Commemorating the 164th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers to KZN
The arrival of the first indentured labourers from India began with the SS Truro, which landed in Durban Bay on November 16, 1860, carrying 345 men, women, and children from Madras. This was soon followed by the SS Belvedere on November 25, 1860.
The Sivananda World Peace Foundation, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, GOPIO International, and the Post newspaper, will commemorate the 164th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in South Africa.
The event will take place at the Bayview Ubuntu Centre, 263 Summerfield Road, Bayview, Chatsworth, at 6:30pm. The Honourable Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, will serve as the Chief Guest of Honour, joined by His Worship, the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Councillor Cyril Xaba.
This commemoration marks a significant milestone in KwaZulu-Natal’s journey toward peace and unity. It reminds us of the collective responsibility to build a better South Africa, where peace is central to our nation’s growth and prosperity.
The arrival of the first indentured labourers from India began with the SS Truro, which landed in Durban Bay on November 16, 1860, carrying 345 men, women, and children from Madras. This was soon followed by the SS Belvedere on November 25, 1860.
Within six months, the Indian population in South Africa reached 1, 029, with additional voyages bringing thousands more. Over the next 51 years, more than 200, 000 Indians arrived in South Africa, including over 152, 000 indentured labourers transported on 384 ships, establishing one of the largest Indian communities outside India.
Initially bound to sugar plantations under harsh colonial conditions, the Indian community contributed to the economic and cultural fabric of the region. Over time, many descendants of these early immigrants overcame immense challenges to excel across various fields, enriching South Africa’s diverse society. The community also grew with the arrival of ‘passenger Indians’, who financed their journeys and brought skills in trade, teaching, and craftsmanship. Together, they built enduring institutions – temples, mosques, and cultural centres – that continue to support and celebrate a vibrant Indian heritage.
On this day, South Africa’s Indian community commemorates the resilience, contributions, and cultural legacy of those first indentured labourers who arrived 164 years ago. Their journey and enduring influence remain an essential part of South Africa’s multicultural history.
“Our province is also at the crossroads of change, and in promoting social cohesion in a divided society, racial groups depend on each other. The history of the Zulu nation is intertwined with the histories of Indian, English, Afrikaner, and German communities,” said His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekazulu kaSolomon (July 27, 1948 to March 12, 2021).
“During this historic occasion, we pay tribute to our forefathers who have come and sacrificed their lives in building our beautiful country of South Africa. We also pay special tribute to His Holiness, Sri Swami Sahajananda, who translated the teachings of Swami Sivananda into action by serving the underprivileged people in South Africa by building schools and clinics,” said Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu.
“As we remember and celebrate the memories of those who were brave enough to leave their families and homeland to settle in a foreign land, let us pay homage to their strength of character and resilience that carried them through immense hardships in the form of physical, mental, emotional and financial abuse at the hands of their ‘masters’ – since they were treated as slaves,” said Honourable Les Govender, Deputy Speaker of the National Council of Provinces RSA.
For more information, send an email to [email protected] or call 083-357-8747.
