Status of Indians in South Africa

• The Indians in South Africa during that time faced significant challenges and discriminatory policies. Here are some key points about their status:
• Indentured Laborers: Many Indians in South Africa were indentured labourers who had migrated from South India after 1890 to work on sugar plantations. They were brought under contracts, and their living and working conditions were often harsh.
• Merchants: There were also Indian merchants, primarily Meman Muslims, who followed the labourers to South Africa. They played a significant role in the Indian community's economic activities.
• Ex-Indentured Laborers: Some Indians had completed their contracts as indentured labourers and settled in South Africa with their families. They formed a growing population of Indian origin in the country.
• Limited Rights: Indians in South Africa were denied several basic rights and privileges. They were not allowed to vote, limiting their political participation and representation.
• Residential Restrictions: Indians were confined to designated areas, often overcrowded and unsanitary, known as "Indian locations" or "Indian quarters." They were segregated from the white population and faced restrictions on where they could live.
• Restricted Movement: Asians and Africans, including Indians, faced restrictions on their movement. In some cases, they were not allowed to leave their homes after dark, and public footpaths were off-limits to them.
• Acceptance of Discrimination: Due to their limited education and awareness, many Indians in South Africa accepted racial discrimination as a normal part of life. They had little recourse to challenge or change these discriminatory policies.
• These conditions and restrictions imposed on Indians in South Africa laid the foundation for the civil rights movements and the struggle against apartheid in the years to come.

Gandhi in South Africa (1893-1914)

• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's experiences and activism in South Africa played a pivotal role in shaping his political ideologies and his leadership in the Indian freedom movement. His time in South Africa provided him with firsthand exposure to racial discrimination and injustice, which deeply influenced his commitment to fighting for social justice and equality.
• Upon arriving in South Africa in 1893, Gandhi was confronted with the harsh realities of racial discrimination faced by the Indian community. As a lawyer, he actively fought against discriminatory laws, including the infamous Asiatic Registration Act, through legal channels. However, he soon realized that legal battles alone were insufficient to bring about real change.
• It was during his struggle against the Asiatic Registration Act that Gandhi developed the concept of Satyagraha (truth force) and began employing nonviolent resistance as a means to combat injustice. Through civil disobedience and peaceful protests, Gandhi sought to confront oppressive laws and policies while adhering to the principles of truth, nonviolence, and self-sacrifice.
• Gandhi's leadership and philosophy gained traction among the Indian community in South Africa, and he emerged as their prominent leader. He organized numerous campaigns and movements, including the Natal Indian Congress, to advocate for the rights and welfare of Indians in South Africa.
• Gandhi's experiences in South Africa not only shaped his understanding of social and political issues but also provided him with valuable lessons in organizing and mobilizing communities. These lessons became instrumental when he returned to India and led the Indian freedom movement against British colonial rule.
• Gandhi's formative years in South Africa significantly influenced his approach to activism, his belief in nonviolent resistance, and his unwavering commitment to justice. Throughout his life, he drew upon these experiences to guide his actions and inspire millions to join the struggle for freedom and independence in India.
• While Gandhi acknowledged his South African journey as formative, it is important to note that he always considered himself an Indian by birth and maintained a deep connection to his homeland. His transformative experiences in South Africa contributed to his evolution as a leader and philosopher, ultimately shaping the path he would take in leading India towards independence.

Gandhi’s association with South Africa

• Gandhi's association with South Africa played a pivotal role in shaping his personal and political journey. His experiences in South Africa were transformative and significantly influenced his beliefs and strategies in the struggle for justice and independence.
• Gandhi's arrest at the Pietermaritzburg train station in 1893, when he was forcibly removed from a whites-only compartment, became a turning point in his life. This incident exposed him to the realities of racial discrimination and sparked his determination to fight against injustice. It marked the beginning of his journey towards nonviolent protest and civil disobedience as powerful tools for social change.
• Throughout his years in South Africa, Gandhi actively campaigned for the rights of the Indian community and fought against discriminatory laws and policies. He organized protests, strikes, and boycotts, using the principles of Satyagraha to confront oppression and seek redress.
• Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance, developed and refined during his time in South Africa, would later become a cornerstone of his leadership in the Indian freedom movement. His experiences with racial discrimination, unjust laws, and the power of peaceful resistance shaped his commitment to truth, nonviolence, and the pursuit of justice.
• Furthermore, Gandhi's leadership in South Africa not only impacted the Indian community there but also resonated globally. His approach to activism and his philosophy of nonviolence inspired movements and individuals around the world, contributing to the broader struggle for decolonization and social justice.
• Gandhi's time in South Africa provided him with the opportunity to develop and test his ideas and principles in real-world scenarios. It was a period of personal growth, self-discovery, and the honing of his leadership skills. The challenges he faced and the successes he achieved in South Africa laid the foundation for his future endeavours in India and his impact on the global stage.
• In summary, Gandhi's association with South Africa was transformative and instrumental in shaping his path towards becoming a global icon of nonviolent resistance and a leader in the fight against injustice. His experiences in South Africa fueled his determination to challenge oppression, inspired his philosophy of nonviolent protest, and propelled him towards his lifelong mission of achieving freedom, equality, and peace.

