The history of Indian laborers in foreign lands is a tale woven with threads of hope, despair, struggle, and eventual triumph. One of the most notable chapters of this narrative revolves around the Indian indenture system, a mechanism by which over 1.6 million workers from British India were sent to toil in European colonies. This system, which began as a substitute for slave labor after the abolition of the slave trade in the early 19th century, spread its reach far and wide. These workers became the backbone of labor in regions such as the Caribbean, East Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Fiji. Their efforts also shaped the Natal region of South Africa, as well as many other colonies under the British, French, and Dutch Empires. The indenture system continued for nearly a century, with British Indian indentureship formally ending in the 1920s.

The abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833, followed by the French colonies in 1848 and the Dutch Empire in 1863, led to the desperate need for cheap labor in these colonies. It was here that Indian workers stepped in to fill the void. From 1848 to 1863, hundreds of thousands of Indians were uprooted from their homeland and sent to work in unfamiliar and often hostile territories, marking the beginning of a significant diaspora of South Asians. This resulted in the growth of various Indo-communities, including Indo-Caribbean, Indo-African, and Indo-Mauritian populations.

One of the most significant moments in this historical journey came on 16 November 1860, when the S.S. Truro sailed into Durban Bay, Natal. This event would forever alter the cultural landscape of South Africa. Aboard the S.S. Truro were 342 men, women, and children, embarking on a journey that they hoped would lead to a better life. These individuals had boarded the ship on 12 October 1860 in Madras (now Chennai), in search of relief from the grinding poverty that defined their lives in India. They were leaving behind everything familiar—their homes, their land, and their families—in pursuit of an uncertain future.

The ship's arrival in South Africa marked the beginning of an arduous journey for these Indian laborers. They were venturing into the unknown, driven by the hope of escaping the misery of their lives back home. Yet, they were unaware of the tremendous challenges awaiting them in a land where they would often be seen as little more than tools of labor, with scant regard for their well-being. But as the history of Indians in South Africa shows, their resilience and determination would ultimately lead them to triumph over these adversities. Their struggles, sacrifices, and unyielding spirit would leave an indelible mark on the country they helped to build.

This momentous arrival of Indians in South Africa was just the beginning of what would become a saga of endurance, strength, and, eventually, success, even as they faced an uphill battle in a society riddled with prejudice. The descendants of these laborers would go on to shape the social, political, and economic fabric of South Africa, making invaluable contributions to its diversity and growth.

The path to a new life for Indians in South Africa began with a significant legal decision. The Natal colonial government's Act No 14 of 1859 was the gateway for many to escape poverty in India. The law was created in response to the increasing labor demands of the booming sugar industry in Natal. The need for workers in the sugarcane fields led to the recruitment of “coolies” from India, offering them the chance to earn a livelihood in a foreign land. It was this law that made it possible for Indian laborers to be sent to South Africa, where they would form the backbone of the country's growing economy.

The S.S. Truro was only the first of many ships that would follow. In fact, it was the first of 384 ships that carried Indian indentured workers to South Africa. Over the span of half a century, these ships transported an estimated 152,000 Indians to South Africa. The very last ship, “Umlazi 43,” arrived in 1911, marking the end of this mass migration. These voyages established what would become the largest Indian community outside of India, a community that has since left an indelible mark on the cultural, social, and political fabric of South Africa.

Over the years, the Indian community has made remarkable contributions to South Africa. Their presence has added a unique vibrancy to the diverse population of the country. The rich tapestry of South African culture owes much to the efforts and influences of the Indian community, whose labor, traditions, and values have played a key role in shaping the country's history.

In Natal, the arrival of indentured Indians in 1860 signified the beginning of a structured system that would eventually bring approximately 152,184 Indians to the region. These Indians came in search of work, primarily in the growing sugar industry, but they found employment in other areas as well. While many labored in the sugarcane fields, others worked on wattle and tea plantations and in coal mines, performing arduous tasks in exchange for their survival. Some took on roles as domestic servants, including dhobis (laundrymen), waiters, and house servants. For these jobs, they earned a respectable wage of 20 shillings per month—a significant amount for many of these workers at the time.

