Ratna Venkat
Auckland, December 1, 2024
Celebrations in Durban honour Indian Culture, Diversity and Achievers worldwide
As a part of the 164th Anniversary of the arrival of indentured labourers from India (1860), a plaque was unveiled at the Durban Point Waterfront on November 16, 2024 (Instagram Photo)
Ratna Venkat
Auckland, December 1, 2024
Every year, November 16 is a special date for South Africa, particularly for the South African Indian community.
For, this day marks the first group of Indian indentured labourers who arrived in Durban aboard the SS Truro ship in 1860.
This year, to celebrate 164 years of Indian indentured settlement in South Africa, the Global Indian Organisation (GIO) organised a Convention to which international delegates were invited to travel to South Africa and partake in the celebrations.
The Convention honoured people of Indian origin from across the Continents with a Special Award, a Medal and a Certificate. Among them were Dr Imtiaz Sooliman (South Africa), Harikrishnan Muthusamy (Singapore), Dr Ezhil Anand (United Kingdom), Surish Sabnani (France), Seevan Arasen (Mauritius), Veeranjaneyulu Sivaratri (Northern Ireland) and Venkat Raman (New Zealand).
Akshar Birbal (South Africa), Ratna Venkat (New Zealand), Anu Anand (United Kingdom) and moderator Stephanie Govender (South Africa) at a Youth Panel of the GIO Convention held in Durban, South Africa on November 18, 2024
(Photo Supplied)
Indentured History
From the first group comprising 342 Indian indentured workers who arrived in Durban on November 16, 1860, to the present day being one of the largest ethnically Indian populations outside India, their story is a remarkable journey of humble beginnings, hard work coupled with perseverance and determination to succeed in life.
We have several stories of indentured workers from around the world, both men and women who tried to find a way to escape poverty and oppression in their respective homelands, and so found the opportunity they were waiting for to move to foreign countries such as South Africa and Fiji islands, where they were brought in by the British as indentured labourers to work on the sugarcane and coffee plantations.
Illusion versus Reality
While many Indians left India with little understanding of what was to come in South Africa upon arrival, they still came equipped with hopes and dreams of a better life and future.
But in reality, the labourers toiled on the sugarcane and coffee fields from dawn to dusk.
It was backbreaking work along with blood, sweat and tears.
However, despite these harsh circumstances, it is because of these workers from 1860 that made what South Africa is today.
The proud descendants of those humble hard-working indentured labourers are now world leaders in Science, Business, Culture and Education.
Selvan Naidoo, the curator of ‘The Story of Indenture 1860 -1911’ at the 1860 Heritage Centre located in Durban, said, “We moved from being embarrassed about indenture, as a shameful exercise to today where we are commemorating it proudly.”
The South Africa-India Connection
South Africans in general and South African Indians, in particular, have been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, who first experienced discrimination as a young lawyer when he was forcibly removed from a ‘Whites-Only Carriage’ on June 7, 1893, at the Pietermaritzburg Railway Station.
Gandhi returned to India on January 9, 1915, and launched his method of Satyagraha or ‘Truth Force,’ and changed the history of that country leading to independence from British rule.
Almost 70 years later, the late Nelson Mandela was to seek the same inspiration which made him a great leader and a torchbearer for freedom in South Africa.
Incidentally, both Gandhi and Mandela were recognised by India with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Editor’s Note: The return of Gandhi to India is marked biannually as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) (Overseas Indians Day) on January 9 with ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’ (Awards) presented to selected people of Indian origin from all over the world. Held in different cities (organised by various State Governments) the PBD is preceded by two days of cultural performances and a conference.
Indian Diaspora in South Africa
It is a matter of pride that South African Indians have not only endured hardships such as colonial rule and apartheid over the decades but have also become government Ministers, Diplomats and leading businesspersons with a global presence.
South Africa can also be proud of its Indian Diaspora which has been a true partner in the country’s progress and prosperity.
Durban City Mayor Cyril Xaba (Seated Centre) with GIO South Africa President Claudette Sigamoney (seated Far Right) with (Standing) Secretary Yusuf Moolla (Second Right), Vice-President Clinton Govender and Treasurer Nival Rampersad and others at the Indian Arrival Celebration and Peace Awards held in Durban, South Africa on November 16, 2024 (Instagram Photo)
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Thamsanqa Ntuli, who was the Distinguished Guest at the 164th Anniversary of the Indian Arrival Commemoration Ceremony on November 16, 2024, at Point Water Front in Durban, acknowledged the harsh realities of colonial rule and apartheid that the early Indians endured.
“Today, there is no part of South Africa alive that is not influenced by the Indian community, many of whom are descendants of those indentured labourers. We must never forget that Indians were subject to discriminatory laws which prohibited them from being full citizens and owning property,” he said.
Indian Diaspora in Fiji
Another story of indenture can also be found in Fiji, which draws similarities with its South African counterpart. Indian Newslink has been covering the story of the ‘Girmityas’ and the contributions of modern Fiji Indians extensively since its inception 25 years ago.
The Indian Diaspora in Fiji is also proud of its forebears who went to the South Pacific country as indentured workers who arrived there in 1879.
They also endured discrimination and humiliation but persisted because they were determined to ensure a better morrow for their future generations.
The Fiji Indian Community celebrates May 14 as ‘Girmit Day,’ the day the first ship carrying indentured labourers from India arrived in Suva, Fiji.
Likewise, it is commendable to note that South Africans mark November 16 as the Day of Remembrance.
I am positive that the younger generations will continue to honour their ancestors and remember their sacrifices in the years to come.
Expression of Gratitude
I was fortunate to attend the International Convention organised by the GIO in Durban, South Africa, thanks to the kind recommendation by Hamilton-based (New Zealand) Suman Kapoor.
However, my travel and participation in the Convention came to fruition thanks to the generosity bestowed by my well-wishers and sponsors including Link 2 Services, The Ranchhod Foundation, ManageMyHealth, Greenlane Chartered Accountants, TAS NZ Limited, Orb 360, Vasu Kunapuli and four other benefactors who wished to remain anonymous.
I also extend my gratitude to GIO President Claudette Sigamoney and GIO Global Ambassador Rita Abraham who welcomed us warmly and showcased true South African hospitality.
Ratna Venkat is a Registered (Licenced) Electrician employed at a large company in Auckland. She was earlier Assistant Editor of Indian Newsink. She is a qualified, professional dancer adept in various formats of Indian Classical Dances including Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak.
