160 Years of Indian Heritage in South Africa
The story of Indians in South Africa is one of resilience, community, and remarkable cultural preservation. It's a history that shapes who we are today — and understanding it enriches our connections with each other.
The Arrival (1860-1911)
Indentured Labourers
The first Indians arrived in Durban on 16 November 1860 aboard the SS Truro. These were indentured labourers from Madras (Chennai), Bihar, and other regions, brought to work on Natal's sugar cane plantations. Their five-year contracts were harsh, but many chose to stay, forming the foundation of South Africa's Indian community.
Passenger Indians
From the 1870s, "passenger Indians" — free immigrants, mostly Gujarati traders — arrived at their own expense. They established businesses in Durban and gradually spread to other parts of South Africa, including the Transvaal.
Gandhi's South Africa Years (1893-1914)
Mahatma Gandhi arrived in South Africa in 1893 as a young lawyer and spent 21 formative years here. His experiences of discrimination in South Africa shaped his philosophy of non-violent resistance (satyagraha), which he first practised here before taking it to India.
Key sites:
- Phoenix Settlement in Durban (1904)
- Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg (1910)
- The Pietermaritzburg railway station where he was ejected from a first-class compartment
Building Communities
KwaZulu-Natal
- Chatsworth — Established as an Indian township in 1964, became one of the largest Indian communities outside India
- Phoenix — A massive Indian township north of Durban
- Tongaat — Historic sugar farming area with a strong Indian presence
Gauteng
- Lenasia — The heart of the Gujarati community south of Johannesburg
- Laudium — Pretoria's Indian township, with a strong Muslim and Hindi-speaking community
- Fordsburg and Mayfair — Vibrant Indian commercial and residential areas in central Joburg
Western Cape
- Rylands and Gatesville — Cape Town's Indian residential areas
- A smaller but vibrant community with unique Cape Malay-Indian cultural blends
Apartheid and Resistance
South African Indians played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid:
- The 1946 Passive Resistance Campaign
- Leaders like Dr Monty Naicker, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, and Ahmed Kathrada
- The Defiance Campaign of 1952
- The Congress Alliance and the Freedom Charter
The Group Areas Act forcibly removed Indian families from their homes, reshaping communities into designated townships. The scars of this displacement are still felt today, but the communities that emerged are remarkably strong.
Cultural Preservation
Despite being thousands of miles from India, South African Indians have preserved their culture remarkably well:
- Language — Tamil, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, and Telugu are still spoken in homes
- Religion — Temples, mosques, and churches serve as cultural centres
- Cuisine — Durban curry, bunny chow, and other Indo-South African dishes are nationally beloved
- Festivals — Diwali, Eid, Kavady, and other celebrations are major events
- Arts — Indian classical dance, music, and drama thrive in South African Indian communities
The Community Today
South Africa's Indian community, numbering approximately 1.3 million, is:
- Predominantly urban, concentrated in KZN, Gauteng, and the Western Cape
- Highly educated with strong representation in professions, business, and politics
- Culturally vibrant with active community organisations
- Increasingly connected to the broader South African identity while maintaining Indian heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Indian community concentrated in Durban?
Historically, indentured labourers were brought to work in Natal's sugar cane fields. This original settlement pattern meant the largest Indian community grew in and around Durban.
Are South African Indians considered "Black" or "Coloured" under BEE?
Indians are classified under the broader "Black" category for the purposes of BEE and other transformation legislation, though experiences and opinions on this vary within the community.
How has the community's relationship with India evolved?
While cultural ties remain strong, most South African Indians identify firmly as South African. Visits to India have become more common with easier travel, and Bollywood continues to be a major cultural bridge.
---
Understanding our history helps us appreciate the incredible journey our community has taken — from the shores of India to the shores of Africa, building a home, a culture, and a legacy that's uniquely our own.
Advertisement