The Mahlabatini Declaration of Faith was a statement of core principles laid down by South African political leaders Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Harry Schwarz on 4 January 1974. It was signed in Mahlabatini, KwaZulu-Natal, hence its name. Its purpose was to provide a blueprint for government of South Africa by consent and racial peace in a multi-racial society, stressing opportunity for all, consultation, the federal concept, and a Bill of Rights. It also first affirmed that political change must take place though non-violent means. It was the first of such agreements in apartheid South Africa by acknowledged black and white political leaders in South Africa, which would ultimately end with the negotiations between President F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela in 1993.
On 4 January 1974, Harry Schwarz, Transvaal leader of the official opposition United Party, met and had discussions with Gatsha (later Mangosuthu) Buthelezi, Chief Executive Councillor of the black homeland of KwaZulu. They jointly issued a document, which stated that "the situation of South Africa in the world scene as well as internal community relations requires,
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Mahlabatini is a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was established in 1898 by the British and the name means place of white sands.
Village 48 km south-west of Nongoma. Established as a Norwegian mission station, it became the seat of magistracy of the Mahlabatini district. The name is Zulu, said to mean ‘country of white, sandy soil’. Known locally as Mashona, situated on the Mashona Engashoni Ridge.
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A declaration of faith is a phrase that is said by a member of any religion to show either to themselves, their God or other members of the religion their belief and faith in the religion. Notable declarations of faith include the Sign of the Cross in Christianity, the Shahadah in Islam and the Shema Yisroel in Judaism.
There are numerous other declarations of faith, typically performed during religious rituals in many faiths. Often, the declaration of faith is led by the leader of the congregation and followers respond in kind.
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