November 16 marks 163 years since the the arrival of the first indentured Indian labourers in South Africa and to commemorate that day in 1860, there are several events planned.
Ceremony at South Beach
The 1860 Heritage Centre will host a commemoration ceremony on Thursday (November 16) on South Beach near the uShaka Marine World car park entrance (opposite Silver Sands Lifestyle Resorts) at 10am. There will be an interfaith prayer, playing of the national anthem, a bell-ringing ceremony and a keynote address. Visitors are encouraged to wear traditional clothing. Light snacks will be provided.
Interfaith prayer
The 1860 Commemoration Council, the Hindasa Foundation, Voice of Phoenix, Rage, Giving Hope Foundation, Phoenix Civic Movement and the Sivananda World Peace Foundation will host an interfaith prayer on Thursday at 6pm at the Shri Mariammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe. The Global Grimitiya’s Centre, under the stewardship of Professor Bugsy Singh, a keynote speaker at the event, will be launched. For information, call Sharon Naidoo at 082 780 4270.
Heritage commemoration
The Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple in association with the oThongathi Museum Committee will host a heritage commemoration on Thursday at 6pm at he temple’s heritage garden at Gopalall Hurbans Road in Gandhis Hill, oThongathi (Tongaat).
Gathering in Girmit Gardens
The 1860 Indentured Labourers Foundation, Verulam, will host a commemorative gathering on Saturday at the monument site in Girmit Gardens (in front of BP Garage, corner of Wick and Ireland streets) from 2pm to 5pm. Take a picnic basket. For information, call Roy Raghubir at 073 490 7561.
Fund-raising dinner
The KZN International Business Association in association with the Verulam Day and Frail Care Centre will host a fund-raising dinner and dance on Saturday at the venue from 6.30pm. Entertainment will be provided by Henry Ramkisson and Koobeshan Naidoo.
The dress code is traditional/Indian settlers, keeping to the theme of the arrival of Indians to Natal. For information, call Sharon Lutchanna at 083 775 1336.
