#PODCAST 1860 Heritage Centre to mark Indian Arrival Day with a special day of prayer and celebration in Durban #sabcnews

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Today marks 163 years since the first group of Indian indentured labourers arrived via ship in South Africa. The first ship to arrive was the SS Truro which carried 342 passengers. Between 1860 and 1911, 384 more ships made their way from the sub-continent to the then port of Natal ferrying over 152-thousand Indians. Several passengers passed away en-route due to the harsh conditions faced, especially women and children. With the thought of greener pastures awaiting them in South Africa, they were forced to toil sugarcane plantations under cruel working conditions. Since then, through the struggle, hard-work and determination- Indians have persevered to become major role players in the development of South Africa. Today, the 1860 Heritage Centre will pay tribute by hosting a day of prayer among other activities from 10am at South beach in Durban. Director of the Centre - Selvan Naidoo says its encouraging to see the cultural diversity growing year after year as we pay tribute to our forebears....