Gandhi’s Contribution to South Africa

• Gandhi's contribution to South Africa was significant and far-reaching. During his 21-year stay in the country, he played a crucial role in raising political awareness, organizing nonviolent protests, and advocating for the rights of the Indian community and oppressed groups.
• Beginning of Active Non-Violence: The incident of being thrown off a train for sharing a compartment with a white man marked the beginning of Gandhi's commitment to nonviolent resistance. This event influenced his adoption of Satyagraha, a philosophy of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience.
• Formation of Natal Indian Congress: In 1894, Gandhi established the Natal Indian Congress, which became a platform to voice the concerns and grievances of the Indian community. The organization led nonviolent protests against the discriminatory treatment of Indians and native Africans by the white population.
• Development of Satyagraha: Gandhi used his Phoenix Farm and later Tolstoy Farm as training centres for Satyagraha, refining the principles of nonviolent resistance and peaceful restraint, which became instrumental in his future campaigns.
• Satyagraha Campaigns: Gandhi organized several Satyagraha campaigns to protest unjust laws and discriminatory policies. Notably, the 1906 campaign against the Transvaal Asiatic Ordinance and the 1907 campaign against British oppression were significant milestones.
• Engagement with Authorities: Gandhi engaged in negotiations with authorities, including General Smuts, representing Indian interests in South Africa. These negotiations helped secure some concessions and improved conditions for the Indian community.
• The passing of the Indian Relief Act: By the end of Gandhi's stay in South Africa, the government passed the Indian Relief Act, granting many of the demands put forth by Gandhi and his colleagues. This was a significant achievement for the Indian community.
• Inspiration for Future Movements: Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence and civil disobedience inspired future generations of leaders and activists, including those who led the Defiance Campaign in the 1950s. This campaign marked a turning point in South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle.
• Legacy and Leadership: Gandhi's work in South Africa laid the foundation for his leadership in the Indian independence movement. His experiences and strategies in South Africa heavily influenced his approach to leading India's struggle for freedom.
• In summary, Gandhi's time in South Africa was transformative not only for him personally but also for the country and its people. His dedication to nonviolence, political activism, and advocacy for justice left a lasting impact on South Africa's struggle for equality and freedom, and it also shaped his future leadership in India's fight for independence.

Natal Indian Congress (NIC)

• The Natal Indian Congress (NIC), founded by Gandhi in 1894, played a significant role in the political mobilization of Indians in South Africa and their fight against discrimination. Here are some key points about the NIC's history and impact:
• Campaign against Discrimination: The NIC campaigned against various forms of discrimination faced by Indians in South Africa, including restrictive laws, racial segregation, and oppressive treatment. It worked towards securing equal rights and improving the socio-economic conditions of the Indian community.
• Alliance with the African National Congress: In a groundbreaking move, the NIC formed an alliance with the African National Congress (ANC) in the late 19th century, breaking racial barriers and forging a united front against injustice. This alliance marked a departure from racially exclusive mobilizations and emphasized the shared struggle against oppression.
• Operation under the SAIC: Since the 1920s, the NIC has operated under the auspices of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC), which became the umbrella organization for Indian political activities in South Africa. The SAIC provided a platform for collective action and representation for the Indian community.
• Shift towards Radical Leadership: In the 1930s-1940s, the NIC witnessed a shift towards more radical leadership with the arrival of Dr G.M. Naicker. Under his leadership, the organization adopted more militant forms of protest to challenge discriminatory policies and demand equal rights.
• Imprisonment of Leaders: As the NIC intensified its protests and advocated for more radical change, several of its leaders, including Dr Naicker, were imprisoned in the 1950s and 1960s. The repressive conditions of the time and harassment of its leaders led to a temporary halt in the NIC's operations.
• Resurrection and Civic Work: The NIC was revived in 1971, focusing primarily on civic work and community development initiatives. It continued to advocate for the rights and welfare of the Indian community, albeit with a greater emphasis on non-political activities.
• Role in United Democratic Front: In the mid-1980s, the NIC played a crucial role in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF), a broad-based anti-apartheid coalition that brought together various organizations and movements. The NIC's participation in the UDF demonstrated its commitment to fighting for social justice and ending apartheid.
• The Natal Indian Congress, throughout its history, served as an important platform for political mobilization, resistance against discrimination, and the pursuit of equality for Indians in South Africa. Its contributions and alliances helped shape the anti-apartheid struggle and advance the rights of marginalized communities.

