INTRODUCTION TO

On the 16th of November 1860, a ship arrived in Durban harbour carrying 342 passengers; the first Indians in South Africa. Between 1860 and 1914, an estimated 152184 Indians would do the same – seeking out a better life as “Indentured Labourers”. Today, there are an estimated 1.2million Indians in South Africa – all of whom owe their lifestyles to their brave forefathers who out of desperation left their native country 150 years ago.

Despite the relatively small population size, and short time span, not many Indian South Africans have been willing or able to trace their heritage. And as we move into the second decade of the new Millennium, their identities are being eroded by the sands of time.

The 1860 Project is not an advertising campaign. It is a cultural campaign aimed at repairing the fabric of a community that is in danger of losing its very identity. Thanks to the digital age, we now have the opportunity to do what would have been impossible a few years ago.

The 1860 Project is powered by the Sunday Tribune, and aims to inspire Indian South Africans to rediscover their culture. And by doing so, rediscover themselves. The 150 year timeline is filled with wonderful stories of heroes, innovations, and memories. It is also filled with pain, sacrifice, and suffering. And although we will recognise the roles played by the great leaders (such as Gandhi and Monty Naicker), it is even more important for Indian South Africans to find out more about their own family and their own history.

This website is a platform for Indian South Africans to find their place in the 1860 Project. You can submit stories about yourself, your family, forgotten heroes, and tales that would otherwise be lost forever in the annals of time.

Never before has anything of this scale been attempted amongst the Indian South African community. And hopefully, we can capture the imagination of as many Indian South Africans as possible – to help preserve their unique identity for future generations.

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