| 1654 |
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Introduction of convicts and slaves from India and South East Asia to the Cape. |
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| 1820 |
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A number of Indians arrive in Cape Town from Bencoolen. A certain Mr Hare, who gives security that they will not become chargeable to the Colony, brings them to the Cape. |
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| 1843 |
August |
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Natal becomes a British Crown Colony ruled from the Cape |
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| 1856 |
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The Natal Charter of 1856 is proclaimed and Natal receives representative self-government. Most councillors in the Legislature are elected, but the Government appoints the executive. The right to vote is based on property qualification. |
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| 1859 |
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After protracted negotiations between the Natal Government and the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Natal Coolie Law, Law no. 14 of 1859 is passed. This law makes it possible for the Natal Colony to introduce the immigration of Indians as indentured labour, with labourers having the option to return to India at the end of the five-year period, in which case a free passage would be provided. The system also provides for the labourers to re-indenture for a further five-year period, which would make them eligible to settle permanently in the colony. Upon completion of their indenture, the indentured Indian labourers are also entitled to a gift of crown land and full citizenship rights. This proviso was later withdrawn in with the proclamation of Act No. 25 of 1891, in order to discourage the settlement of Indians in the province.After protracted negotiations between the Natal Government and the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Natal Coolie Law, Law no. 14 of 1859 is passed. This law makes it possible for the Natal Colony to introduce the immigration of Indians as indentured labour, with labourers having the option to return to India at the end of the five-year period, in which case a free passage would be provided. The system also provides for the labourers to re-indenture for a further five-year period, which would make them eligible to settle permanently in the colony. Upon completion of their indenture, the indentured Indian labourers are also entitled to a gift of crown land and full citizenship rights. This proviso was later withdrawn in with the proclamation of Act No. 25 of 1891, in order to discourage the settlement of Indians in the province. |
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| 1860 |
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Free Indians reach the diamond fields of Griqualand West, near Kimberley in the Cape Colony.
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| 1860 |
16 November |
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The first batch of 342 indentured Indian labourers arrive in Durban on board the Truro. |
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| 1860 |
26 November |
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The second batch of 342 indentured Indian labourers arrive in Durban on board the Belvedere from Calcutta. |
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| 1866 - 74 |
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The immigration of indentured Indian labourers to Natal is discontinued. |
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| 1869 |
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The first “passenger Indians” arrive in Durban. The appellation “passenger Indians” refers to Indian immigrant traders, artisans, teachers, shop assistants etc. who paid their own passage to the Natal Colony. |
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| 1869 |
2 October |
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| 1872 |
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The Coolie Consolidation Amendment Act, Law No. 12 of 1872 makes provision for a Protector of Indian Immigrants, abolishes flogging for breaches of the Masters and Servants Act and the improvement of medical treatment for Indian immigrants. |
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| 1872 |
25 November |
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Colonel Price-Lloyd is appointed as the first Protector of Indian Immigrants and he immediately begins to build up a suitable administrative system in order to give effect to Law No. 12 of 1872. |
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| 1874 |
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At a time of extreme labour shortage, the Cape Colonial Government investigates the possibilities of importing labour from India or China for the construction of a railway, but eventually decides in favour of using African |
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| 1874 |
22 January |
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The Immigration Trust Board is established in Natal under Law No. 208 of 1874.
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| 1876 |
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The Free State Republic passes legislation allowing Indians to enter the Republic with the understanding that they have no permanent right of residence.
The names of three Indians, Tamarand, Tandryer and Vennellas, appear on the voter's roll for the District of Kimberley in the Cape Colony. |
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| 1877 |
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The first recorded passenger Indians travelling to the diamond fields of Griqualand West, near Kimberley in the Cape Colony, arrive in Port Elizabeth from India, via Mauritius.
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| 1880 |
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Passenger Indians begin to arrive in considerable numbers on the diamond fields of Griqualand West, near Kimberley in the Cape Colony.
Passenger Indians also begin to arrive in Table Bay, Cape Town, taking up employment in Cape Town and surrounding areas.
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| 1885 |
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The first discriminatory legislation directed at Indians, Law No. 3 of 1885, is passed in the South African Republic (Transvaal).
1.This law shall apply to the persons belonging to any of the native races of Asia, including so-called Coolies, Arabs, Malays, and Mohammedan subjects of the Turkish Empire.
2.With regard to the persons mentioned in Article One the following provisions shall apply:-
(a)They cannot obtain the burgher right of the South African Republic (Transvaal).
(b)They cannot be owners of fixed property in the Republic except only in such streets, wards and locations as the Government for purposes of sanitation shall assign to them to live in.
(c)They shall be inscribed in a Register, if they settled with the object of trading.
(d)The government shall have the right for purposes of sanitation, to assign to them certain streets, wards and locations to live in. This provision does not apply to those who live with employers.
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| 1885 |
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Sir Henry Ernest Bulwer appoints a commission under Justice Walter Thomas Wragg to investigate the position of Natal Indian immigrants and the impact of new Indian immigrants on the Natal Colony. The Commission delivers its report in 1887. |
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| 1885 |
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About 200 indentured Indians from Natal, who absconded from their employers, are living in Port Elizabeth by 1885. |
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| 1887 |
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There are between 700 and 1000 Indians working on the diamond fields of Griqualand West, near Kimberley in the Cape Colony. |
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| 1888 |
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The Registration of Servants Act, Law No. 2 of 1888 is passed in Natal. This law classifies Indians as members of an “uncivilized race” and they are hence liable to register. Free Indians are also forced to carry passes or court arrest.
The South African Republic rejects a British Indian petition and places the Asiatics in the same category as the indigenous African population, i.e. as labourers.
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| 1890 |
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In the Orange Free State, the “ Law to Provide Against the Influx of Asiatics and the Removal of White Criminals Entering This State From Elsewhere”, Act No. 29 of 1890, is passed. There are only 9 licensed Indian traders in the Free State at this time.
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| 1891 |
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The Statute Law of the Orange Free State prohibits an Arab, a Chinaman, an Indian or any other Asiatic or coloured person from carrying on conducting business or farming in the Orange Free State. All Indian businesses are forced to close by 11 September 1891 and the owners are deported from the State without compensation. At least three members of the Coovadia family are among those people expelled. The Statute Law of the Orange Free State prohibits an Arab, a Chinaman, an Indian or any other Asiatic or coloured person from carrying on conducting business or farming in the Orange Free State. All Indian businesses are forced to close by 11 September 1891 and the owners are deported from the State without compensation. At least three members of the Coovadia family are among those people expelled. |
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| 1893 |
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The British Indian Political Association is established by Indian residents of Kimberley to oppose the threat of special class legislation adverse to their interests.
|
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| 1893 |
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MK (Mahatma) Gandhi arrives in Durban from India to represent Seth Dada Abdullah, a wealthy Muslim business and community leader in, in a legal suit against his cousin.
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| 1894 |
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The Franchise Bill is introduced in Natal with its aim to disenfranchise Indians. This issue initiates Mahatma Gandhi's political career and leads to the founding of the first SA Indian political organisation, the Natal Indian Congress.
