The 16th of November marks 160 years since Indian indentured labourers were shipped into the Durban Coast.
On Monday, members from different faith-based organisations congregated at Addington Beach to commemorate the first arrival of Indians in South Africa.
The celebration was attended by Finance MEC, Ravi Pillay, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala and Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu.
ALSO READ: Poppy mural highlights Remembrance Day
Following an inter-faith prayer, those in attendance dispersed marigold flowers into the sea.
Zikalala said the day was a special occasion to celebrate the many positive contributions made by the Indian community in SA.
“(They) arrived as slaves brought by the British, as South Africa was still colonised by Britain, but they have been part of SA. As we said in 1955 that South Africa belongs to all who live in it,” said Zikala.
“The people of Indian origin, those who originate in SA, have no other home than SA and therefore we want to ensure that we use our history, heritage (…) also our different cultures to build one nation that is united in diversity.”
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple
