The role played by members of the indentured labourers who came into KwaZulu-Natal from India in 1860 was honoured today when a plaque was unveiled in Richards Bay.
This plaque, which was officially opened by Education MEC and the champion of Uthungulu District, Mr Senzo Mchunu, is one of 11 that have been erected at various places around the province. They mark the arrival of Indians in the province in 1860 as indentured workers.
“I want to appreciate the initiative by Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize and for his strong feeling for the need to commemorate throughout the province, the role played by the Indian community,” said MEC Mchunu.
Mchunu also paid tribute to the role played by various members of the Indian community in the fight for equality and liberation for all those who lived under repressive laws of colonial and apartheid governments.
He said the Indian community continues to contribute to the up- liftment of South Africa in many other spheres of life, including the promotion of education, in governance, and the economy of this province.
Mchunu said the 1860 plaques are going to be recorded in history as part of our common identity and history.
“Some of the indentured workers, elected to stay in South Africa at the end of their indenture period, and they became victim to these repressive laws suffered by black South Africans at the time. This motivated leaders like Mahatma Gandhi to come up with his philosophy of passive resistance,” said Mchunu.
“For us as the government of KwaZulu-Natal, this is our gesture to honour the role played by this community, and we are saying we are fellow South Africans and we have a common destiny.
“We wish to leave a legacy of unity, where we are all going to regard ourselves as one community regardless of race,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu said the plaques are also a tribute to countless unsung heroes, who gave support to activists in many different forms, including providing shelter when they were being sought by the police.
Mchunu said South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal in particular, has forged a very strong relationship with India which has seen a number of ties in trade, exchange programmes and training in specific areas like information communication technology.
Enquiries:
Regi Khumalo
Media Liaison Desk for Dr Zweli Mkhize
Cell: 079 751 6108
E-mail: regi.khumalo@yahoo.com
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Premier’s Spokesperson
Cell: 082 3754742