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| 1894 |
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A critical shortage of agricultural labour leads to the appointment of the Labour Commission by the Cape Colonial Government. The Commission comes out strongly against the idea of importing labour from India and China.
|
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| 1894 |
22 August |
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The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) is formed with Dada Abdullah Haji Adam as Chairperson and Mahatma Gandhi as secretary. As a result of NIC-led protests against the Franchise Act, the British Government does not sanction the Act, but the Act is reintroduced in 1896. The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) is formed with Dada Abdullah Haji Adam as Chairperson and Mahatma Gandhi as secretary. As a result of NIC-led protests against the Franchise Act, the British Government does not sanction the Act, but the Act is reintroduced in 1896. The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) is formed with Dada Abdullah Haji Adam as Chairperson and Mahatma Gandhi as secretary. As a result of NIC-led protests against the Franchise Act, the British Government does not sanction the Act, but the Act is reintroduced in 1896. |
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| 1895 |
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Through the promulgation of the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Act, Law No. 17 of 1895, the Colony of Natal imposes a £3 ‘penalty' tax on ex-indentured Indians who fail to re-indenture or return to India after completion of their labour contracts. In 1903, the act is extended to girls aged 13 and older and boys aged 16 and older.
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| 1896 |
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The Franchise Act, Act No 8 of 1896, disenfranchises Indians. Africans were disenfranchised in 1865. Only three Africans and 251 Indians ever acquired voting rights in Natal. In 1896, there were 9309 White voters registered in Natal.
In the Cape Colony all male British subjects, regardless of colour, possess the franchise subject to an educational and income or property qualification. Indians as Non-Whites could both stand for election and send members to Parliament.
In the South African (Transvaal) and Orange Free State Republics, male suffrage is confined to Whites only.
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| 1896 |
17 April |
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The Tongaat Sugar Company successfully applies to the Natal Immigration Trust Board to indenture artisans from India. |
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| 1896 |
18 September |
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The European Protection Association is set up in Pietermaritzburg and calls for the limitation of Indian immigration and the compulsory repatriation of time-expired indentured labourers.
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| 1896 |
26 November |
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Europeans hold an anti-Indian mass meeting in Durban. At the meeting, they condemn Mahatma Gandhi and set up the Colonial Patriotic Union.
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| 1897 |
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A petition is taken up by the townspeople of East London in protest against the influx of Asiatics into the town.
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| 1897 |
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The lmmigration Restriction Act (Natal) and its subsequent amendments in 1900, 1903, and 1906 imposes an educational, health, age and means test against Indians, other than indentured workers, seeking admission to the country, or entry to the Transvaal and Cape. This act virtually stops all further immigration of free Indians into the colony
The Dealers Licenses Act, Act No 18 of 1897 is proclaimed in Natal. In terms of this Act, licensing officers are empowered to issue or refuse licenses to Indian traders.
Act No. 3 of 1897 prohibits the marriage of Whites with persons of colour in the South African Republic (Transvaal).
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| 1897 |
7 May |
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The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) collects £1 539 1s. 9d. from South African Indians for famine relief in India. |
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| 1898 |
|
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Act No. 15 of 1898 prohibits any person of colour from being a licenced holder, or to be in any way connected with the workings of the diggings in the South African Republic (Transvaal).
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| 1898 |
8 August |
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Indians lose a test case in the Transvaal High Court, which rules that Law 3 of 1883 restricts both their residential and trading rights to Indian locations. |
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| 1899 |
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The Regulations for Towns are proclaimed in the South African Republic (Transvaal). It states that persons of colour are prohibited from walking on the sidewalks (pavements), or stoeps serving as a sidewalk, of the streets of its towns.
‘Coolie locations' are established for Indians in Transvaal, most notably Fordsburg, Braamfontein and Jeppestown in Johannesburg, the area along the Sterkfontein Road in Krugersdorp, and the Asiatic Bazaar in Prinsloo and Church Streets in Pretoria. In addition, locations were also established in Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom.
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|
| 1899 |
24 March |
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The Transvaal agent to British High Commissioner reports that the total Indian population in the South African Republic numbers approximately 17,000, and that of this number about 5,500 are merchants and hawkers.
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| 1899 |
11 October |
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Beginning of the Anglo Boer War/South African War. Blacks are evacuated from the Transvaal. The majority of Indians leave for Cape and Natal Colonies, Mozambique and India.
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| 1900 |
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The East London Mayor's Minute for 1899-1900 states that 1000 refugees from war in the Transvaal and the Free State are camping on the city's beaches, while a further 3 000 are being accommodated in hotels in the city. In addition, ‘about 1000 Coolies and natives [are] located near the East Bank Location'. Public health measures are enforced when an Indian refugee from the Transvaal comes down with smallpox, but the isolation of his contacts and his removal to hospital prevents any spread of the disease.
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| 1902 |
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The Immigration Act is passed in the Cape Colony and makes all future immigration of Indians to the Cape subject to an education and literacy test.
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| 1902 |
31 May |
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| 1903 |
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The Peace Preservation Ordinance and Ordinance No 5 of 1903 is promulgated in the Transvaal to regulate the re-entry of Indians who had left the Transvaal for Natal, the Cape Colony and India when war broke out. It segregates Asiatics into locations, refuses trading licenses except in Asiatic bazaars and pre-war licenses of Asiatics become non-transferable.
Lord Milner's Government seeks to restrict Indian immigration into the Transvaal. Although all entrants to the Transvaal are in terms of the Peace Preservation Ordinance to be issued with permits on request, Indians, as a rule, are refused permits and thereby prevented to return from returning to their houses and businesses. Milner also establishes the Asiatic Affairs Department to enforce the provisions of Law 3 of 1885. In addition, the Department is charged with compiling a dossier of all anti-Indian measures that prevailed in the Boer Republics and these measures are subsequently applied with a vengeance.
The Immorality Ordinance, Act No. 46 of 1903 is passed in the Transvaal. |
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| 1903 |
February |
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The ‘British Indians of East London' petitions the Indian National Congress, Bombay, against East London's municipal regulations, which interfere with their freedom of movement. The petitioners protest at having to carry a pass, at being debarred from residing in certain parts of East London and at being forbidden to use the town's footpaths. |
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| 1903 |
4 June |
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The first issue of Indian Opinion, the newspaper started by Mahatma Gandhi and M.H. Nazar, is published in Durban.
|
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| 1904 |
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The voter's roll of East London in the Cape Colony, for 1903-04 lists 259 Indians as voters (nine of which are women), compared with 3 242 White voters.
|
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| 1905 |
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The Immigration Restriction Act of 1905 is passed in the Transvaal. The Act provides for the Government's control of the entry of Indians into the Transvaal through a special permit system.
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| 1906 |
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Ordinance 29 of 1906 is proclaimed in the Transvaal and subjects all Indians to compulsory registration and identification by means of fingerprints. Registration Certificates (Passes) are to be carried at all times and must be produced on request to a police officer under penalty of a fine or imprisonment.
The Hawker's Licences Act, Act No. 35 of 1906, is passed in the Cape Colony. Similar to the Dealers Licenses Act, No 18 of 1897 in Natal, municipal licensing officers are empowered to issue or refuse trading licenses to Indians.
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| 1906 |
1 January |
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A poll tax of £3 on Indians 18 years and over is enforced in Natal. |
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| 1906 |
February - June |
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The Bambatha rebellion erupts in Natal in protest against the so-called “hut tax” levied by the Natal Government. The Natal Indian Congress (NIC), under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, decides on 24 April 1906 to establish an ambulance corps to assist the British in the campaign to put down the rebellion.
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| 1906 |
11 September |
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A mass meeting of Indians is held at the Empire Theatre, Johannesburg, to decide on action against the Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance, No 29 of 1906. Two of the resolutions adopted at the meeting respectively calls for a deputation to be sent to England and for non-violent or passive resistance (Satyagraha) |
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| 1906 |
21 September |
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The Transvaal British Indian Association decides to send Mahatma Gandhi and O.H. Ally to London to lobby the British Government to refuse assent to the Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance, No 29 of 1906.
