Minister for Public Service and Administration, Mr Roy Padayachie launched a series of stamps in commemoration of the arrival of indentured Indian labourers to South Africa 150 years ago.
The ceremony held at Sibaya Conference Centre was attended by representatives of the national and provincial government including Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile and Anil Sharan the Consul-General of India in Durban.
In partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, the Department of Communications and the South African Post Office, two stamps were launched with a further two sets to be launched next year. The stamp features a sketch of the SS Truro ship and photographs of passengers coming ashore on the Port of Durban as well as sugar cane cutters to serve as a poignant reminder of the extreme hardship and endurance of the labourers.
During the colonial era, 151 years ago the colonial government recruited Indian labourers to work in the sugar plantations of Natal. The “Truro” ship left Madras and anchored in Port Natal, the first to arrive, on the 16th of November. The “Belvedere” ship left Calcutta, arriving at Port Natal on 26 November 1860. The last ship to arrive in 1911 was called the “Umlazi”.
The launch began with an inter-faith prayer ceremony in Belvedere Township in Tongaat attended by over 500 members of the community. Two memorial peace slabs were unveiled bearing the names of struggle and resistance icons such as John Langalibalele Dube, the first President of the ANC; Ahmed Timol; Shanti Naidoo; Kader Asmal; as well as Walter and Albertina Sisulu.
Minister Padayachie said that these slabs were a tribute “to the sacrifices of the indentured Indian labourers and liberation fighters for their immense contribution in building a democratic South Africa we have today.” He added that “the unveiling of the Peace Pillar is a symbolic gesture, celebrating the heritage of the pioneers, the courage and commitment of the freedom fighters, and the wisdom, passion and determination of visionaries of a non-racial democratic South Africa.”
He further went on to say that the monument symbolises the arduous struggles of the indentured labourers and their descendants. Minister Padayachie also expressed appreciation for the warmth that was given by the indigenous African people for having accepted that the Indian labourers could stay in South Africa and make this their home and the home for generations that followed.
The Pioneer Peace Monument “is a poignant reminder of the richness of our past, the arduous struggle and sacrifices of our forbearers and the immense rich cultural and spiritual foundations of all our peoples in South Africa.”
In his address at the launch Minister Padayachie said this is “in honour of those gallant Indian pioneers, our forefathers and mothers who, due in large part to economic hardship so many decades ago, made a difficult but conscious choice to depart the shores of Indian and set sail into the unknown, across treacherous and unpredictable oceans.”
Throughout the years, the Indian community has made significant contributions to the cultural, social and political life of South Africa, adding to the country’s diverse cultures.
For more information, contact:
Dumisani Nkwamba
Tel: 012 336 1704
Ce: 082 885 9448
E-mail: dumisanin@dpsa.gov.za
