From left: Mntomuhle Khawula, Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, Omie Singh Brendon Edwards, Selvan Naidoo, and Dr Thelma John David
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli earlier today announced the construction of a monument honouring the resilience and legacy of Indian indentured labourers, set to be completed ahead of the 165th anniversary of their arrival.
The premier was speaking at the official handover to the contractor - Brendon Edwards - responsible for the construction of the long-awaited 1860 Indian indentured labourers monument; at the Ushaka Marine Promenade, next to Addington Hospital.
Ntuli said the stories of Indian indentured labourers to Natal are ones of resilience, sacrifice and victory. Their arrival, he added, also shaped the cultural, racial and economic diversity of the province and the country.
"The monument will be a symbol of remembrance, a tribute to the forgotten heroes and heroines... their legacy will be preserved for generations to come."
Cultural items were rendered at the event.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
The monument is expected to be completed ahead of the 165th anniversary of the arrival of indentured labourers on November 16.
It will be of an indentured couple with a child placed on a plinth. Included will be the original arch of unity design concept.
Among those who attended the event were Sport, Arts and Culture MEC, Mntomuhle Khawula; Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Reverend Musa Zondi; and the Indian Consulate General in Durban, Dr Thelma John David.
Khawula had earlier told the POST that the monument carried historic significance and reverence to the Indian community and they were pleased to put an end to an era of speculations, uncertainty and delays regarding the construction.
According to a statement, Khawula, is mandated by Ntuli to implement the province’s mandate of realising social cohesion through sport, arts and culture.
The contractor, Brendon Edwards
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Vivian Reddy, a businessman and philanthropist, said the sod-turning ceremony marked a historic and long-overdue milestone for South Africa’s Indian community.
“After a decade of delays, the commencement of construction is a moment of triumph, reflection, and recognition for the descendants of indentured labourers who contributed significantly to the country’s social, economic, and cultural fabric.
“This monument will honour the resilience, sacrifices, and legacy of the 1860 indentured workers, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. It is not just a physical structure but a symbol of identity, heritage, and remembrance, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating South Africa’s diverse history,” he said.
Reddy added that given the long wait, this “ground-breaking moment” would also instill hope and pride within the community.
“It is an opportunity for unity, education, and deeper appreciation of the struggles that shaped the present. Now, it is imperative that the project moves forward efficiently to ensure this tribute becomes a reality without further setbacks.”
Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said: “At long last the arrival of indentured labourers in 1860 will be properly recorded by way of a monument. The discussion of the monument has been ongoing for many years, and I am sure that the community which has been waiting in anticipation is relieved that we will now have a monument that will stand as a beacon to the arrival and sacrifices of our forebears."
"However, we now await the next phase and that is the measures that will be put in place to ensure that the monument is maintained and protected."
AV Mohamed, chairperson of the Juma Musjid (Grey Street Mosque), said there was no guarantee that the monument was going to last.
“I am personally unhappy with the decision to have a statue built to commemorate the history of the Indian community. I have always said this, we should have a book, which is included in the school curriculum. Our children need to know the role that Indians played in the history and democracy of our country. The monument will not educate people, especially our youth; instead it will stand as a statue with no story.”
Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said: “It is about time. However, I am a bit disappointed about how long it has taken. I hope it proceeds without delay so that the significant contributions made by the Indian community to the South African landscape is recognised.”
Last month, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) held a public meeting at the 1860 Heritage Centre, to discuss the progress of the monument and to find a resolution to the objections raised to the bell tower being part of the monument.
The original design concept proposed was an arch of unity with a bell tower. The meeting was chaired by Dr Thobile Sifunda, the head of department for the Departments of Sports, Arts and Culture in KZN, and was attended by various stakeholders, including civic and religious organisations, political parties and community activists.
After a heated debate about the bell tower, a vote was taken – by a show of hands.
It was resolved 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.
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