The journey these individuals embarked on, leaving their homeland to work in difficult conditions in South Africa, was filled with hardship and uncertainty. Yet, their perseverance and determination to build better lives for themselves and their families saw them through. These early Indian workers laid the foundation for future generations, who would continue to contribute to the nation in ways that their ancestors might never have imagined.

Today, the Indian South African community has become an integral part of the country's success story, contributing significantly to various fields, including politics and sports. One such example is Mr. Pravin Gordhan, who holds the prestigious position of Minister of Finance in South Africa. His presence in the cabinet signifies the strong foothold that the Indian community has gained in the nation's leadership. Another figure who brings immense pride to the Indian South African community is Mr. Hashim Amla, the top One Day International (ODI) cricket batsman. Amla, who plays for the Proteas, South Africa's national cricket team, has not only become a national hero but also a global icon in the sport.

The role of Indian South Africans in shaping the country's democratic future became especially evident after the 1994 elections, when Dr. Frene Ginwala became the first Speaker of the first democratic House of Assembly. Her appointment to this critical position symbolized the growing influence of Indian South Africans in the country’s political framework. This influence was further cemented when Mr. Nelson Mandela, the first President of Democratic South Africa, appointed six Indian South Africans to his cabinet. It was a powerful testament to the community’s contribution to the nation’s fight for freedom and its role in the African National Congress (ANC). Many Indian South Africans held high-ranking positions within the ANC, further illustrating their dedication to the democratic ideals that South Africa fought so hard to achieve.

Among those who have continued the legacy of strong Indian South African leadership is Ms. Ela Gandhi, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and a Member of Parliament representing the ruling African National Congress (ANC). She has not only carried forward her family's legacy of advocating for justice and equality but also deeply embraced her South African identity. In her words, “I am a South African; a very proud South African. The Indianness comes in at the level of culture, the way we eat, the kind of things we eat, the kind of things we appreciate – like music, drama, the language we speak. We only enrich our country by having all these different tastes and habits. What I am basically saying is that that is where the Indianness stops.”

Ms. Gandhi’s statement captures the essence of what it means to be an Indian South African. While their cultural heritage remains an important part of their identity, it is their contribution to the wider South African society that truly defines them. The Indian community has brought with it a rich tapestry of traditions—whether in food, music, or language—that have only enriched the country’s diversity. But as Ms. Gandhi eloquently puts it, their South African identity transcends their Indian roots. They are, first and foremost, South Africans, proud of their country and all it represents.

The Arrival of the S.S. Truro

The arrival of the S.S. Truro in Durban Bay in 1860 marked a significant moment in South Africa’s history. However, the ship’s early arrival caused unforeseen issues as preparations for the reception of the indentured laborers had not been completed. According to the Natal Mercury, dated 22 November 1860, “The barracks were not completed. Whoever expected they would be? Was any work, ever executed by any Government, ready for an emergency?” The incomplete preparations left the new arrivals with an uncertain welcome.

Without a harbor for ships to dock, passengers had to be brought ashore in smaller boats. The Natal Mercury described the scene, stating, “There has seldom been such a crowd at the Point as there was on Saturday. The boats seemed to disgorge an endless stream of living cargo.” This striking image illustrates the sheer number of passengers coming ashore that day.

The diverse group of people onboard included Pariahs, Christians (Roman Catholics), Malabars, and Mahometans, representing different communities and religious backgrounds. As the newspaper noted, “The major portion of this lot are, we understand, not so much field labourers, as mechanics, household servants, domestics, gardeners, and tradespeople.” Among the group were barbers, carpenters, accountants, and grooms, while the women included ayahs, nurses, and maids. The first arrivals brought with them a variety of skills, not just for the plantations but for various trades and domestic roles.

They were provided with two days’ rations onboard, consisting of rice, fish, ghee, and dholl, as they stepped onto South African soil, each carrying their personal belongings in teakwood boxes. The report also mentioned, “Each of them carried his household chattels in a teakwood box, and may appear to be flush with spare cash, which they immediately endeavoured to invest in the purchase of ‘something to warm them’.”

