Indians rightfully deserve their place in South Africa

IN LIGHT of the recent anti-Indian utterances by EFF leader Julius Malema, I wish to state that South Africans of Indian descent were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and fought for righteousness, and a place under the South African sun, alongside the African majority.

They have resisted colonial domination and Afrikaner oppression. Over the decades, leaders such as Valiammah, Nanna Sita, JN Singh, Dr Monty Naicker, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Dr Goonum, and a host of others held the flag of righteousness.

In 1994 righteousness triumphed and our human dignity was restored.

We are indeed proud of many South Africans of Indian descent, who are part of the transformation in South Africa.

I urge all South Africans of Indian descent to actively work side by side with progressive organisations and make available their skill in the following sectors: education, politics, economics and social welfare.

Let us once again demonstrate the credibility of our people and alter the perceptions that are currently in force. We have remained steadfast and have survived the apartheid system.

We have been through a host of trials and tribulations.

We have stood the test of time and we have seen phenomenal progress in our community.

We have always been able to get up from whatever set-backs inflicted on us.

We have contributed to a stable and enriched South Africa.

We were born here and demand our rightful place under the African sun.