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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1860 Indian indentured labourers monument to preserve the legacy of unsung heroes