Celebrating India’s Republic Day: A tribute to freedom and friendship with South Africa
An Afro-Indian fusion dance was performed by dancers from Kumarie Verona’s school of dance and KCAP on Tuesday night. The performance was part of the 77th Republic Day of India celebrations held at the Gujarati Hindu Sanskruti Kendra in Durban.
Image: Rajesh Jantilal
THE Isandlwana battlefield served as a poignant reminder for Niteen Subhash Yeola, the Consul General of India in Durban, of the cherished freedom that has been earned through long struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
Yeola shared these reflections during a reception dinner held on Tuesday evening in honour of the 77th Republic Day of India.
As the celebrations unfolded, Yeola emphasised the importance of renewing dedication to the principles that define their Republic and strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and South Africa.
He commended the Indian diaspora in South Africa, highlighting their hard work, integrity, and achievements, which have earned them respect and admiration. Yeola described the diaspora as an integral part of South Africa’s diverse society and a vital bridge connecting the two nations.
“Last week, I witnessed the battlefield of Isandlwana. It reminded me yet again how much we cherish the freedom that was hard earned through long struggles of independence, and long walks of freedom from the shackles of colonialism and apartheid,” Yeola said
"India and South Africa share a relationship rooted in history, strengthened by shared struggles against colonialism and injustice, and guided by common democratic values. The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, who began his journey of non-violent resistance on South African soil, continues to inspire our partnership,” Yeola added
Yeola also noted that last year, as South Africa led the G20 presidency, India actively supported and participated in it, steering a successful and impactful agenda that amplified the voice of the Global South.
He mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fruitful visit to South Africa in November 2025 for the G20 Leaders Summit.
In addition, Yeola shared that several Indian ministers visited South Africa last year, which included discussions within the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment between the two countries.
KZN Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce remarked on the deep-rooted ties between KwaZulu-Natal and India, stating that these bonds transcend mere contemporary trade and diplomatic relationships.
She congratulated India on its Republic Day and acknowledged its role in the ongoing protection of democracy, multilateralism, and respect for international law.
“We are proud of the role of India in ensuring that there’s peace globally. We are also proud of the role of the leadership of India in ensuring that peace is mutually beneficial when it comes to areas of trade. I mention this because between South Africa and India, we have a balance sheet exceeding 19 billion US dollars in trade,” Boyce said.
“And of this amount, KZN has a large share, especially relating to us being home to two major ports in the Republic of South Africa, that is the ports of Durban and Richards Bay, which remain key to our growing trade with India, especially for pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and rice, not excluding the exploitation of minerals by South Africa."