."
South Africans share their thoughts on Ramaphosa’s message
Social media users shared mixed reactions to Ramaphosa's well-wishes for the Festival of Lights.
Bhavika Lalloo Makanjee asked:
“Why doesn't he make Diwali a national holiday? I mean, look at Australia, Canada and the USA. They have announced Diwali as a holiday. We have to use our leave days.”
Rajesh Ramsewak stated:
“Thank you, Mr President.”
Satchen Subramanian exclaimed:
“We want Diwali to be a public holiday before we receive any wishes.”
Ansuyah Singh said:
“I appreciate his good sentiments, however, I have heard of two separate schools that set assessments on Diwali. How is he/government supporting Hindus? No public holiday? Assessments set on Diwali day. How does this work? Sorry, not sorry but Cupcake can definitely do more.”
Jakarta Gopel added:
“It would be nice for the Hindus if Diwali became a holiday. And for the Muslims, if Eid was a holiday.”
Rajan Moodley said:
“Thanks for nothing.”
Jay Maharaj asked:
“Why now are you remembering the SA Hindu community when you know that you are on your way out of the government.
South Africans debate Ramaphosa's New Year wishes
Briefly News reported that this is not the first time citizens were divided by the president's message.
On 31 December 2023, the president extended well wishes to citizens ahead of the new year.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in 2023, including unemployment, sparking a debate online.
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Source: Briefly News
