KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli led the sod-turning ceremony, officially handing over the project to the appointed contractor, Brendon Edwards. The monument aims to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of the Indian indentured labourers.
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Construction on the much anticipated monument commemorating the legacy of Indian indentured labourers is set to begin after the sod-turning ceremony took place last week.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli led the sod-turning ceremony, officially handing over the project to the appointed contractor, Brendon Edwards.
The monument aims to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of the labourers who arrived in the province 165 years ago, shaping its cultural and economic fabric.
Speaking at the Ushaka Marine Promenade, next to Addington Hospital, Premier Ntuli reiterated the significance of the monument, describing it as a tribute to the men, women, and children who endured hardship to forge a new life in South Africa.
“The monument will be a symbol of remembrance, a tribute to the forgotten heroes and heroines. Their legacy will be preserved for generations to come,” said Mr Ntuli.
The construction of the monument will be overseen by contractor Brendon Edwards, and the final design will feature a bronze sculpture of an indentured couple with a child, placed on a plinth, incorporating elements of the original arch of unity design concept.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Mntomuhle Khawula, Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Reverend Musa Zondi, and India’s Consulate General in Durban, Dr Thelma John David.
Cultural performances added a celebratory touch to the historic occasion.
The ceremony was also attended by eThekwini Municipality Councillor Sibusiso Lushaba, representatives from Amafa, and prominent Indian community leaders, including Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, former Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Ravi Pillay, and Ishwar Ramlutchman, affectionately known as Prince Mabheka Zulu.
MEC Khawula said the ceremony marks the end of years of speculation, uncertainty, and delays. He said the province was committed to social cohesion through sport, arts, and culture.
Businessman and philanthropist Vivian Reddy hailed the sod-turning ceremony as a long-overdue milestone, calling it a moment of triumph and recognition for the descendants of indentured labourers. “After a decade of delays, this is an opportunity for unity, education, and a deeper appreciation of the struggles that shaped the present,” he said.
Last month, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture held a public meeting at the 1860 Heritage Centre to discuss the monument’s progress and address objections raised over the inclusion of a bell tower in the original design. After a heated debate, a vote was taken, and it was resolved that the bell would be omitted from the final structure.
The monument is expected to be completed ahead of the 165th commemoration of the arrival of indentured labourers on 16 November 2025.