The tender for the R4 million 1860 Indian indenture monument has finally been awarded to a service provider and construction is expected to being soon.
After a 13-year delay, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport , Arts and Culture confirmed that the monument would be erected at uShaka Beach (near the uShaka Marine World parking lot).
Vusi Shongwe, director at the department, said after following due process with regards to the design of the monument, the department was happy that the process had been participative and transparent.
According to information on the department’s website, the monument is described as an Arch of Unity, Bell Tower.
The bell tower is to represent the fact that the bell tower was used during times of slavery and indenture when the masters would ring the bell for the workers to begin and end their work day. All South African plantations had bell towers.
The document also advises that a bronze plaque at the Shree Emperumal Temple in Mount Edgecombe can also be incorporated into the design.
The design will also incorporate elements of the Zulu kraal with the aesthetic wooden tree branches made of concrete in a tribute to the Zulu nation.
Director of the 1860 Heritage Centre, Selvan Naidoo, said they were relieved and comforted that this project will finally get off the ground.
“At last we know that this tribute acknowledging and honouring the Indentured labourer will find a permanent spot in Durban and serve as a reminder of our humble beginnings and massive contribution to the country,” said Mr Naidoo.
