There is no doubt of the impact of the NIC on the country’s politics – and history – especially its role in forming the United Democratic Front in 1983, which mobilised against apartheid, demanding the creation of a united, nonracial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa, the writer says.
ANC Veterans, from left, Kgalema Motlanthe, Sbu Ndebele and Mac Maharaj at the celebration of 130 years of the Natal Indian Congress. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers / September 8, 2024The Natal Indian Congress recently celebrated its 130th anniversary at Sastri College in Durban. It was a gathering of stalwarts who reminisced about the good old days while also expressing concerns about the broad ANC church, which it believes offers the country the best hope of salvation.
In the 1950s, Indian leaders united under the umbrella of the South African Indian Congress , founded in 1923, and joined the ANC as part of the Congress Alliance. This unity of purpose and action, this collaboration, was a powerful force in the struggle against apartheid. But there is no doubt of the impact of the NIC on the country’s politics – and history, especially its role in forming the United Democratic Front in 1983, which mobilised against apartheid, demanding the creation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.
But racial tension remains. India is still perceived as a motherland to many South African Indians whose forebears arrived as indentured labourers on November 16, 1860. Religious traditions and social customs passed down through generations remain strong today. Long may those traditions continue. As citizens, the Constitution is sacrosanct, while the constant reminder of the Freedom Charter is indelibly aligned with the heartbeat of the struggle. If, as Maharaj insists, the ANC is the way forward, is that not a cue for the NIC to look with since its current existence perpetuates the very racism it fought against?
Using Ela Gandhi to sustain the NIC’s Gandhian legacy will not get the NIC new supporters. Sadly, the Gandhi Settlement at Phoenix is a far cry from the kind of monument it could be to the Mahatma. Few locals visit the place, which is showcased – even in its sorry state – to get funding from India through diplomatic channels.
Mahatma Gandhi Nelson Mandela Pravin Gordhan Apartheid Colonialism Racism Democracy Constitution Protests Elections Human Rights Culture And Tradition
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