Members of the Mount Edgecombe and Estates Community Association (MEECA) who have worked tirelessly in uncovering historical infomation about Mount Edgecombe. Dr Selvan "Patchie" Naicker seated fourth from left in his green MEECA jacket.
Image: Pranesh Bhola
The Mount Edgecombe and Estates Community Association (MEECA) recently celebrated a milestone in their legacy calendar, commemorating the 174th anniversary of the founding of Mount Edgecombe and the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers to the estate.
"Mount Edgecombe was not stumbled upon, it was envisioned," said historian and author Dr. Selvan "Patchie" Naicker. In his book, The Mount Edgecombe Chronicles: Echoes of the Canefield, Volume 1, Naicker reveals that in 1852, British settler William Smerdon discovered and named the estate after Sir Richard Piers Edgecombe, the seventh Cornwallis Lord of England. Smerdon's contributions continued when he constructed the Mount Edgecombe Sugar Mill in 1859, which ultimately shaped the region's destiny.
Naicker reflected on this significant history.
"From Smerdon to Natal Central Sugar and Natal Estates Pty Limited, this was not only the backbone of an industry, but the heartbeat of a community. Out of hardship grew resilience; out of toil grew temples, schools, and sporting clubs; out of sacrifice grew the vibrant Indian community that enriched the economic, cultural, religious and sporting fabric of our Martri Coetri (Tamil for Motherland)."
Archival documents unearthed by Naicker and his research team tell the story of the Abraham family, who are deemed one of the first families to arrive.
"Among the 342 Indian indentured labourers aboard the SS Truro that docked at Port Natal on 16 November 1860 were the Abraham family. Their quiet dignity and discipline caught the eye of Smerdon, leading him to appoint them as domestic workers within the estate house."
The family included Abraham (Coolie Number 5), aged 38; Sarah (Coolie Number 6), aged 30; and their children Essack (Coolie Number 7), Yacoob (Coolie Number 8), Arlando (Coolie Number 9), and Rachel (Coolie Number 10), although she was mis-recorded as Ragel. After initially being allocated to Captain Bishop's Sugar Estate, they were transferred on 4 March 1862 to the Smerdon estate in Mount Edgecombe.
"On this sacred day, we pause in reverence and remembrance," Naicker said, echoing the essence of remembrance that the anniversary conveys. "It was here, upon the estate, that Abraham, Sarah, Arlando and Rachel (Rageal) became early indentured domestic servants, the first footprints upon this land. Their story is not merely one of labour, but of endurance, resistance and perseverance."
As a son of Mount Edgecombe himself, Naicker emphasised that such anniversaries highlight that the area's story extends beyond survival; it embodies vision.
"It is about honouring our ancestors while empowering future generations. On this day, we salute our forebears, honouring their foresight and fortitude, their vision and strength, their stamina and sacrifice. Their labour was not in vain, nor was their endurance forgotten. They gifted us community, identity and belonging."
Mesmerizing the audience with Bharatanatyam dance were Hoshalia and Kourtlene
Image: Pranesh Bhola
The evening culminated in a tribute to the ancestors, featuring the launch of the MEECA's Senior Citizens Club, whose banner was announced during the festivities. Currently, the club boasts 75 members, comprising both current and former residents of Mount Edgecombe.
Interim club chairperson Vijay Moonsamy expressed enthusiasm about the club's future activities.
"Our objective is to create a safe, friendly, fun-filled environment designed to suit all members. We look forward to participating in various planned activities this year," he said.
The interim committee of the MEECA Senior Citizens Club celebrate their establishment with the cutting of a delicious carrot cake. Interi chairperson, Vijay Moonsamy is second from left.
Image: Pranseh Bhola
Historical information was utilised with permission from Naicker's book, The Mount Edgecombe Chronicles: Echoes of the Canefield, Volume 1.