Indentured labourers remembered in Ladysmith

The Hindu Thirukootam & Shree Ganaser Temple commemorated the 158th anniversary of the arrival of indentured Indians in South Africa on Friday evening (November 16).

Young and old gathered at the temple for the anniversary commemoration.

There were guest speakers, as well as dance items and a video presentation.

The guest speakers highlighted the arrival and struggle of Indian indentured labourers in South Africa.

November 16, 1860, still represents the day when over 300 humble labourers arrived on our shores, lured by the promise of a better life in a new land.

It wasn’t long before they realised the truth – it was the beginning of hell on earth.

For the majority of the new arrivals, it meant the beginning of years of drudgery and abject poverty, some of them taking their own lives to escape the hardship and misery.

After a well-organised programme on Friday night, those in attendance were treated to a delicious supper.

Members of the Finance Department at Alfred Duma Local Municipality also celebrated the anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa by going to work dressed in their cultural attire.

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