Celebrate peace and unity at Gandhi-Luthuli Salt March

Community members are invited to participate in the 20th anniversary of the Gandhi-Luthuli Salt March, which takes place on Sunday May 25.

The commemorative walk retraces a powerful journey of resistance and remembrance, echoing the values of non-violence, peace, Ubuntu and social cohesion.

The annual 4.5km march begins at the historic Gandhi Phoenix Settlement in Inanda and ends at the Gandhi-Luthuli Peace Park, a symbolic site honouring two global icons of peace—Mahatma Gandhi and Chief Albert Luthuli.

The programme will commence at 8am at the Phoenix Settlement. Participants are requested to arrive early to ensure a smooth start. The march is expected to conclude by 10.30am, after which refreshments will be served at the Peace Park.

Secure parking is available at the Gandhi-Luthuli Peace Park. A shuttle service will ferry participants from the Park to the starting point at Phoenix Settlement before the programme begins. While the shuttle will operate between the start and end points of the march, no additional transport will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to make their own travel arrangements to and from the Park.

Teas and coffees will be available for purchase at the Phoenix Settlement before the march begins.

Organisers have emphasised that this is a non-competitive walk that aims to encourage community spirit, honour historical legacy, and reaffirm a shared commitment to peace and reconciliation. The march commemorates Gandhi’s historic Salt March in India and celebrates the legacy of Luthuli, South Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Over the past two decades, the Gandhi-Luthuli Salt March has grown into a significant event on KwaZulu-Natal’s peace calendar, attracting school groups, civic organisations, activists, faith leaders, and community members from all walks of life. The event is a reminder of the power of peaceful protest and the enduring relevance of the philosophies of Gandhi and Luthuli in modern-day South Africa.

“This march is a tribute to the giants of our history and a call to action for future generations,” said Gandhi’s grand-daughter Ela Gandhi, who is part of the organising committee. This is an annual march that was started in 2005 on the 50th anniversary of the Congress of the People and the adoption of the Freedom Charter and the 75th anniversary of the famous Salt March in India organised by Mahatma Gandhi. We honour the memories of Mahatma Gandhi and Chief Albert Luthuli on this day.

“In a world often divided by violence and intolerance, we walk to re-affirm our commitment to peace, unity, and the spirit of Ubuntu.

“Everyone is welcome. Bring your walking shoes, your spirit of unity, and be part of this meaningful journey for peace,” said Ela Gandhi.