Indian Opinion - The Newspaper

• Indian Opinion, founded in 1903 by Mohandas Gandhi, M.H. Nazar, and Madanjit Viyavaharik, was a significant weekly newspaper in Natal Province, South Africa. Here are some key points about Indian Opinion and its historical significance:
• Focus on Indian Rights and Discrimination: Indian Opinion played a crucial role in advocating for Indian rights, highlighting the living conditions of indentured laborers, and exposing racial discrimination faced by the Indian community in South Africa. It served as a platform to address social and political issues affecting Indians.
• Historical Record and Information Dissemination: The newspaper provided valuable insights into the social and political lives of the Indian community in South Africa, serving as a historical record. It also disseminated information about the conditions of Indians in the colonies to India, fostering connections and solidarity across borders.
• Multilingual Publication: Indian Opinion featured articles in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Tamil, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the Indian community in South Africa. Gandhi, who contributed extensively, played a central role in the majority of the writing.
• Printing Press at Phoenix Settlement: The newspaper was published at the printing press established by Gandhi at the Phoenix Settlement in 1904. This settlement, located near Durban, was founded by Gandhi as a community experiment embodying his principles of self-reliance and nonviolence.
• Evolution and Changing Focus: Over the years, Indian Opinion evolved as a tool for political activism and expanded its coverage beyond Indian rights. When Manilal Gandhi took over as editor in the 1950s, the newspaper shifted its focus to human rights in general, reflecting a broader perspective.
• Editors and Contributors: Besides Gandhi and Manilal Gandhi, several individuals served as editors of Indian Opinion, including Herbert Kitchin, Henry Polak, Albert West, and Sushila Gandhi (Manilal's wife). These editors played crucial roles in shaping the newspaper's content and direction.
• Revival and Present Status: After the death of Manilal Gandhi in 1957, Indian Opinion was renamed "Opinion" and continued publication under the editorship of Sushila Gandhi. However, the newspaper eventually ceased publication in August 1961. It was revived in October 2000 under the management of a trust and is currently published in English and Zulu.
• Indian Opinion served as a platform for promoting Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance, Satyagraha, and played a significant role in the civil rights movement. Its historical significance lies in its documentation of Indian experiences in South Africa and its contribution to political activism and information dissemination.

Mahatma Gandhi and Boer Wars⁣

• Mahatma Gandhi and Boer Wars⁣ Boer is an Afrikaans word for Farmer. The Southern African Kingdoms of Orange Free State, Transvaal (Now South Africa) and to some extent, Natal were known as Boer Republics. Transvaal was rich in gold, so the British plotted to overthrow the Boer government.⁣
• ⁣The two Boer wars were fought between the British Empire and the two independent Boer republics, during the 1880 to 1902 period.⁣
• ⁣In the First Boer War, the British lost the Transvaal and the Boers of Transvaal got freedom, but the Second Boer War which lasted from 1899 to 1902, converted these republics into British Colonies. These colonies later became part of the Union of South Africa.⁣
• ⁣During the Second Boer War in 1899, Gandhi wished to support the British as an assistant superintendent in the hope that the conditions of Indians would improve later. He set up by organizing 1100 volunteers and served in the Indian Ambulance Corps.⁣
• ⁣According to Arthur Herman, Gandhi wanted to disprove the imperial British stereotype that Hindus were not fit for “manly” activities involving danger and exertion, unlike the Muslim “martial races”.⁣
• ⁣This ambulance did not continue throughout the war. In 1901 his family returned to India. Gandhi established a legal practice in Mumbai and started taking an interest in the Indian National Movement. But in 1902, he received a Telegram from Durban and returned there.⁣
• ⁣Gandhi was bestowed with the title of ‘kaiser-i-Hind’ by the British for his work in the Boer War. This title was given up by Gandhi after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.⁣

He wrote in his autobiography:⁣

• When the war was declared, my personal sympathies were all with the Boers, but my loyalty to British rule drove me to participate with the British in that war. I felt that, if I demanded rights as a British citizen, it was also my duty, as such, to participate in the defence of the British Empire. so I collected together as many comrades as possible, and with very great difficulty getting their services accepted as an ambulance corps⁣.