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| 1906 |
28 November |
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Mahatma Gandhi and O.H. Ally meets with Winston Churchill in London to protest the Transvaal Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance, No 29 of 1906. |
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| 1906 |
3 December |
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Winston Churchill informs the British House of Commons that the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Elgin, has declined to approve the Transvaal Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance, No 29 of 1906. |
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| 1906 |
6 December |
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Transvaal receives responsible self-government from Britain.
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| 1907 |
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The South African Indian Committee, comprising of the Natal Indian Patriotic Union and the Natal Indian Congress, is established. At this time, both organisations are critical of Mahatma Gandhi.
Mr Adam H.C. Mohamed, chairman of the British Indian League, raises the question of the treatment of British Indians in East London, particularly regarding the issue of trader's licences and the registration of voters, with the Cape Colonial Government. He is told that the Government is unable to interfere in the regulations drafted by the East London municipality, but that he is free to address the Colonial Secretary about parliamentary voters and their registration.
Arms and Ammunition Act, Act No 10 of 1907 (Transvaal), prohibits the issue of arms and ammunitions licences to Indians without sanction of the applicable Minister.
The Education Act, Act No 25 of 1907 (Transvaal) prohibits Coloured children from being allowed into European schools and establishes separate schools. Although education is free and compulsory for white children, it is not for coloured children. (Coloured means all people of colour, Africans, Indians and Coloureds).
The Vredendorp Stand Ordinance, Act No 27 of 1907 (Transvaal), transfers the freehold titles of certain stands to the Johannesburg Municipal Council on condition that such titles are not be transferred to an Asiatic, native or Coloured person.
The Workmen's Compensation Act, Act No 36 of 1907 (Transvaal) denies benefits to Asiatic, African and Coloured people). A workman is defined as a White person.
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| 1907 |
7 February |
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Winston Churchill informs the British House of Commons that the Natal Government has been refused leave to introduce legislation that will exclude Asiatics from obtaining trading licences.
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| 1907 |
2 March |
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The Transvaal British Indian Association protests to the Registrar of Asiatics against the discriminatory taking of fingerprints by the police. |
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| 1907 |
11 March |
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Indians hold a mass meeting at the Gaiety Theatre, protesting against the discriminatory treatment of Indians. |
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| 1907 |
19 March |
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The Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, re-introduces the Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance, No 29 of 1906, which failed to gain assent in December 1906, as the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Bill.
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1907 |
22 March |
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The Transvaal Asiatic Registration Bill is passed by the Transvaal Parliament. All male Asians are to be registered and finger printed and are required to carry registration certificates (passes) at all times, which have to be shown to the police on demand. |
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| 1907 |
29 March |
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Indians hold a mass protest meeting at the Gaiety Hall in Johannesburg against the Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907 (the “Black Act”) and offer to register voluntarily if the Act is withdrawn.
|
|
1907 |
4 April |
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Mahatma Gandhi leads a deputation to the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts and presents him with the resolutions adopted at the Indian mass meeting held on 29 March 1907 in Johannesburg. |
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| 1907 |
7 June |
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The Transvaal British Indian Association decides to send a deputation to the Transvaal Prime Minister, General Louis Botha, to urge acceptance of a compromise proposal concerning the Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907, but Botha declines to meet the deputy. |
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| 1907 |
1 July |
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The Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907, comes into operation. The first permit office is opened in the Transvaal and Indians are notified that they have to register within three months.
|
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| 1907 |
3 July |
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The Transvaal Immigration Restriction Bill is published. The Bill makes provision for education tests to be imposed on all future immigrants to the Transvaal and establishes the Immigration Department to check against illegal Asiatic entries.
|
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| 1907 |
9 July |
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The Transvaal British Indian Association petitions the Transvaal Parliament on the Transvaal Immigration Restriction Bill.
|
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| 1907 |
24 July |
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Mahatma Gandhi calls at Ali Khamisa's shop in Pretoria where applications for registration certificates are being received secretly. Those who give their fingerprints as part of the registration application, are referred to as “playing on the piano”.
|
|
1907 |
28 July |
|
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An Indian mass meeting held at the Hamidia Islamic Society Hall in Johannesburg protests against the Transvaal Immigration Restriction Bill and declares a day of hartal in the Transvaal. |
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| 1907 |
31 July |
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An open air Indian mass protest meeting is held in Pretoria against the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907. The meeting decides on passive resistance (Satyagraha) against the Act – to go to prison rather than to register, and, later, to hawk without licences.
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| 1907 |
8 August |
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Mahatma Gandhi sends a letter to the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, and suggests amendment to the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907.
|
|
1907 |
21 September |
|
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A petition against the Transvaal Immigration Restriction Bill is addressed to the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, and circulated for signatures. |
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| 1907 |
11 November |
|
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Ramsundar Pandit of Germiston becomes the first passive resister to be arrested for failing to register in terms of the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907. Mahatma Gandhi defends Pandit in court free of charge.
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| 1907 |
14 November |
|
|
Ramsundar Pandit is sentenced to one month's imprisonment for failing to register in terms of the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907. Indians declare hartal in Johannesburg. |
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| 1907 |
30 November |
|
|
Only 511 Indians out of the total Indian population of over 13 000 register by the closing date of registration in terms of the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907.
|
|
1908 |
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|
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Increasing competition between Indian and White merchants for the control of the Kimberley fresh produce market culminates in the submission of a series of petitions to the municipal authorities. A large group of White stallholders complain “the tables in the Market House are crowded to such an extent by Indians and others of the same class, that it is almost impossible for Europeans to approach them with any degree of comfort”. In return, Indian stallholders submitted various petitions about the management of the market and the way in which lots were offered for sale. They also maintained that the complaints of the White stallholders could “only be regarded as an ungenerous thrust at the Indians who are the lagest purveyors and purchasers at the morning market…” (Bhana and Brain 1990: 107). |
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| 1908 |
|
|
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The Immorality Amendment Ordinance, Act No. 16 of 1908 (Transvaal) outlaws sexual relations between Whites and Coloured persons.
The Townships Amendment Act, Act No. 34 of 1908 (Transvaal) proclaims that Coloured persons are to live in townships only as domestic servants, and not as independent merchants of free citizens.
The Precious Base Metals Act (Gold Law) of 1908 (Transvaal) restricts the occupation by Coloured persons of land proclaimed as a public digging. Coloured persons are further debarred from acquiring mining titles and privileges and from trading in such areas. Obstacles are also placed in the way of Coloured goldsmiths.
The Public Service and Pensions Act, No 19 of 1908 (Transvaal) is passed in the Transvaal. The Immorality Amendment Ordinance, Act No. 16 of 1908 (Transvaal) outlaws sexual relations between Whites and Coloured persons.
The Townships Amendment Act, Act No. 34 of 1908 (Transvaal) proclaims that Coloured persons are to live in townships only as domestic servants, and not as independent merchants of free citizens.
The Precious Base Metals Act (Gold Law) of 1908 (Transvaal) restricts the occupation by Coloured persons of land proclaimed as a public digging. Coloured persons are further debarred from acquiring mining titles and privileges and from trading in such areas. Obstacles are also placed in the way of Coloured goldsmiths.
The Public Service and Pensions Act, No 19 of 1908 (Transvaal) is passed in the Transvaal. The Immorality Amendment Ordinance, Act No. 16 of 1908 (Transvaal) outlaws sexual relations between Whites and Coloured persons.
