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Indian community comes in for praise in South Africa
Durban, Nov 16: The Prime Minister of the South African province of Kwazulu-natal today heaped praise on people of Indian origin for their contributions to the socio-economic development of the province and the country during the 143rd anniversary of the arrival of first indentured Indian at Durban Harbour.
Durban, Nov 16: The Prime Minister of the South African province of Kwazulu-natal today heaped praise on people of Indian origin for their contributions to the socio-economic development of the province and the country during the 143rd anniversary of the arrival of first indentured Indian at Durban Harbour.
"Today's function marks one of the watershed events in the history of South Africa- the arrival 143 years ago of the first Indian settlers in 1860," premier Lionel Mtshali said.
"Indeed that was the day which was to alter completely the face of Kwazulu-natal and South Africa as the first batch of indentured labourers arrived aboard the SS Truro.
"As we are gathered in this 143rd anniversary, we look back with admiration at what has been one of the miracles of human survival against the worst odds. The story of the 1860 settlers is a story of ordinary people, who left their relatives and friends... Their country and familiar surroundings for the future and country they did not know."
It is a story of faith in action. Without any material possessions... Any relations where they were going; being in the minority; under a colonial power that did not have any genuine interest in their well-being; they left India and went out in faith, hoping that there would be a way to survive where they were going," the Prime Minister said.
Bureau Report
"Indeed that was the day which was to alter completely the face of Kwazulu-natal and South Africa as the first batch of indentured labourers arrived aboard the SS Truro.
"As we are gathered in this 143rd anniversary, we look back with admiration at what has been one of the miracles of human survival against the worst odds. The story of the 1860 settlers is a story of ordinary people, who left their relatives and friends... Their country and familiar surroundings for the future and country they did not know."
It is a story of faith in action. Without any material possessions... Any relations where they were going; being in the minority; under a colonial power that did not have any genuine interest in their well-being; they left India and went out in faith, hoping that there would be a way to survive where they were going," the Prime Minister said.
Bureau Report