Help tell story of girmit ancestors

foundation has pledged to uncover the singular achievements of Indian indentured labourers, or girmit, who chose to remain in South Africa.

The 1860 Indentured Labourers’ Foundation Verulam is searching for descendants of Indian workers who can assist with documenting the lives and personal accomplishments of their ancestors.

Anand Jayrajh, one of the foundation’s members and researchers, said the organisation’s aim was to publish a booklet, Post Girmit, Verulam — Indentured Labourers , on the role of freed indentured labourers who settled in Verulam and outlying areas from 1890 onwards.

“The history of the indentured labourers is well documented and the public are aware of the story as a whole. But there is nothing that can be singled out. Who were the individuals who worked on those sugar cane fields and what happened to them after their indenture?”

Jayrajh said it was important to find the stories behind the “pioneers, who left us a legacy”.

“Only by publishing books and magazines like this will we be able to retain how much they sacrificed for our generation and generations to come.

“We require information as to the exact area where the particular pioneer settled, details of the activity he or she carried out for their livelihood after obtaining release from indenture, and other noteworthy achievements of historical significance.

“Hopefully, with the success of this, other areas will want to create their own brochures too.”

Those wanting to contribute can contact Jaisingh Singh on (032) 533-2697, or Dr Kogi Parthab on 072-856-1988, or e-mail Anand Jayrajh at info@jayrajh.co.za.