Among the 342 people who arrived on the S.S. Truro, there was a diverse mix of religious and social backgrounds. The passengers represented different segments of Indian society, with 2% Brahmins, 9% Kshatriyas, 21% Vaishyas, and the largest group being 31% Sudras. Additionally, 27% of the passengers were from Scheduled Castes, reflecting the broad spectrum of the Indian social hierarchy. The religious diversity was evident as well, with 3% Christians and 4% Muslims among the group.

The passengers were not only men, but there were also 75 women and 83 children under the age of 14, indicating that this migration was not just about labor but the movement of families seeking a new beginning. These women and children, along with the men, were setting foot on foreign soil, bringing with them their hopes and dreams for a better life, despite the uncertainty and challenges ahead.

The late Professor Fatima Meer, a renowned sociologist, captured the essence of what these early Indian migrants carried with them to South Africa in her book, A Portrait of Indian South Africans. She beautifully remarked, “They brought to their new country ancient traditions which had become theirs through telling and retelling, through learning and remembering over hundreds of generations – accounts of gods and sages and kings, and crafts of wood, metal and fibre and husbandry of animal and soil.” This vivid description emphasizes the richness of the cultural heritage that the Indian migrants brought with them. These traditions were not merely rituals but were deeply ingrained stories and skills passed down through countless generations.

The Early Years – Units of Labour

The first Indian South Africans, arriving as indentured laborers, faced immense difficulties in their quest to settle and make a life for themselves. They were forced to endure strict terms of indenture, coupled with the racism prevalent among the white colonists. These colonists viewed them merely as “units of labour.” The Natal Witness, in an editorial, coldly stated, “The ordinary Coolie ... and his family cannot be admitted into close fellowship and union with us and our families. He is introduced for the same reason as mules might be introduced from Montevideo, oxen from Madagascar or sugar machinery from Glasgow. The object for which he is brought is to supply labour and that alone. He is not one of us, he is in every respect an alien; he only comes to perform a certain amount of work, and to return to India ...”

Despite such harsh treatment, many laborers chose to stay on after their indenture periods expired, demonstrating their resilience and creativity. They bore immense hardships during their five to ten years of indenture, including floggings, poor living conditions, separation from loved ones, and grueling nine-hour workdays without a day of rest.

While some did return to their homeland, most opted to stay and forge new lives. Many began their livelihoods through market gardening and fruit and vegetable vending, eventually branching out into other professions. As they adapted, they found ways to support their families and communities.

As Professor Fatima Meer noted in Portrait of Indian South Africans, “For many, no matter how deplorable the condition, there was no return to India, for their manner of leaving was such as to constitute an irreconcilable breach. Young men had left without the blessings of parents and young women without parental knowledge. For many, caste taboos had been broken, and life back at home would be a life in exile.” The decision to stay was not just practical but deeply emotional, as returning to India would mean facing a life of rejection and estrangement from their communities.

New Wave of Immigration

In 1863, a young man named Abubaker Jhavary, originally from Porbander on the Kathiawad Peninsula, arrived in Natal, South Africa, via Mauritius. Through sheer hard work and business acumen, Jhavary prospered. His trade flourished to the point where he became a successful exporter of dried fish, cured by Indian laborers on Salisbury Island in Durban Bay, sending these goods back to India using his very own fleet of ships. His success sparked the beginning of a new wave of Indian immigration, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

The first of these new arrivals, often referred to as “Passenger” Indians, came in 1869. These were people who paid their own passage to Natal, seeking opportunities in a land where Indian laborers had already begun to establish themselves. Most of these immigrants hailed from the West Coast of India, particularly from Mumbai, and were predominantly Gujarati traders. Their arrival added yet another layer of rich culture to the diverse Indian community already thriving in South Africa, bringing with them their own languages, customs, and traditions.

The new wave of immigrants did not limit themselves to the Natal region. Instead, they spread throughout the country, setting up country trading stores in the most remote parts of Zululand and even venturing into the Transvaal, also known as the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR). Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to flourish, especially as the gold mining industry in the region began to boom. With money flowing into the country in significant amounts, these traders found themselves in a prime position to succeed, providing goods and services to a growing population.

