Celebrating 165 years: construction begins on monument to honour indentured Indians in South Africa
A 'proud moment'
Work has commenced at the site.
Image: Facebook
AFTER many delays and debate, construction of the monument to commemorate the arrival of indentured Indian to South Africa has commenced.
November 16 will mark the 165th anniversary since the first group of Indians landed in Natal aboard the SS Truro from Madras, to work in the sugar cane plantation of the then Port-Natal in 1860.
The original design concept proposed was an arch of unity with a bell tower. However, following a meeting with various stakeholders earlier this year, it was decided that the bell would not be included in the design.
Instead, a bronze sculpture of an indentured couple with a child would be placed on a plinth and included as part of the original arch of unity design concept.
The design of the monument.
Image: Supplied
The monument is being erected in the UShaka Marine Promenade precinct.
Selvan Naidoo, director and curator at the 1860 Heritage Centre, said it was a proud moment.
“We are proud to see that construction is underway, with the monument expected to be completed this year, ahead of the anniversary.
“For me, it is a proud moment as a descendant of Camachee indentured no 3297, to know that her legacy and that of 152 184 indentured workers would finally be told as part of our South African story. Unbowed, unwavering and resilient in telling the story of our makkal (people).
“We are grateful to the KwaZulu-Natal government and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in honouring the legacy of those indentured workers, who came to build the nation of South Africa,” he said.