Natal Indian Congress celebrates 130th anniversary
The need to protect and continue fighting for democracy remains as critical today as it was three decades ago. This was the sentiment shared by keynote speakers at the 130-year celebration of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) at Sastri College in Durban yesterday, highlighting that the struggle is still ongoing, especially with the national general elections approaching.
The NIC was founded in 1894 by Mahatma Gandhi to challenge discrimination against Indian traders in Natal. The organisation championed ethical leadership, non-racialism, equality, and played a significant role in the freedom struggle.
Mavusa Msimang, an ANC veteran from Edendale, acknowledged the intertwined histories of African and Indian communities in South Africa, noting their solidarity since the early 1900s.
Msimang came out firmly against corruption within the African National Congress (ANC), urging the removal of any corrupt members. and said that as veterans, their duty was to act as watchdogs to ensure that their efforts were not in vain. He expressed concern over individuals with no real commitment to freedom leading with corruption.
“We need to remove all those implicated in corrupt activities, regardless of the political repercussions,” he said.
He also called for reforms in the ANC’S voting process to ensure transparency and to combat opportunism, aiming to safeguard democracy.
Reflecting on the role of a mass driven democratic movement, Yunus Carrim, who serves in both ANC and SACP structures and is a former deputy minister, urged a focus on the foundational values of the Natal Indian Congress and its role in promoting democratic principles across the nation, saying, “The power of democracy resides within the people.”
Ela Gandhi, a veteran activist and the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, discussed the legacy of the NIC as the country’s oldest political organisation. She called for a renewal of the values that underpinned the NIC, urging the current generation to serve selflessly for a united and content nation.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan drew parallels between past and present resistance efforts. He said the current struggle was defending the democratic process from those who seek to undermine it.
“We must ensure that the ideals of the Freedom Charter and the Constitution are not diluted but the objectives strengthened. We must be frank about both the successes and the challenges … the lesson we have learnt is that we need to protect and build democracy,” he said, referring to the hollowing out of institutions due to corruption in general, and state capture in particular.
Fasiha Hassan, a “Fees Must Fall” activist and ANC politician, spoke on the NIC’S impact on younger generations advocating for social justice. She stressed the importance of building a struggle that transcends racial lines, inspired by values of non-racialism and democracy.
“We stand on your shoulders [referring to struggle veterans]. The youth must build on those values. The struggle is not over … our democratic society locally and globally is under threat from the rise of the right…
“There is hope. The young people are coming and are standing up. If the door is locked open it or we will kick it down … we will defend our democracy … there is hope … there are enough of us,” said Hassan.
Thoko Didiza discussed the relevance of the NIC’S legacy today, stressing the importance of inclusive struggle and reclaiming the unity legacy among the oppressed.
The anniversary event not only celebrated the historical achievements of the Natal Indian Congress but also served as a powerful reminder of the work that remains to be done.
The speakers collectively called for unity, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the principles that have guided South Africa’s democratic journey.