India's Contribution to South Africa's Political History
- By Bobby Castro
- Published 10/27/2011
- National, State, Local
- Unrated
The first Indians from South Asia came to South Africa between 1860 and 1911 as part of the contingent of field workers and mill operators in the agricultural fields of the Natal region, which was then a British colony. While many were given the opportunity to return to India, many chose to remain as farmers in the colony or become entrepreneurs in the region.
Despite their long history in the country, Indians were not granted full status as citizens until 1961. Despite their hundred year presence, Indians in South Africa were subjected to the same harsh discrimination as the rest of the population that were not Afrikaans or Caucasian. After the lifting of the policy of apartheid, the Indians in the country also benefited from the changes in laws that were discriminatory and disadvantageous to the greater population in the country.
One of the greatest leaders of India had their roots in this former British colony. The great Mahatma Gandhi stayed in South Africa for twenty one years before going back to India. Many other great Indian political leaders, such as Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Dr. Monty Naicker and many other political luminaries started their political activities in South Africa. Even the country's greatest political party, the African National Congress
owes much of its political survival to Indians in the country. The fight against discrimination and apartheid was carried on by the Natal Indian Congress together with the Transvaal Indian Congress and the United Democratic Front. When the ANC was banned and criminalized during the 1984 South African elections, these parties working together organized the boycotts and protests against the repressive regime under F.W De Klerk.
The Natal Indian Congress was founded by Gandhi and their contributions to the cause has been acknowledged by the pantheon of ANC leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and current South African President Thabo Mbeki. When the ANC became a legitimate political party in the country, the Natal Indian Congress was dissolved in 1990 and its membership forming part of the leadership in the ANC with names such as George Sewpersad, Pravin Gordham, Dr. Kesavaloo Goonam and Ela Gandhi.
Because of the political luminaries and their contributions to the political and racial equality in South Africa, Indians in the country have been given special recognition in South Africa's political history. The connection between Gandhi and the future struggle of the African National Congress to rid discrimination and apartheid is what makes Indians in n the country important reminders of the rich political connection and history between the two countries.
Despite their long history in the country, Indians were not granted full status as citizens until 1961. Despite their hundred year presence, Indians in South Africa were subjected to the same harsh discrimination as the rest of the population that were not Afrikaans or Caucasian. After the lifting of the policy of apartheid, the Indians in the country also benefited from the changes in laws that were discriminatory and disadvantageous to the greater population in the country.
One of the greatest leaders of India had their roots in this former British colony. The great Mahatma Gandhi stayed in South Africa for twenty one years before going back to India. Many other great Indian political leaders, such as Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Dr. Monty Naicker and many other political luminaries started their political activities in South Africa. Even the country's greatest political party, the African National Congress
The Natal Indian Congress was founded by Gandhi and their contributions to the cause has been acknowledged by the pantheon of ANC leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and current South African President Thabo Mbeki. When the ANC became a legitimate political party in the country, the Natal Indian Congress was dissolved in 1990 and its membership forming part of the leadership in the ANC with names such as George Sewpersad, Pravin Gordham, Dr. Kesavaloo Goonam and Ela Gandhi.
Because of the political luminaries and their contributions to the political and racial equality in South Africa, Indians in the country have been given special recognition in South Africa's political history. The connection between Gandhi and the future struggle of the African National Congress to rid discrimination and apartheid is what makes Indians in n the country important reminders of the rich political connection and history between the two countries.
Bobby Castro
Bobby Castro is the online editor at the NRI community, where he has published a number of articles about NRI Indians living in South Africa and many other topics.
View all articles by Bobby Castro