INVITATION TO OUR 163rd ICC ZOOM PUBLIC MEETING
During the decades of struggle against apartheid in South Africa (1940s to 1990s), Asian Indians / Indo-South Africans made significant contributions to, and stood alongside Nelson Mandela and the broader anti-apartheid movement. Building upon Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of passive resistance, their involvement was pivotal in the fight for equality and justice. Inspired by Gandhi’s teachings, prominent individuals such as Ahmed Kathrada, Ismail and Fatima Meer, Billy Nair, Monty Naicker, Frene Ginwala, Yusuf Dadoo, Maulvi Cachalia, and scores of other known and unknown freedom fighters emerged.
Their efforts gained momentum with the 1946 passive resistance campaign in which Kathrada actively participated. This campaign coincided with India’s case presented to the United Nations, effectively internationalising the issue of apartheid and shedding light on the oppressive regime. Indians in South Africa played a crucial role in drawing attention to the injustices of apartheid, igniting global awareness and garnering international support.
Fuelled by their commitment to justice and equality, these individuals tirelessly organised protests, demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. They fearlessly confronted the authoritarian political culture of apartheid, challenging the dominance of the white minority population in South Africa. Through their unwavering dedication and willingness to sacrifice, Indians actively contributed to the mass action against the ruling National Party government.
Moreover, Indians in South Africa played an integral part in fostering unity among diverse communities. Recognising the interconnectedness of their struggle with that of the majority Black population, they stood in solidarity, amplifying the voices of the marginalised and advocating for a democratic and inclusive South Africa.
The collective efforts of Indians, alongside other anti-apartheid activists, combined with growing international isolation and economic sanctions, eventually led to negotiations to end apartheid. These negotiations commenced formally in 1990 and culminated in South Africa’s first multiracial elections under a universal franchise in 1994.
Indians in South Africa have often been overlooked and marginalized in the history of the struggle against apartheid. While their contributions were significant, their role has been largely rendered invisible or overshadowed by other narratives. Despite actively participating in political activism, civil disobedience, and providing vital support to the anti-apartheid movements, their stories and sacrifices have been underrepresented. The focus has primarily been on the Black majority population and prominent figures like Nelson Mandela. This marginalisation perpetuates a historical narrative that fails to recognise the diverse and interconnected efforts that were essential in challenging apartheid. It is crucial to rectify this omission and give due recognition to the invaluable contributions of Indians in the struggle against apartheid, ensuring a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of South Africa’s history.
Please join us THIS SUNDAY for the 163rd weekly ICC ZOOM Public Meeting, Sunday July 16th 2023 at (1.00 p.m. Belize), (3.00 p.m. New York/Eastern time), (3.00 p.m. Trinidad/ Atlantic time), (3.00 p.m. Guyana), (4.00 p.m. Suriname), (8.00 p.m. England), (9.00 p.m. South Africa), (11.00 p.m. Mauritius), (Mon 12.30 a.m., India), (Mon 7.00 a.m. Fiji).
Topic: Invisible Indians with Nelson Mandela in the Struggle against Apartheid in South Africa
Speakers:
- DR. ELA GANDHI – Granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi. Confined for five years under house arrest during apartheid. Former Member of Parliament in South Africa representing the African National Congress (ANC).
- NEESHAN BALTON – Executive director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation since its inception in 2008. A community and political activist for over 40 years with involvement in underground ANC activism.
- DR. MOHAMED KESHAVJEE – South African-born British-trained barrister now living in the UK. Well-known author and commentator on the Indian diaspora in Africa. He will speak on his personal knowledge of Kathrada.
- JAY NAIR – He will speak about his brother, Billy Nair, and Ebie Ebrahim, both anti-apartheid activists and long-serving political prisoners on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela.
- PROF. KALPANA HIRALAL – Historian at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Author of
- Sisters in the Struggle: Women of Indian Origin in South Africa’s Liberation Struggle 1900–1994 (VOLUME 1: 1900–1940s) (2023)
- DR. DEVI MOODLEY RAJAB – Author of Women: South Africans of Indian origin – 150 Years of Struggle: From Indenture to Freedom (2011). She will speak about Fatima Meer, a prominent anti-apartheid activist.
Followed by Q&A
Join Zoom Meeting THIS SUNDAY by touching or clicking on this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89861953436
ZOOM Meeting ID: 898 6195 3436
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Live-streamed on the YouTube channel of the Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre
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is a full-time anthropologist at the University of Guyana (UG) and Fellow of The Eccles Centre for American Studies, British Library (2022-23). He is a former Assistant Professor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). He obtained his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Florida (UF). As a doctoral student, he won a Florida Caribbean Institute Award, an A. Curtis Wilgus Grant, and an Organization of American States (OAS) Fellowship.
Mahabir received a National Award (Hummingbird Silver Medal) for his contribution to education in his country in 2011. He was among 50 recipients who received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the UWI Alumni Association.
Mahabir is the author of 12 books to date.