THE Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre at the University of KwaZulu Natal Westville Campus will host an “Open House” on Saturday, 25 November where people wishing to trace their indenture origins can consult staff at the centre.
The public is also invited to this Saturday opening to consult or view other items in the Special Collections in Westville. These include documents on the South African freedom struggle.
The university’s head of special Collections, Dr Praversh Sukram said: “This year marks the centenary of the end of British labour policy of indenture. There has been considerable interest among people wanting to study the ship records to find out where their forebears originate in India. Since weekdays may be difficult to access the Centre, we have decided to open on this special Saturday session from 10am to 2pm.”
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People wishing to consult the ship records should bring copies of their parents’ or grandparents’ unabridged birth certificates that list indenture numbers in one of the columns. Those numbers are also listed on documents marked “Pass to Indians”. Without reference to such documents, accessing the correct details on the ship records may prove difficult.
The Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre is situated in the basement of the University Library opposite the Main Hall and diagonally opposite the Senate Chamber. Limited parking may be available in the vicinity of the Senate Chamber. The public parking is available opposite the Main Administration Building. Contact Thiru Munsamy or Siya Narie on 031 260 7350/1.
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