This was the dawn of a new era for these early settlers and indeed, South African history.
The early indentured labourers were destined to work on the vast sugar cane fields, coal mines, railway construction and tea plantation owned by the colonial barons of the times.
As is typical of any new human settlement, these pioneers suffered many trials and tribulations during their indenture.
However, they persevered and together with the indentures that followed, this community forged a wonderful unity with the broader South African community.
Today, 150 years later, the community is an integral part of South African society.
The South African Indian community, as represented by the 1860 Legacy Foundation, has initiated the proposed celebrations with the vision that all South Africans share in this wonderful contribution that people of Indian origin have made in South Africa.
Indeed, today descendants of these early settlers and the subsequent migration of traders of Indian origin into South Africa have evolved into significant stakeholders in almost every facet of South African society with tangible contributions.
In 2010, it would be 150 years since the arrival of these pioneering settlers. The general consensus is that it would be prudent to commemorate this milestone by planning and implementing a diverse programme that celebrates the contribution of people of Indian origin to the South African kaleidoscope.