These immigrants were typically young men who arrived alone, determined to make their fortunes in a new land. As their businesses thrived, they began to build shops with residences either above or behind their stores. Once these establishments were ready, they would return to India to bring their families to South Africa, thus planting deep roots in their new homeland.

Perhaps the most well-known Indian to settle in South Africa during this period was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, later known as Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi arrived in South Africa in 1893 and remained there until 1913.

Gandhi’s Role and Controversies in South Africa

Mahatma Gandhi’s early years in South Africa were marked by a controversial focus on wealthy Indian traders rather than the indentured laborers who suffered the most severe exploitation. In 1894, Gandhi became involved with the Natal Indian Congress (NIC), which was initially formed with the help of white liberals and Indian merchants to protect the rights of free Indians and traders. At that time, his activism focused on fighting discrimination against wealthy Indians, particularly in securing property rights and trade privileges, while the hardships of the indentured laborers were largely ignored.

According to Ashwin Desai and Goolam Vahed in their article "An evil thing: Gandhi and Indian Indentured Labour in South Africa, 1893–1914," Gandhi's early actions reflected a controversial stance on race. He sought to differentiate Indians from Black Africans, using terms like “kaffirs” in his petitions and writings, and advocating for separate facilities for Indians to avoid being grouped with Black Africans. He supported racial segregation, arguing that Indians should not be treated the same as Black South Africans, further aligning himself with the interests of whites at the time.

Gandhi also encouraged Indians to serve the British Empire during the Boer War (1899–1902) and the Zulu Rebellion (1906), believing that such loyalty would earn Indians greater rights. However, these efforts did little to address the harsh conditions of the indentured laborers, who were subjected to extreme exploitation in the sugarcane fields and other industries.

It wasn’t until 1906, during the Satyagraha movement, that Gandhi began to include indentured laborers in his broader resistance against colonial oppression. His activism shifted more significantly in late 1913, when he organized mass protests against the £3 tax imposed on Indian laborers who had completed their contracts. This marked a pivotal moment in Gandhi's leadership, as he finally began to address the exploitation and systemic injustice faced by the indentured laborers.

By the time of the Great March in 1913, Gandhi had fully recognized the severity of the indenture system, calling it "an evil thing." His support for the indentured laborers helped him gain wider popularity within the Indian community, uniting both free Indians and laborers under a common cause.

The Passing of Pageview

One notable area in the former Transvaal where Indian South Africans successfully established themselves as businessmen was the suburb of Pageview, located on the western side of Johannesburg's central business district. This area, at the heart of the rapidly growing gold mining industry, became a bustling hub for Indian entrepreneurs who had carved out a place for themselves in a land where opportunities were scarce but possible with determination.

By 1885, the presence of Indians in South Africa had grown to a level that began to alarm members of the Volksraad (Parliament) of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR). Fearing the increasing number of Indians and other non-white groups, the government passed Act No 3. This act, steeped in racial discrimination, removed the right of “Coolies, Arabs and other Asiatics” to own land in the ZAR. The act also gave the government the authority to restrict these communities, under the guise of “for purposes of sanitation,” to specific areas, further segregating the population.

In 1886, the restrictions on land ownership were lifted but only in the designated “Coolie locations” established by the Act. One of these locations was Pageview, a community that thrived until the apartheid regime intervened. Under the Group Areas Act of 1950, apartheid ideologues declared Pageview a “white area,” leading to the eventual dismantling of the vibrant, Indian-run businesses that had made the area so colorful. In 1977, Pageview was finally “cleared” of its Indian-owned enterprises, erasing a once-flourishing community.

The fall of Pageview marked the end of an era—a rich and vibrant cultural heritage, slowly killed by the relentless force of social engineering during apartheid. The systematic destruction of such communities was not just an attack on Indian businesses but also on the very fabric of South Africa’s multiculturalism.

