The Provincial Government in partnership with uMgungundlovu District Municipality and uMgungundlovu 1860 Legacy Foundation hosted some Indian senior citizens in Pietermaritzburg City hall today, to commemorate the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the Province in 1860 to work in the sugar cane plantations of KwaZulu-Natal.
The ceremony started with the unveiling of the plague outside the City Hall by the Champion MEC for uMgungundlovu District Municipality, Ms Ina Cronjé, Msunduzi Municipality Mayor, Mr Chris Ndlela, the Consul General of India Mr Anil Sharan and other dignitaries including Ms Ela Ghandi, the granddaughter of Mahatma Ghandi.
Concluding her keynote address MEC Cronjé said “by unveiling this plaque we are expressing our sincerest appreciation to our South African brothers and sisters from Indian origin for the role they have played in South Africa’s transition to democracy and the role that they are still playing in government, as business people and as ordinary citizens”.
Mr Sharan said India is proud and appreciate the celebrations that are taking place all over the country to pay homage to the contribution and achievement of Indian decent. He also offered India’s assistance with skills development to the District Municipality. “India is rich in labour skills and I request the district to come to us if they need any assistance,” he said.
A senior member of the 1860 Legacy Foundation, Mr Rajendran Govender (083 307 8979) said “this ceremony is important as a symbol of the indentured Indian settlers who have endured many challenges and hardships during their period of indenture.”
“Pietermaritzburg was important as it provided an alternative for the Indian settlers to venture into new territories as means of escaping from the cruel and autocratic masters that contributed to much displeasure. They were easily absorbed in the industrial and commercial sector because of their work ethics and determination to make South Africa their new home. They have contributed immensely to the development in various spheres of the society,” said Mr Govender.
Mayor Ndlela said the contribution of the people of Indian origin will always be treasured by the people of Pietermaritzburg. “Lessons learnt from their humble beginnings must serve as an inspiration for all of us. I call upon the people of the Indian origin to continue the legacy of their forefathers towards our growth as Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa,” Ndlela said.
Senior citizen Devana Gounden (033 393 1122), a third generation 1860 citizen, expressed her appreciation for the ceremony and commemoration. “I would like to see this country as a rainbow nation. We are all one.”
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