Passive Resistance Association in South Africa 

• The Passive Resistance Association was an organization founded by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa in 1906. The association was formed to protest against the Asiatic Registration Act, which required all Indian males in the Transvaal to register with the government and carry a certificate of registration at all times. Gandhi believed that the act was discriminatory and violated the rights of Indians in South Africa.
• The Passive Resistance Association launched a campaign of non-violent resistance against the act. Gandhi and his supporters refused to register, and they were arrested and imprisoned. The campaign lasted for several months, and it eventually led to the repeal of the act.
• The Passive Resistance Association was a major turning point in Gandhi's life. It was the first time that he had successfully organized a mass movement of non-violent resistance. The success of the campaign gave Gandhi the confidence to use non-violence as a tool for social change, and it led to the development of his philosophy of Satyagraha.
• The Passive Resistance Association had a significant impact on the history of South Africa. It helped to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by Indians in the country, and it paved the way for the eventual repeal of discriminatory laws against Indians. The association also inspired other movements of non-violent resistance around the world, including the American civil rights movement.

Here are some of the key achievements of the Passive Resistance Association:

• It helped to repeal the Asiatic Registration Act.
• It raised awareness of the discrimination faced by Indians in South Africa.
• It inspired other movements of non-violent resistance around the world.
• The Passive Resistance Association was a significant milestone in Gandhi's life and in the history of South Africa. It helped to pave the way for the eventual repeal of discriminatory laws against Indians, and it inspired other movements of non-violent resistance around the world.

Phases of Struggle in South Africa

• The phases of struggle in South Africa led by Mahatma Gandhi can be summarized as follows:

Moderate Phase of Struggle (1894-1906):

• During this phase, Gandhi relied on petitions and memorials to both South African and British authorities to address the grievances of Indians.
• He founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 to unite various sections of Indians and provide a platform for their concerns.
• Gandhi also launched the newspaper Indian Opinion to raise awareness about the issues faced by Indians in South Africa and advocate for their rights.
• The approach during this phase was moderate, with the belief that authorities would take genuine steps to address Indian grievances, as they were British subjects.

The phase of Passive Resistance or Satyagraha (1906-1914):

• This phase, starting in 1906, marked a significant shift in Gandhi's approach towards more active resistance.
• Gandhi introduced the method of passive resistance or civil disobedience known as satyagraha, which involved nonviolent resistance to unjust laws and policies.
• One of the major campaigns during this phase was the Satyagraha against the Transvaal Asiatic Ordinance, which imposed restrictive regulations on Indian immigrants.
• After intense negotiations involving Gandhi, Lord Hardinge, C.F. Andrews, and General Smuts, an agreement was reached known as the "Smuts-Gandhi" agreement.
• The agreement addressed some of the major Indian demands, including issues related to the poll tax, registration certificates, and recognition of Indian marriages solemnized according to Indian customs.
• The South African government also promised to deal sympathetically with the issue of Indian immigration.
• These two phases represent the early stages of Gandhi's involvement in the struggle for Indian rights in South Africa. The later years saw further developments in the Indian community's fight against discrimination and injustice, eventually leading to significant reforms and changes in South African society.

Gandhi’s Experience in South Africa

• During his time in South Africa, Gandhi had significant personal and political experiences that shaped his leadership style and his understanding of the power of the masses. Some key aspects of his experience include
• Unity and Inclusivity: Gandhi successfully brought together Indians from diverse backgrounds, including different religions and social classes. He recognized the importance of unity among the Indian community and emphasized the participation and contributions of both men and women in the struggle for their rights. This inclusivity strengthened the movement and showcased Gandhi's ability to unite people for a common cause.
• Sacrifice and Participation: Gandhi witnessed firsthand the capacity of the masses to participate actively in and make sacrifices for a cause they believe in. Through his leadership, he inspired Indians in South Africa to actively engage in nonviolent resistance, even in the face of oppression and discrimination. The willingness of individuals to sacrifice for the greater good left a lasting impression on Gandhi and influenced his approach to political and social movements throughout his life.
• Leadership and Unpopular Decisions: Gandhi realized that leaders sometimes have to make difficult decisions that may be unpopular with their most passionate supporters. He learned the importance of balancing the desires of the masses with the larger goals of the movement. This understanding helped shape his leadership style, where he emphasized the importance of moral integrity, nonviolence, and the willingness to make difficult choices for the greater good.
• Personal Development: Gandhi's time in South Africa allowed him to develop his own leadership style and political approach. He experimented with various techniques of nonviolent struggle, refining his understanding of Satyagraha (the philosophy of nonviolent resistance) and its practical applications. This period provided him with the space to explore and refine his ideas without the hindrance of competing political currents, which laid the foundation for his future role in India's independence movement.
• Overall, Gandhi's experience in South Africa was transformative. It provided him with invaluable lessons in leadership, unity, sacrifice, and the power of nonviolent resistance. These experiences and insights would later shape his approach to the Indian independence movement and his philosophy of Satyagraha.