In 1999, the Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to attend the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Cape Town, South Africa. When Master arrived at the conference hall, a group of native Xhosa people warmly cheered and welcomed Her with traditional songs and dances. Later Master talked with the group and kindly inquired about their needs. They replied that their housing facilities were in dire need of repairs, and that they were experiencing a severe shortage of bathing facilities. Master immediately instructed that the amount of US$52,000 be contributed to the group to help their villagers make the necessary improvements. Master then bestowed another $52,000 on the Icamagu Institute, one of the Parliament's organizers, to be used in various construction projects in the native community. These funds were received by Ms. Nokuzola Mndende on behalf of the Institute.

The Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to lecture in South Africa and was warmly welcomed by the Xhosa people with songs and dances.		Master Ching Hai with Ms. Nokuzola Mndende, founder and officer of the Icamagu Institute.
The opening ceremony of the Icamagu Institute founded by Ms. Nokuzola Mndende.
A thank-you letter from Ms. Nokuzola Mndende to Supreme Master Ching Hai.

The opening ceremony of the Icamagu Institute in Transkei, South Africa was held on March 16th 2002. This information and resource center resulted from the vision of Ms. Nokuzola Mndende. Its purpose is to unify and re-integrate into the lives of the people their traditional African religion and culture, which were uprooted during the colonization of Africa. These traditions carry the original face and identity of Africans everywhere.

The dignitaries at the ceremony included a king, who is also a minister in the government, several local chiefs, a representative of Supreme Master Ching Hai from the Cape Town Center, and invited speakers. All speakers at the ceremony stressed the importance of Omanyano (unity), Ubuntu (harmonious human relations) and Camagu (appreciation and reverence for the Divine). The attendees were all profoundly grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her generous donation. They also commended the establishment of the Icamagu Institute. A speaker in his early 60's spoke of the empowerment and liberation of African religion, saying that he was astounded to witness the present realization of these visions.

Amid the high-spirited dances, singing and instrumental accompaniment, many youths came up to the microphone and challenged the assembly with words of truth, love and principle. After the ceremony and entertainment, everyone enjoyed a dinner and festivities till late into the night.