The Townships Amendment Act, Act No. 34 of 1908 (Transvaal) proclaims that Coloured persons are to live in townships only as domestic servants, and not as independent merchants of free citizens.
The Precious Base Metals Act (Gold Law) of 1908 (Transvaal) restricts the occupation by Coloured persons of land proclaimed as a public digging. Coloured persons are further debarred from acquiring mining titles and privileges and from trading in such areas. Obstacles are also placed in the way of Coloured goldsmiths.
The Public Service and Pensions Act, No 19 of 1908 (Transvaal) is passed in the Transvaal. The Immorality Amendment Ordinance, Act No. 16 of 1908 (Transvaal) outlaws sexual relations between Whites and Coloured persons.
The Townships Amendment Act, Act No. 34 of 1908 (Transvaal) proclaims that Coloured persons are to live in townships only as domestic servants, and not as independent merchants of free citizens.
The Precious Base Metals Act (Gold Law) of 1908 (Transvaal) restricts the occupation by Coloured persons of land proclaimed as a public digging. Coloured persons are further debarred from acquiring mining titles and privileges and from trading in such areas. Obstacles are also placed in the way of Coloured goldsmiths.
The Public Service and Pensions Act, No 19 of 1908 (Transvaal) is passed in the Transvaal. |
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| 1908 |
1 January |
|
|
The Transvaal Immigration Restriction Act, Act No. 15 of 1907, enters into force. A mass meeting is held at Surti Mosque in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. |
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| 1908 |
4 January |
|
|
The Transvaal British Indian Association informs the Transvaal Government that, if Indians are not issued trading licences because they have not registered in terms of the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907, they will trade without licences. The Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, declares that the Asiatic Registration Act will not be repealed and refuses to meet with Mahatma Gandhi.
|
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| 1908 |
8 January |
|
|
Mahatma Gandhi tells Reuters that if the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907 is suspended, Indians will register voluntarily.
|
|
| 1908 |
10 January |
|
|
Mahatma Gandhi is sentenced to two months' imprisonment for violating a court order to leave the Transvaal after being charged with picketing.
|
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| 1908 |
21 January |
|
|
The Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, sends Albert Cartwright, the editor of the Transvaal Leader, to meet Mahatma Gandhi in prison and present him with a settlement proposal with regards to the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907.
|
|
| 1908 |
28 January |
|
|
Albert Cartwright brings the compromise terms with regards to the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907, from the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, to Mahatma Gandhi in prison. Gandhi discusses the terms of the settlement with fellow prisoners Leung Quinn (from the Chinese Association) and Thambi Naidoo (from the Transvaal British Indian Association). They make some amendments and then sign the proposal. |
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| 1908 |
30 January |
|
|
The Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, accepts the compromise with regards to the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907. Mahatma Gandhi is escorted from prison to Pretoria for a meeting with Smuts. They agree that Indians will register voluntarily, that negotiations will be validated and that the Asiatic Registration Act will be repealed. Gandhi is released and taken to Johannesburg, where he addresses a midnight meeting at the Hamidia Mosque to explain the terms of the settlement.
|
|
| 1908 |
3 February |
|
|
Mahatma Gandhi meets the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, who confirms that the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907 will be repealed if Asiatics register voluntarily.
|
|
| 1908 |
5 February |
|
|
The Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, announces that the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907 will not be repealed as long as a single Indian has not complied with requirements. Mahatma Gandhi urges all Indians to register.
|
|
| 1908 |
10 February |
|
|
Voluntary registration by Asiatics commences as agreed under the Gandhi-Smuts agreement. Mahatma Gandhi is assaulted by Mir Alam Khan.
|
|
| 1908 |
9 May |
|
|
By the last day of voluntary registration of Asiatics, as agreed under the Gandhi-Smuts agreement, 8700 Indians have registered and 6000 were accepted by the Transvaal Government.
|
|
| 1908 |
13 May |
|
|
The Transvaal Municipal Consolidation Bill empowers municipalities to grant licences to traders and hawkers and denies them the right of appeal to courts of law.
|
|
| 1908 |
27 June |
|
|
A well-educated Parsee, Sorabji Shapurji Adajania tests the Transvaal Immigration Restriction Act, Act No. 15 of 1907, by entering the Transvaal from Natal without a permit.
|
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| 1908 |
31 June |
|
|
The Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, states that the repeal of the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907 is preposterous and Mahatma Gandhi accuses the Transvaal Government of “foul play”.
|
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| 1908 |
2 July |
|
|
Mahatma Gandhi warns the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, that the voluntary registration certificates (passes), which Indians had applied for under the Smuts-Gandhi agreement, will be burnt.
|
|
| 1908 |
7 July |
|
|
Indian traders applying for trading licences are subjected to giving thumbprints under the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907.
|
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| 1908 |
8 July |
|
|
Sorabji Shapuri Adajania is imprisoned after he contravened the Transvaal Immigration Restriction Act, Act No. 15 of 1907. He is not prosecuted under the Immigration Restriction Act, however, but sentenced to one month's imprisonment under the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907. Following the Adajania case, more Indians from Natal enter the Transvaal illegally. They are arrested and ordered to leave the Transvaal within 7 days. However, they do not leave, and are re-arrested and deported without trial. After deportation, they again re-enter the Transvaal, whereupon they are fined £50 or 3 months imprisonment with hard labour. All choose to go to prison.
|
|
| 1908 |
20 July |
|
|
A mass campaign of satyagraha begins in protest of the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907, the Transvaal Immigration Restriction Act, Act No. 15 of 1907, and the Transvaal Municipal Consolidation Bill. Satyagrahis are imprisoned for unlicensed trading.
|
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| 1908 |
1 August |
|
|
The Chinese Association joins the satyagraha campaign against anti-Asiatic legislation in the Transvaal.
|
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| 1908 |
14 August |
|
|
Mahatma Gandhi makes a further appeal to the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, to repeal the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907, failing which he warns that voluntary registration certificates (passes) will be burnt. Smuts refuses. |
|
| 1908 |
16 August |
|
|
More than 2000 registration certificates (passes) are burned during an Indian mass meeting at the Hamidia Mosque in Fordsburg, Johannesburg, in reaction to the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts' alleged breach of the Gandhi-Smuts agreement and continued refusal to repeal the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907. The Committee of European (White) Sympathisers is formed with William Hosken as Chairperson. |
|
| 1908 |
18 August |
|
|
Mahatma Gandhi meets with the Transvaal Prime Minister, General Louis Botha, the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, and members of the Progressive Party to discuss the Indian question.
|
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| 1908 |
20 August |
|
|
Indians reject the Transvaal Government's proposed amendments to the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907, at a mass meeting. Mahatma Gandhi sends an ultimatum demanding the Repeal of the Act to the Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts.
|
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| 1908 |
21 August |
|
|
The Transvaal Colonial Secretary, General J.C. Smuts, introduces an amendment bill to the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act, Act No. 2 of 1907. The bill is passed as the Asiatic Registration Amendment Act, No 36 of 1908. Indians reject the Act and vow to continue with the satyagraha campaign. More registration certificates (passes) are burned at mass meetings during the next few days.
|
|
1908 |
27 August |
|
|
Natal Indian Congress officials are arrested at a meeting in the Anjuman Islamic Hall in Pretoria and deported from the Transvaal. |
|
| 1908 |
12 October |
|
|
The National Convention, consisting of delegates from the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange River Colonies, begins its deliberations in Durban on the incorporation of the four self-governing colonies into a Union of South Africa. Subsequent sessions of the National Convention take place in Cape Town between November 1908 and February 1909.
|
|
| 1909 |
|
|
|
The Transvaal Companies Act is proclaimed. Under this act a limited liability company does not constitute a racial entity. Hence Indians, despite other restrictions, are able to trade in areas other than those set aside for them, and could also purchase land from Whites if they formed a company. |
|
| 1909 |
25 March |
|
|
A meeting of Indian women at the Hamidia Society Hall in Johannesburg is addressed by Mrs Thambi Naidoo, Mrs Patel and Miss Schlesin. They form the Indian Women's Association.
