South Africa's Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 139th birth anniversary. Gandhi, India's father of the nation has a universal appeal even today for inspiring the world with the philosophy of non-violence.

Addressing a function in South Africa, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma praised the Mahatma's non violent discipline and observed how different Gandhi was as compared to Hitler. According to the minister, "just as a Hitler can lead mankind to the darkest and lowest depths,  Gandhi can lead people to the highest heights of non violence and goodness."

She noted that practising non violence  can transform any human being including the most difficult person and even people who are committed to the old order with all their might.

"The question we ought to ask ourselves on a daily basis is not how passionate we are, about the philosophy of non violence but rather how much have we ensured that it is an integral part of our thinking and our work. How do we apply this in resolving conflicts in all situations, in our countries, in our inter-state disputes or in international conflicts as we try to advance a more peaceful world free of wars and hatred," the foreign minister said.

Showering praises on Nelson Mandela, Dlamini-Zuma said, "Former president Nelson Mandela, having spent 27 years in jail with his comrades,evenge, is a practical application of this philosophy. It put him on a moral high ground and demonstrated that he is not as evil as his oppressors. Had he been full of hatred and revenge he would have been no better than his own oppressors."

The foreign minister also reiterated South Africa's commitment to remain true to the values and principles of non violence that were fashioned in the struggle against apartheid.