'Indians should be considered as indigenous South Africans'
May 13 2010 , 6:13:00 Rivonia trialist Ahmed Kathrada says Indians should be considered as indigenous South Africans for their contribution to the country and their integration into the various communities. Yesterday marked the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians into South Africa. Indians were among the first settlers into the country and have played a significant role in every social field. In the early period of the country's history, Indians comprised about 25% of the country's slave population in the Cape. Most of them ran away from British colonialism. Kathrada says, "They met with conditions that they thought they were escaping back home. But, what was important at the time of their arrival was that they made sure that they do everything in their power to protect their dignity." South Africa became a fully integrated society in 1994. While Indians have mostly kept true to their beliefs and culture, many say the debate on whether they can be viewed as indigenous Africans should be opened. International educationist Nico Jooste explains: "Historically the Indian community played a very important part in developing South Africa. Not only did they bring their labour initially, they soon became traders and lawyers." -- Sending your posting to [email protected] Unsubscribe by sending an email to [email protected] You can also visit http://groups.google.com/group/payco Visit our website at www.mayihlome.wordpress.com
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