KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli joined more than 5,000 yoga practitioners, spiritual leaders, royal dignitaries, and civic representatives at Durban’s North Beach Amphitheatre on Saturday for the 11th edition of the United Nations–declared International Day of Yoga, held under the global theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
In a stirring keynote address, Premier Ntuli hailed yoga as a “timeless gift from India to humanity,” adding with a warm smile that yoga is “KwaZulu-Natal’s new spirit of Ubuntu.” The phrase drew thunderous applause from a sea of yellow-shirted yogis—young and old, Indian and Zulu—many of whom had arrived long before sunrise to claim their spot on the beachfront lawns.
“Yoga is more than just physical exercise,” Ntuli told the crowd. “It is a philosophy of life that teaches balance, discipline, and compassion. In the face of mounting mental health crises and climate challenges, yoga grounds us in mindfulness, resilience, and collective healing.”
The event, hosted by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in partnership with Hindu organisations and supported by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, became a powerful expression of peace, wellness, and cultural harmony.
Representing His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini were traditional leaders, joined by King Makhosonke Mabhena and Queen Sekuthali Mabhena of the Amandebele Kingdom, Queen Thandi Zulu, Queen Nompumelelo Zulu, government officials, faith leaders, and both local and international dignitaries.
The day’s chief organiser, Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, president of the foundation and a noted philanthropist, described the event as a milestone moment in the province’s spiritual and social calendar.
“Yoga has evolved from a niche discipline into a mainstream lifestyle, embraced across race, class, and age in post-apartheid South Africa. It reflects our constitutional promise of unity in diversity,” he said. “I am delighted that we, on behalf of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, have been able to demonstrate yoga on such a large scale. Yoga is a source of inspiration that binds us all as a nation. It teaches us to remain calm through turbulent times. When this idea came about, we felt it was important to take yoga to the communities. We will continue to promote social cohesion in all communities. It’s so fitting that yoga gives us the opportunity to unite as a nation, creating oneness and peace.”
Participants—many dressed in white (peace), yellow (energy), and green (nature)—arrived from schools, universities, temples, mosques, churches, and wellness centres across the province. Guided by trained instructors from the Foundation and its partner studios, they engaged in stretching, breathwork, and meditation.
As the golden sun rose over the Indian Ocean, the Durban beachfront transformed into a sanctuary of calm. Diplomats, healthcare workers, township-based wellness advocates, elders, and youth moved in rhythm and breath, creating a living mosaic of mindfulness and multicultural unity.
Premier Ntuli and other speakers praised the event as a model of KwaZulu-Natal’s potential to promote holistic wellness and social cohesion. He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to incorporating yoga into public health and wellness programmes, especially in underserved urban and rural communities.
The event was endorsed by an impressive line-up of political and civic leaders, including:
• His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini
• The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
• National and provincial health leaders
• Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal
• IFP MP Poobal Les Govender, Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces
• King Makhosonke and Queen Sekuthali Mabhena of the Amandebele Kingdom
Before delivering his keynote and cutting the celebratory cake, Premier Ntuli joined participants in performing guided asanas, acknowledging the cultural bridge that yoga has become between KwaZulu-Natal and the Indian diaspora. He also paid tribute to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose 2014 initiative at the United Nations led to the annual recognition of 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.
Multicultural Durban, home to more than three million residents, has officially been endorsed as the annual host venue for the International Day of Yoga for the next decade. Organisers praised the city’s diversity and coastal serenity as ideal for this global celebration.
Adding to the day’s spirit of service, the Chinmaya Mission of Chatsworth provided free vegetarian meals, while dancers and musicians delivered vibrant cultural entertainment. The beachfront amphitheatre—once a relic of colonialism—became a stage for renewed South African unity.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha, represented by trustee Dinesh Naidoo, also officially recognised the event as a landmark for fostering interfaith and intercultural harmony.
“This was a beautiful scene,” reflected Prince Ramlutchman. “Children, youth, and elders practising side by side. It was a visual and spiritual celebration of our Constitution’s values—peace, presence, and purpose.”
He confirmed that 5,000 free T-shirts and goodie bags were handed out by volunteers.
The Premier’s enthusiastic endorsement capped off a morning of shared intention and spiritual alignment.
“As we confront our shared challenges,” Ntuli concluded, “let yoga remind us that wellness is not only a personal journey, but a collective responsibility.”
With a renewed sense of purpose and community, attendees were encouraged to continue their practice beyond the day—and to embody yoga’s principles in service of personal wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and Ubuntu.
Until Sunday, 21 June 2026—when the sun will rise again on the 12th edition of the International Day of Yoga.
