The indentured labourers arriving by boat after disembarking the SS Truro in 1860 near the area where Durban's Ushaka Marine World now stands. Picture: 1860 Heritage Centre
After a 14-year delay, the eThekwini Municipality has approved the installation of a historic monument commemorating the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in 1860.
The monument, to be built near Durban's uShaka Marine World, celebrates the journey of the SS Truro, that transported the first group of Indian workers from Madras (now Chennai), India, to the Natal Colony. This journey in South African history saw Indian labourers take on challenging roles in the sugar cane fields, that shaped the region's social and cultural fabric.
The initial proposal to commemorate this history was launched to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the labourers’ arrival and was spearheaded by eThekwini's Parks, Recreation, and Culture Unit. However, disagreements over the monument's design among representatives of the Indian community caused the project to stall. Consequently, the provincial government’s initial R4 million funding was returned, halting progress.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli renewed the project’s momentum in his latest state of the province address, reminding all about the importance of preserving this chapter of South African history.
The eThekwini Council at its full sitting on Tuesday, granted permission for the monument to be installed in the City, and handed over the project to the Premier’s office for the construction.
Once completed, the monument will be transferred to eThekwini Municipality for on-going maintenance. This agreement, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, ensures that the city will care for the monument, preserving the legacy of the Indian community’s contributions to KwaZulu-Natal.