1909 3 April Indian women in Germiston form an Association. |
|
| 1909 |
3 April |
|
|
Indian women in Germiston form an Association.
|
|
| 1909 |
11 May |
|
|
Having referred the draft constitution for the Union of South Africa to the Parliaments of the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange River Colonies, the National Convention concludes its business in Bloemfontein. The Transvaal and Orange Free State Parliaments subsequently accept the draft constitution unanimously, while the Cape Parliament accepts it with two dissentient votes. In a referendum in Natal, in which only 58,2% of the electorate participates, 11 121 voters approves the draft constitution, with 3 701 voters opposing. |
|
| 1909 |
5 September |
|
|
A delegation of Indians, led by Mahatma Gandhi, goes to London to negotiate on behalf of Indians with regard to the South Africa Act and discrimination against Indians.
Yusuf Dadoo is born in Krugersdorp, Transvaal. |
|
| 1909 |
20 September |
|
|
King Edward VII signs the draft constitution for the Union of South Africa into law as the South Africa Act of 1909, after it was passed without amendment by the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Act would come into force on 31 May 1910.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Servants Superannuating Act and Teachers Pensions Act. Discrimination against Indians.
South Africa Act, 1909 (Sections 26, 35, 44, 147 and 151) leaves anti-Indian and other discriminatory legislation against black groups intact.
The Immigrants Regulation Act of 1910 consolidates existing immigration laws of the pre-Union colonies and excludes immigration of all persons to the Union considered unsuitable on economic grounds or on account of standard or habits of life. The Act, as amended in 1913 and 1937, prohibits all immigration of Asians to South Africa, except that of wives and minor children of those already domiciled in the country.
Hermann Kallenbach gives Tolstoy Farm at Lawley for use of satyagrahi families. |
|
| 1910 |
26 February |
|
|
Mahatma Gandhi supports the African People's Organisation's resolution to declare the day of arrival of the Prince of Wales in South Africa as a day of mourning in protest against the South Africa Act's disenfranchisement of Indians, Coloureds and Africans in the upcoming Union of South Africa. |
|
| 1911 |
3 January |
|
|
The Government of India announces in the Viceroy's Council that emigration to Natal is prohibited with effect from 1 July. |
|
| 1911 |
13 March |
|
|
The Colonial-Born and Settlers Indian Association is formed at a meeting in Durban and has at its aim to fight the infamous £3 poll tax. R.N. Moodley of Pietermaritzburg is the chairman of the meeting and among those present are Lutchman Panday, A. Christopher, S.K. Pather, K.R. Nayanah and H.S.L. Polak. |
|
| 1911 |
27 April |
|
|
|
|
| 1912 |
14 October |
|
|
Gopal Krishna Gokhale meets Prime Minister, General Louis Botha; General J. C. Smuts (then Minister of Finance, Defence and Mines) and Abraham Fischer (Minister of the Interior.) Gokhale negotiates with the Union Government on behalf of South African Indians and obtains promises that are not kept.
|
|
| 1912 |
22 October |
|
|
Gopal Krishna Gokhale, at invitation of Gandhi, arrives in South Africa on a 26-day tour. He also visits Tolstoy Farm.
|
|
| 1913 |
January |
|
|
Tolstoy Farm is closed. |
|
| 1913 |
14 March |
|
|
In a judgement of the Cape Supreme Court, Mr. Justice Searle declares that marriages not celebrated according to Christian rites and/or not registered by the Registrar of Marriages, are invalid. All Moslem and Hindu marriages concluded according to traditional rites are therefore declared invalid.
|
|
| 1913 |
June |
|
|
The Immigrants Regulation Amendment Act, Act No. 22 of 1913, persons not literate in a European language and so-called undesirables (persons deemed undesirable on economic grounds or on account of standards or habits of life) could be excluded from country. The Minister of the Interior classifies all Asiatic persons undesirable and Indian immigration is halted indefinitely.
|
|
| 1913 |
22 September |
|
|
The first batch of Indian passive resisters, consisting of 12 men and 4 women (including Mrs. Kasturba Gandhi) are arrested at Volksrust and imprisoned in Pietermaritzburg.
|
|
| 1913 |
19 October |
|
|
At a meeting of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) in Durban, NIC secretaries, M. C. Anglia and Dada Osman, severely criticise Mahatma Gandhi and tender their resignations. However, their resignations are not accepted and the meeting withdraws the NIC's support of the passive resistance campaign. In reaction, Gandhi and his supporters withdraw from the meeting and form a new body, the Natal Indian Association (NIA), at Parsee Rustomjee's house. The NIC would become defunct until its resuscitation in 1920.
|
|
| 1913 |
28 October |
|
|
Albert Christopher, Ruben Joseph and three other Colonial-born Indians leave Durban to assist in the strike area.
|
|
| 1913 |
November |
|
|
Lord Hardinge delivers a speech in Madras, India, in which he expresses sympathy with the Indian passive resistance struggle in South Africa.
|
|
| 1913 |
18 December |
|
|
The Indian Inquiry Commission, also known as the Solomon Commission, commences its sittings in Pretoria.
|
|
| 1914 |
14 January |
|
|
The Gandhi-Smuts Agreement is reached between Gen. J.C. Smuts and Mahatma Gandhi.
|
|
1914 |
20 January |
|
|
The first group of Transvaal Indian women satyagrahis are released from Pietermaritzburg Prison after three months' imprisonment. Among them is Valliamma Moonsamy Moodaliar. |
|
| 1914 |
10 February - 11 February |
|
|
In accordance with the understanding reached by General J.C. Smuts and Mahatma Gandhi on 14 January 1914, 60 passive resistance prisoners are released from the Pietermaritzburg Prison. In addition, 40 passive resisters are released in Durban, 8 in Newcastle and 11 in Port Elizabeth. |
|
| 1914 |
26 June |
|
|
After a protracted passive resistance campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian Relief Act is passed following the report of the Solomon Commission. The Act abolishes the £3 poll tax, recognises marriages contracted in terms of traditional Indian (Muslim or Hindu) rites, and facilitates the entry into the Union of the wives of Indians already domiciled locally. However, Indians remain disenfranchised and are still not allowed to own property in the two former Boer Republics (Transvaal and the Orange Free State), or to live in the Orange Free State. Furthermore, restrictions on Indian trading remain in force.
|
|
| 1914 |
18 July |
|
|
Mahatma Gandhi leaves South Africa for London. |
|
| 1914 |
4 August |
|
|
Britain, and automatically South Africa as part of the British Empire, declares war against Germany and so enters into the First World War. Mahatma Gandhi arrives in London
|
|
| 1917 |
|
|
|
The Indian Printers' Union and the Indian Workers Union (IWU) formed. The Union's respective secretaries are colonial born Indians, M.K. Moodley and Rev B.L.E. Sigamoney. |
|
| 1917 |
16 February |
|
|
A.H. West and others advise indentured workers in Natal not to re-indenture but to become free men. |
|
| 1917 |
March |
|
|
The Imperial War Conference, attended by representatives of Britain and the British Dominions, commences in London. India's attendance at the Conference raises the hope of Indians in the colonies that they now have some leverage to effect changes for equal treatment.