A Johannesburg architect, Manfred Hermer, paid tribute to the memory of this once-thriving community in his book, The Passing of Pageview (Ravan, 1978). His collection of evocative paintings captured the essence of Pageview in its final days, preserving the beauty and spirit of a place that had been unjustly erased from South African history. Hermer’s work stands as a lasting reminder of the people, their dreams, and their contributions to a country that often overlooked their struggles.

Celebrating 164 Years of “Indianness” in South Africa

The 164th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa as permanent residents and, finally, as citizens, has been celebrated with great pride in both India and South Africa. This momentous occasion was marked by a range of events, reflecting the deep ties between the two nations and the resilience of the Indian community in South Africa.

In India, the celebrations took place on both a national and regional level. The city of Chennai and the state of Tamil Nadu, where many of the original Indian laborers had embarked on their journeys to South Africa, held numerous official functions to commemorate the anniversary. These celebrations were a reflection of the enduring connection between India and its diaspora, recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of those who left their homeland more than a century ago.

In South Africa, the celebrations took on a more personal tone, as families and communities came together to honor their shared history. One such celebration was organized by Ms. Mandy Moodley, a descendant of Indian laborers, who hosted a massive family reunion to commemorate the anniversary. Writing in the local magazine You on 23 September 2010, Ms. Moodley shared her family’s story: “My grandfathers on both sides were born in India and arrived in South Africa as young boys. The year was 1860 and they struggled. They worked in the sugar-cane fields and lived in barracks. They were poor but well-raised despite the hardships of those days.”

Ms. Moodley’s words capture the deep emotional and historical ties that bind the Indian community in South Africa to their ancestors’ struggles. Her grandfathers, like so many others, faced the immense challenges of working in the sugar-cane fields, enduring harsh conditions and living in barracks. Yet, despite these hardships, they held onto their dignity, raising families who would go on to build lives in a new and unfamiliar land.

The reunion, held on 17 April 2010 at the community center in Chatsworth, Durban, brought together 189 family members—a testament to the strength of the familial bonds that have endured over the generations. It was not just a celebration of family but a celebration of the enduring spirit of the Indian community in South Africa.

As Ms. Moodley wrote with pride, “We are proud Indians who were born and brought up in South Africa. We fly both the South African and Indian flags at our homes and we're proud to belong to two such wonderful countries.” 

Conclude

On October 12th, 2024, we pause to reflect on a journey that began 164 years ago, a journey that changed the course of South African history forever. In 1860, two ships set sail from India, carrying hundreds of souls who sought new opportunities, unaware of the hardships that awaited them. These indentured laborers were destined for the sugarcane fields and other colonial enterprises in Natal, laying the foundation for a community that would endure and thrive despite the odds.

The first ship, the Belvedere, left Calcutta on October 4th, 1860, followed closely by the Truro, which departed from Madras on October 12th, 1860. These two vessels were part of a larger system created to supply labor to the growing economy of colonial Natal, a system designed for economic gain but one that brought untold suffering to those on board. The passengers sought better prospects, but upon their arrival, they faced exploitation and harsh realities that would test their resilience.

The Truro arrived at Port Natal on November 16th, 1860, followed by the Belvedere on November 26th, 1860, bringing with them a total of 680 passengers. These individuals had embarked on a perilous journey across the Indian Ocean, leaving behind their homeland, their families, and everything familiar. They sailed with hopes of a better life, only to confront exploitation, grueling work, and unimaginable hardships upon reaching the shores of South Africa.

Today, in 2024, we honor the memory of these brave pioneers. Their courage and determination, despite the circumstances, laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving Indian community in South Africa. The journey they made 164 years ago marked the beginning of the Indian community's deep-rooted presence, shaping South Africa's history, culture, and identity in profound ways.

As we look back on this legacy, we remember the fortitude of these early settlers who, despite the adversity they faced, contributed immensely to the development of South Africa. Their story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who sought a better life, not just for themselves but for the generations that would follow. The impact of their journey continues to be felt today, as the Indian community remains an integral part of South Africa’s rich, diverse heritage.

Sources:

https://discover.hubpages.com
http://www.lotusfm.co.za
https://www.tandfonline.com