Memorial for first Indian settlers planned - South Africa

Author: Fakir Hassen, Durban
Publication: news.indiaabroad.com
Date: December 7, 2000

A  call to erect a memorial to the first Indian settlers who came to this South African city in 1860 and their 1.2 million descendants at the Point here has been made by a heritage foundation here.  The Malaysian developer of a huge commercial project at the Point, Rocpoint, said it is still considering a proposal submitted by the 1860 Heritage Foundation for the erection of a monument.  But concerns were expressed this week by the foundation, which said it had submitted the proposal in March already.  The foundation is concerned that the idea may be a lower priority than the commercial interests driving the project at the Point.  The first two ships carrying indentured laborers from India, the SS Truro and the SS Belvedere, arrived at the Point in November 1860.  "We know that the memorial will not have an obvious commercial appeal," said Ashwin Mohanlall, project co-coordinator from the Foundation, "but we believe that the project could become a focal point for tourism through art, culture and music performances and exhibitions, as well as a restaurant serving authentic Indian food." Mohanlall said there was huge support for the project from the Indian community in South Africa and also from the provincial government in Kwazulu Natal province, where the majority of South African Indians live.  He was confident that the estimated costs of between 10 and 15 million rands for the memorial center could be raised through donations.
 

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