Gordon Lee of the Industrial Socialist League (ISL) forms the Durban Workers' Industrial Union. The Union enrols Indian members representing printing, tobacco, laundry, dock and municipal workers, miners, “sugar slaves”.
|
|
| 1917 |
27 April |
|
|
Sir Satyendra P. Sinha of India submits the so-called Reciprocity Resolution to the Imperial War Conference in London. The Conference unanimously accepts the principle of reciprocity between India and the Dominions. Sir Sinha's memorandum also includes grievances of South African Indians in connection with trading licences, the franchise, ownership of land and railway regulations. |
|
| 1918 |
|
|
|
Rev. B.L.E. Sigamoney takes over the leadership of the Indian Worker's Union (IWU) from Gordon Lee and represents the Union at the Industrial Socialist League's annual conference.
|
|
| 1918 |
21 May |
|
|
In a letter to the Indian Opinion, the Cape British Indian Council calls for a national conference of Indian organisations.
|
|
| 1918 |
20 October |
|
|
A.M. Cachalia dies and is succeeded by Ebrahim I. Asvat as elected Chairman of the Transvaal British Indian Association.
|
|
| 1918 |
11 November |
|
|
An armistice between the Allied and the Central Powers brings the First World War to an end. |
|
| 1919 |
|
|
|
Reneging on the Companies Act of 1909, the Krugersdorp Municipal Council declares a transaction through which an Indian-owned company, Dadoo Limited, purchased land from a White owner, invalid. In addition, the Municipal Council obtains a court interdict restraining a European firm, Messrs TW Beckett and Company, from leasing a Krugersdorp stand to an Indian tailor. In reaction to these incidents, the Transvaal British Indian Association draws up a petition that directly leads to the establishment of a Select Committee of the House of Assembly to look into the acquisition of property in Transvaal by Indians through mortgages and shareholding in private companies.
|
|
| 1919 |
20 January |
|
|
The Cape British Indian Council invites Indian organisations to a South African Indian Conference.
|
|
| 1919 |
26 January - 30 January |
|
|
The first South African Indian Conference, convened by the Cape British Indian Council, is held in Cape Town. John X. Merriman, the former Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, opens the Conference. The Conference appoints a committee of 12 members to frame the constitution of an organisation to unite all South African Indians. In addition, the conference resolves to agitate for full civil rights and to resort to civil resistance until those rights are granted.
|
|
1919 |
1 May |
|
|
A Select Committee is established by the House of Assembly to look into the acquisition of property in Transvaal by Indians through mortgages and shareholding in private companies. Following the recommendations of Select Committee, the Asiatics (Land and Trading) (Transvaal) Amendment Act, Act No. 37 of 1919 is proclaimed. Asiatics with rights to trade on property outside designated Asiatic Bazaars are allowed to continue to do so, but a register would be compiled of existing licences and businesses owned by Indians and no new licences would be issued. Asiatics can also no longer acquire land through companies, but will still be able to acquire land through nominees. |
|
| 1919 |
12 May |
|
|
The Transvaal British Indian Association calls a mass meeting to organise opposition to the proposed Asiatics (Land and Trading) (Transvaal) Amendment Act. In terms of the Act, Transvaal Indians are prohibited from owning shares in limited companies. |
|
| 1919 |
July |
|
|
A number of Indian leaders in the Transvaal sign a covenant pledging civil resistance. The signatories include the following officers of the Transvaal British Indian Association: E. I. Asvat, Chairman; N. A. Camay, Vice-Chairman; P.K. Naidoo and B. K. Patel, Joint Secretaries.
The Transvaal Emergency Conference Committee is formed with E.I. Patel as Chairman and N.A. Camay and P.K. Naidoo as joint-secretaries. The Committee calls for a South African National Indian Emergency Conference.
|
|
| 1919 |
3 August |
|
|
The Asiatics Land and Trading (Transvaal) Amendment Act, Act No. 37 of 1919, is promulgated. |
|
| 1919 |
3 August - 6 August |
|
|
The second South African Indian Conference is convened in Johannesburg by the Transvaal Emergency Conference Committee with the aim to create a national body to deal with threats to the rights of Indians. However, internal dissensions defeat the aims of the conveners of the Conference.
|
|
| 1919 |
4 September - 5 September |
|
|
The Anti-Asiatic League holds a congress in Pretoria with L.J. Philips, an attorney from Krugersdorp, as Chairman. The congress sets up the South African League under the leadership of Abe Bailey. The aims of the League are the expropriation of all immovable property held by Asiatics, as well as the removal of Asiatics that are residing and trading in the Transvaal.
|
|
|
February |
|
|
The Asiatic Inquiry Commission, headed by Sir Johannes Lange, is appointed to inquire into laws concerning the right of Asiatics to trade and acquire fixed property in the Union. |
|
| 1920 |
12 May |
|
|
The Asiatic Inquiry Commission, appointed in February 1920 to inquire into laws concerning the right of Asiatics to trade and acquire fixed property in the Union, submits an interim report.
|
|
| 1920 |
December |
|
|
P.K. Naidoo and others form the Congress Resuscitation Committee (CRC) to resuscitate the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) that had become defunct after a split with Mahatma Gandhi in 1913. |
|
| 1921 |
3 March |
|
|
The Asiatic Inquiry Commission, appointed in February 1920 to inquire into laws concerning the right of Asiatics to trade and acquire fixed property in the Union, concludes its activities and submits its final report. The Commission rejects the grievances of the South African League and proposes a system of voluntary repatriation and segregation of Indians. It also recommends that existing legislation on Indians in the Transvaal be retained, but that new measures be introduced in Natal to prohibit Indians from buying agricultural land in a specified area along the coast.
|
|
| 1921 |
5 March |
|
|
The Durban Land Alienation Ordinance, No. 14 of 1921 (Natal), enables the Durban City Council to exclude Indians from the ownership or occupation of property in white areas. The ordinance evokes strenuous opposition.
The Provincial Council of Natal approves the Township Franchise Ordinance, which will deprive Indians of their municipal franchise rights. The Union Government, however, vetoes the ordinance.
The Provincial Council of Natal approves the Rural Dealers' Licensing Ordinance, which limits Indian traders' right of appeal against the refusal of trading licences by municipal licensing officers.
|
|
| 1921 |
6 March |
|
|
1921 The Natal Indian Congress is resuscitated and reorganised at a meeting in Durban. Ismail Gora is elected President.
|
|
| 1921 |
20 June |
|
|
The Imperial Conference begins in London. At the Conference, V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, the Indian representative, puts forward a strong case for the granting of full citizenship rights to Indians in South Africa and other British colonies. The South African Prime Minister, General J.C. Smuts, opposes Sastri's resolution that calls for equality and maintains that he cannot grant the franchise to Indians while withholding it from Blacks.
|
|
| 1922 |
|
|
|
A South African Indian deputation, supported by Sir Jamshetji Jeejibhoy and other Indian leaders, meets the Viceroy.
|
|
| 1923 |
31 May |
|
|
The Mayor of Durban, Walter Gilbert J.P., officially opens the third national conference of Indian organisations in the Durban Town Hall. The Conference formally decides to establish the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) and Omar Hajee Amod Jhaveri is elected its first President.
