South Africa’s diverse cultural and religious landscape has been shaped by centuries of migration and struggle, with various communities contributing to the country’s rich history.

Among these are the Indian communities, whose intertwined histories and collaborative efforts have played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s democracy.

Their shared experiences of colonialism, apartheid, and the fight for freedom have fostered strong bonds and have been instrumental in the development of the Republic of South Africa as a democratic state.

The arrival of Indians in South Africa began in 1860 when the British colonial government brought indentured labourers from India to work on sugar plantations in Natal.

Among these labourers were Muslims, who set up their communities alongside their Hindu and Christian counterparts. Over time, a sizeable number of Indian traders, often referred to as “Passenger Indians”, arrived, further contributing to the growth of the Indian population.

These Indian families have made enduring contributions to South Africa’s history, particularly in the fight against apartheid, the advancement of human rights, and the development of the nation’s economy and society.

However, the Muslim presence in South Africa predates the arrival of Indian indentured labourers.

The earliest Muslim presence in the country can be traced back to the 17th century when slaves and political exiles from the Dutch East Indies were brought to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company.

These early Muslim communities laid the foundations for Islam in South Africa, which later saw a significant boost with the arrival of Indian Muslims.

Their shared struggles under colonialism and apartheid, coupled with their collaborative efforts in the fight for democracy, have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

Indians in South Africa faced similar challenges under apartheid, a system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination that lasted from 1948 to 1994. Both communities were subjected to racial discrimination, restricted movement, and limited economic opportunities.

They were classified as “non-white” and were therefore denied basic rights, including the right to vote, own property in certain areas, and access to quality education and health care.

Despite these challenges, the Indian communities played an active role in the struggle against apartheid. The majority live in and around the city of Durban, making it one of the largest ethnically Indian-populated cities outside of India.

I was recently contacted by a granddaughter of Yakub Hasan Sait, who was an Indian freedom fighter and politician in India.

Yakub Hasan married one of the daughters of Ahmet Ataullah (Effendi) and moved to Madras.

Similarly, the Gandhi family, the family of Mr Essop Mia, chairman of the British Indian Association in South Africa, and the Abdurrahman family in Cape Town all played crucial roles in shaping the political struggles in the country’s past.

In particular, the Naidoo, Luthuli, Moodley, Reddy, Dadoo, Patel, Minty, Kathrada, Desai, Randeree, and Achmat families, among many other South African families of Indian origin, made remarkable contributions to the social history of South Africa. Their legacies continue to influence the country today.

* Halim Gençoğlu is a historian with PhD from UCT and is a post-doctoral fellow at Wits University.

** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.

Cape Argus

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