Programme Director,
Mayors,
Councillors,
Honourable amaKhosi,
Headmen,
Business people, members of the Senior Management of Government Departments and other Departmental staff, journalists,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I greet you all.
Programme Director, many may ask why we are gathered here today. Ladies and gentlemen, the reason is simply to unveil the plaque in commemoration of 150 years of Indian History in the country by acknowledging the role and the appreciation of the presence of our fellow Indian brothers and sisters in this country, as well as to strengthen the existing bond between us.
Programme Director, ladies and gentlemen, I will not dwell much on the history as to how and why the Indian community came to South Africa in 1860, but I cannot forget that we are the highest sugar cane producers because of them.
We are aware that the first wave of indentured labourers from India hailed from Calcutta. The Belvedere ship sailed from Calcutta in 4 October 1860 and it reached the shores of Natal on 16 November 1860. Within a period of six months the number of Indians in South Africa totalled 1029. Owing to voyages of 384 ships, their number continued to increase and then double. By 1900, the number of Indians in Natal outnumbered whites. At the same time, the tonnage of sugar produced in Natal increased and doubled.
The arrival of Indians to South Africa 150 years ago unleashed heroes and added diversity in the country. A most important date is November 16, 2010. This will, when traced back to November 16, 1860, mark 150 years of the arrival of Indians in South Africa. This milestone has been topped up with an extra year in 2011 which then marks 151 years of the arrival of Indians in South Africa.
In those 151 years, we have seen Indians who were brought to the country as slaves in the sugar plantations, toil their way out of the degrading and vilifying garments of slavery, to excel in different fields.
Like many of us, these stalwarts of the struggle for justice and peace were inspired by the extraordinary, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Between 1860 and 1911, 152 184 Indians arrived in Natal and only 34 001 returned to India.
Bilateral relationship between South Africa and India
We have witnessed the visits by our President, His Excellency Mr JG Zuma to India to strengthen the ties of trading for enhancement of economic growth. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen the strong bilateral relationship that both countries share while addressing and promoting the importance of trade, industrialisation, agricultural development, transport development, communication and international affairs.
Relations between the province and India
The province has maintained a good relationship with the country of India. Due to the BRICS and the Africa-India Forum and other provincial priorities, the Premier has made a decision to visit India (Punjab and Delhi Provinces) in May 2012 with the aim to review and revitalise the relations.
My department is also planning a visit to India later this year between November and December. The purpose of the visit will focus on the
- Crop & Livestock Programmes
- India is well equipped in the field of Milk production and the department can learn from them
- Co-operative diary system and especially the Amul Dairy in India, as the processes involved are in line with departmental livestock intervention programme and this can easily be replicated in this province.
- Another project that is of most interest with India is the Chicory Project, which the department has already started.
Indian stalwarts in the African National Congress (ANC)
Our past 151 years echoes with sentiments of gratitude and generosity, suffering and sacrifice, vision and tenacity. South Africa was privileged to have devoted leaders who worked tirelessly to fight for a better life for all communities and disadvantaged racial groups.
Amongst a number of stalwarts who contributed immensely in the fight against segregation and injustices, is Mahtma Ghandi whose leadership role was witnessed in the fight against the British in South Africa. About 1 000 Indian stretcher-bearers, mainly indentured labourers from Natal's sugar estates, served under Gandhi in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 -1902. In 1906, Gandhi again raised a medical corps for the British forces in what became known as the Bambata Rebellion. South Africa is proud that the United Nations eventually recognised Gandhi's birth date, October 2, as International Peace Day.
Other gallant fighters who brought about peace and stability in the country are;
Billy Nair, Monty Naicker, Jay Naidoo, Prof Kader Asmal, Ahmed Kathrada, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Mac Maharaj and many others who made a significant contribution against the apartheid regime. Their dedication to serve the country for the sole purpose of transformation was demonstrated by their tireless and vigorous resistance against the Acts instituted by the then apartheid Government that in sighted segregation amongst racial groups.
There were specific laws imposed on the Indian Community, to mention a few, the Ghetto Act which was refuted by many Indians that culminated to the arrest of about 2000 Indians in Durban. The formation of Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the merger between the movement and the ANC produced eminent and tangible outcome as the fight against apartheid was strengthened, though it resulted to banning of both parties.
However, the Indian communities were not discouraged by such actions as we had cadres who contributed immensely in Umkhonto WeSizwe (Spear of the Nation) and the Underground structures. South Africa is where it is because of the tremendous contribution made by the Indian community in the struggle for transformation and anti-apartheid Government.
It would be an omission not to commend the significant contribution made by the Gift of Givers non-governmental organisation in countries affected by disasters and engulfed by poverty. This organisation is run by Indians, who have shown compassion and devotion to the sterling work they render. Suffice to say, they are not the only organisation run by Indians that give back to the poor communities. We should commend such commitments and encourage our business sector to adopt this culture of giving back to poor communities.
The remarkable contribution made by the late Billy Nair, who was best known for being one of the famous Rivonia Trialists as well as a long-serving political prisoner in Robben Island along with Nelson Mandela in the 'B' Block for political prisoners, cannot go unnoticed in our revolution.
Nair was among the 150 activists arrested with our icon, Dr Nelson Mandela on 5 December 1956 and charged with treason. We still endure the eminent contribution made by Mac Maharaj who is currently the Spokesperson for the Presidency, in the fight against the apartheid regime and the upliftment of our economy.
It is with great honour to acknowledge the role played by Ahmed Kathrada who came under the influence of Dr Yusuf Dadoo and the Cachalia brothers, who were leaders of the freedom movement in the Transvaal.
With these words, I wish to encourage the Indian Community to partake in Government activities in the plight of the poor of the poorest and also to utilise Government facilities within their demographic areas. The South African Government belongs to all those who live in it, as enshrined in our Constitution.
Ladies and gentlemen i wish you good luck in all your endeavours. May God bless you.
I thank you