|
|
1923 |
1 June - 3 June |
|
|
The third national conference of Indian organisations continues at Parsee Rustomjee Hall in Queen Street, Durban. The Conference draws up and adopts the constitution and standing orders of the newly established South African Indian Congress. |
|
| 1924 |
|
|
|
The Boroughs Ordinance, Ordinance No. 189 of 1924 effectively disenfranchises Indians in Natal. The South African Indian Congress threatens passive resistance.
|
|
| 1924 |
January |
|
|
The Minister of the Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, introduces the Class Areas Bill, which proposes compulsory residential and trading segregation for Indians throughout South Africa. |
|
| 1924 |
27 January |
|
|
The Natal Indian Congress and the Natal Indian Association jointly organises a mass meeting in Durban in opposition to the Class Areas Bill. The mass meeting is attended by 3000 Indians.
|
|
| 1924 |
15 February |
|
|
A deputation for the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) meets with the Minister of the Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, and presents him with a memorandum setting out their objections concerning the Class Areas Bill.
|
|
| 1924 |
April |
|
|
After an invitation from the Natal Indian Congress (NIC), Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, a celebrated poetess from India, returns to South Africa from a visit to Kenya. She addresses scores of meetings and puts forward the case of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) concerning the Class Areas Bill in interviews with the Prime Minister, General J.C. Smuts, the Minister of the Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, the leaders of the Opposition and other prominent members of Parliament. She is also present in Parliament during its discussions of the Bill. The Government later decides not to pursue the Bill pending the general elections to be held in June.
|
|
| 1924 |
8 April |
|
|
The Industrial Conciliation Act, Act No. 11 of 1924, provides for job reservation.
|
|
| 1924 |
21 April - 25 April |
|
|
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) convenes an emergency conference in Durban. In a resolution adopted by the Conference, the SAIC approves Mrs Sarojini Naidu's suggestion that a Round-table Conference be held between delegates from the SAIC, the Union Government and the Indian Government. |
|
| 1924 |
17 June |
|
|
|
|
| 1925 |
|
|
|
The Transvaal Dealers (Control) Ordinance, Ordinance No. 11 of 1925, aims to restrict Indian trade by placing further obstacles in the way of obtaining licences.
The Minimum Wages Act leads to a form of job reservation and promotes White employment by earmarking certain trades for Whites. |
|
| 1925 |
25 January |
|
|
Sir Dinshaw Petit and Sir Purushottamdas Thakurdas head a deputation to the Viceroy of India to press for a round-table conference with South Africa.
|
|
| 1925 |
8 April |
|
|
The Indian Government sends a telegram to the Union Government to suggest round-table conference. In his reply to the telegram, the Union Governor General states that the conference must acknowledge repatriation as fundamental to the discussions.
|
|
| 1925 |
16 June |
|
|
The Union Government rejects a round-table conference with India on the grounds that it will constitute interference in South African affairs.
|
|
| 1925 |
23 July |
|
|
Dr. D. F. Malan, Minister of the Interior, introduces the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill in Parliament. The Bill is more stringent than the Class Areas Bill of the previous year – whereas the Class Areas Bill was designed for the purposes of enforcing mere segregation, the Areas Reservation Bill defines Indians as aliens and recommends the limitation of the Indian population through repatriation. |
|
| 1925 |
31 August |
|
|
The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) holds a mass meeting in Durban in protest against the proposed Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill. Anglia and J.K. Roberts call for a round-table meeting of Indian organisations, but the resolution is opposed. |
|
| 1925 |
24 September |
|
|
In a communiqué to the Indian Government, the Union Government again declares that there is no need for a round-table conference and that the two Governments need only to discuss the repatriation of South African Indians. |
|
| 1925 |
9 November - 12 November |
|
|
The fifth Conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) in Cape Town rejects the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill and calls for a round-table conference to be held between the Governments of India and South Africa and representatives of the SAIC. The Conference also adopts a resolution that a deputation be sent to India.
|
|
| 1925 |
16 November |
|
|
Advocate J.W. Godfrey leads the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) deputation to the Minister of Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, to put forward the case of the Indian community with regards to the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill. The deputation urges the Minister to agree to a round-table conference between the Governments of India and South Africa.
|
|
| 1925 |
23 November |
|
|
A deputation of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) leaves for India to lobby the Indian Government about the issues of the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill and a round-table conference between the Governments of India and South Africa.
|
|
| 1925 |
December |
|
|
The Paddison deputation, led by the Commissioner of Labour in Madras, G.F. Paddison, arrives in South Africa. The other members of the deputation are the Hon. Syed Raza Ali, G.S. Bajpai, C.S Ricketts and Sir Deva Prasad Sarvadhikary. The aim of the deputation is to study the general position and economic conditions of the Indians in South Africa. This delegation paves way for the first Round-table Conference.
|
|
| 1925 |
19 December |
|
|
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) delegation, led by Dr A. Abdurahman (President of the African People's Organisation, APO, but now involved with the plight of the Indians), meets with the Viceroy of India. The other members of the delegation are: Amod Bayat, J. W. Godfrey, Pandit Bhawani Dayal, V. S. C. Pather, Sorabjee Rustomjee and A. A. Mirza.
|
|
| 1925 |
26 December |
|
|
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) deputation attends 40th session of All-India Congress (also referred to as the India National Congress) at Cawnpore, India. Sarojini Naidu, President of the Indian National Congress, links the problems of South African Indians with India's subjection to foreign rule and calls for the freedom of India. |
|
| 1926 |
|
|
|
The Mines and Works Amendment Act , Act No. 25 of 1926 (Colour Bar Act), provides certificates of competency for skilled work, but Indian workers are excluded. Because of the differential treatment instituted as a result of this and other discriminatory Acts, Indian workers feel that separate Indian and Coloured Unions would best serve their needs, especially as white Trade Unions refuse to admit Indian members who want to fully benefit of Industrial Conciliation Act. i.e. representation on Industrial councils and Conciliation Boards.
In terms of the proposed Liquor Bill, Sections 107 and 144, Indians and Africans cannot be employed by licence holders and are not allowed on licensed premises or to drive in liquor supply vehicles. 3000 Indians employed in the brewery trade are affected.
|
|
| 1926 |
30 January |
|
|
Prime Minister, Gen. J.B.M. Hertzog and the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, meet with the Paddington delegation after a great deal of pressure from the British government. The meeting results in the decision that a Select Committee will be set up to enable the Paddison deputation to argue on the principle of Areas Reservation Bill. The deputation also succeeds in getting the Union Government to agree to a round-table conference. |
|
| 1926 |
February |
|
|
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) deputation to India returns to South Africa. |
|
| 1926 |
17 February |
|
|
The South African Government agrees to round-table conference with the Government of India provided discussion is restricted to repatriation of Indians. The conference is to be held at the end of 1926. It is further agreed that a South African Government deputation will visit India before the conference.
|
|
| 1926 |
23 February |
|
|
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) calls for a national day of prayer (hartal), strikes and the closure of shops in opposition to various pieces of proposed anti-Indian legislation. The South African Indian community heeds this call on national scale. |
|
| 1926 |
31 May |
|
|
Indian Government invites a delegation from the South African Government to visit India in an attempt to foster closer mutual cooperation.
|
|
| 1926 |
19 September |
|
|
A South African Government delegation, led by F. W. Beyers, the Minister of Mines and Industry, in the Hertzog Government, and Patrick Duncan, the Minister of the Interior in the previous Smuts Government, arrives in India. |
|
| 1926 |
October |
|
|
General J.B.M. Hertzog, South African Prime Minister, attends the Imperial Conference in London. The Conference focuses on the clarification of the dominions' status within the British Empire and its activities result in the Balfour Declaration.
|
|
| 1926 |
19 November |
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Following the Imperial Conference held in London in October, Lord Balfour, the former British Prime Minister, announces the Balfour Declaration, in which the status of the dominions in the British Empire is clarified as follows: “[Britain and her dominions] are autonomous Communities within the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the Crown and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations”.
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| 1926 |
6 December - 7 December |
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The South African Indian Congress holds an Emergency Conference.
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| 1926 - 1927 |
17 December - 12 January |
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Representatives of the South African and Indian Governments meet for a round-table conference in Cape Town. The Conference leads to the conclusion of the Cape Town Agreement between South Africa and India. In terms of the agreement, the Indian population of South Africa shall be limited through assisted emigration; the entry of naturalised Indians' wives and minor children will be facilitated in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Reciprocity Resolution; and the South African Government commits itself to the upliftment of Indian Community in South Africa. It is also decided that Agents of the Government of India will be appointed to represent India in South Africa. |
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| 1927 |
12 January |
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The Cape Town Agreement is signed on the last day of a round-table conference of representatives of the South African and Indian Governments. The South African Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan withdraws the Areas Reservation Bill, while the Government of India agrees to the policy of voluntary repatriation.
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| 1927 |
21 February |
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The Cape Town Agreement is published and a joint communiqué on the Cape Town round-table conference is issued by the South African and Indian Governments.
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| 1927 |
12 March - 13 March |
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The seventh annual Conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is held in Johannesburg to discuss the Cape Town Agreement signed by South Africa and India in February. The SAIC accepts the agreement. Transvaal delegates also try unsuccessfully to get a decision from the Conference to move the SAIC headquarters to Johannesburg.
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| 1927 |
12 April |
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In an article published in The Star, The Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan presents the Cape Town Agreement as an agreement between South Africa and India to repatriate Indians.
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| 1927 |
27 April |
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The Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, introduces the Immigration and Indian Relief (Further Provision) Bill in Parliament. The introduction of the Bill follows closely on Round-table Conference between India and South Africa and has as its aim to provide legal guidelines for the implementation of the Cape Town Agreement. The Bill requires children of South African Indian parents, born outside the Union, to enter the country within three months of birth. In addition, South African Indians who absent themselves for three continuous years from the country forfeit their rights of domicile, while Indians who have entered the country illegally (mostly at the time of the Anglo-Boer War) will be condoned and issued with condonation certificates. However, families of condonees will not be allowed to join them. The Act also establishes a scheme of voluntary repatriation of South African Indians to India with the compliance of the Indian Government. Repatriates are to receive bonuses of £20 per adult and £10 per child, plus free passage to India. This bonus is doubled in 1931 and finally abolished in 1955 when it becomes apparent that only the old, who intend to retire in India, are taking advantage of it.
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| 1927 |
8 May |
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The Transvaal British Indian Association (TBIA), dominated by Muslim merchants, secedes from the South African Indian Congress (SAIC). The TBIA feels that the SAIC, dominated by representatives of the Natal Indian Congress, does not pay sufficient attention to the problems experienced by Transvaal Indians. |
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| 1927 |
10 May |
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The Natal Provincial Council passes a motion against the Cape Town Agreement over fears that existing licensing legislation will be relaxed.
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| 1927 |
27 May |
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V.S.S. Sastri is appointed as the first Agent of the Government of India in South Africa.
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) sends a deputation to the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, to protest against Section 5 of the Immigration and Indian Relief (Further Provision) Bill. This section empowers Immigration Officers and Boards to cancel registration certificates and certificates of domicile. After further pressure by V.S.S. Sastri, the Indian Agent in South Africa, Malan, does not put Section 5 into effect.
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| 1927 |
23 June |
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Dr. A. Abdurahman, leader of the African People's Organisation (APO), organises a Non-European Conference in Kimberley to protest against the so-called ‘Hertzog Bills' that aims to further segregation and are to be tabled in Parliament later. At Abdurahman's invitation, the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) sends a delegation led by V. Lawrence. The delegation, however, declares that the SAIC cannot be bound by resolutions adopted at the Conference, because of the delicate position of Indians following the Cape Town Agreement and the appointment of an Indian Agent.
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| 1927 |
23 June |
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The Asiatics in the Northern Districts Act of 1927 determines that Transvaal laws will be applied to Indians in Utrecht, Vryheid and Paulpietersburg. Restrictions are placed on the purchase of land by Indians, as well as their trade and residence rights.
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| 1927 |
29 June |
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The first Agent of the Government of India, the Right Hon. V.S. Srinivasa Sastriarrives in South Africa.
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| 1927 |
5 July |
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The Immigration and Indian Relief (Further) Provision Bill becomes law as the Immigration and Indian Relief (Further) Provision Act, Act No. 37 of 1927 and the scheme of the assisted emigration of Indians comes into operation |
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| 1927 |
October |
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The Nationality and Flag Act denies Indians the right to become South African citizens by naturalisation.
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| 1927 |
12 October |
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The Indian Agent in South Africa, V.S.S. Sastri, addresses a public meeting in Johannesburg to explain Section 5, concerning the entry of minor Indian children into the Transvaal, of the Immigration and Indian Relief (Further) Provision Act, Act No. 37 of 1927. |
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| 1927 |
17 November |
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Thanks to the efforts of the Indian Agent in South Africa, V.S.S. Sastri and C.F. Andrews, the Natal Commission for Indian Education is appointed.
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| 1927 |
18 December |
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Dissidents from the Transvaal British Indian Association (TBIA) (encouraged by the Indian Agent, V.S. Srinivasa Sastri) establish the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC). The TIC affiliates with the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) at the annual conference of SAIC in January 1928. |
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| 1928 |
2 January - 5 January |
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The affiliation of the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) to the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is accepted at the SAIC's annual conference.
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| 1928 |
February |
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Section 104 of the Liquor Bill of 1927 is withdrawn. If implemented, this section would have prohibited Indians from being employed on any licensed premises.
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| 1928 |
25 March |
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| 1928 |
19 September |
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The Minister of Public Health appoints the executive committee of the Central Housing Board to enquire into the sanitary and housing conditions of Indians in and around Durban. The Committee becomes known as the Thornton Committee after its chairman, Sir Edward N. Thornton. |
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| 1928 |
28 December - 30 December |
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At a conference held in Johannesburg, the South African Federation is launched with Abdul Karim as President. The Federation repudiates the Cape Town Agreement, as it is opposed to the reduction of the Indian population in South Africa and their repatriation.
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| 1929 |
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Bhawani Dayal Sannyasi, Vice President of Natal Indian Congress (NIC), President of the All-India Emigrants Conference and a member of the South African Indian Congress deputation to India in 1925, publishes a report on the subject of the repatriation scheme in which he reaches the following conclusions:
1.The repatriation scheme had failed because it brought great misery upon the repatriates, especially those born in South Africa, who were accustomed to a different standard of living.
2.The caste system in India presented great difficulties to repatriates born of inter-caste marriages in South Africa.
3.The Indian Government had been able to help a few repatriates in South India but hardly any in North India.
4.Foodstuffs in India were very costly. The repatriates would be better off financially in South Africa.
5.The repatriates, especially the skilled workers, found it very difficult to settle happily in India because of climatic conditions and low wages.
6.The repatriation scheme would become increasingly unpopular, as the true facts became known.
7. It was morally wrong to encourage unsuspecting persons to take advantage of the scheme and thereby find themselves in great difficulties in return for which those left behind would be uplifted. It was selfish for those in South Africa to benefit at the expense of the repatriates, as it was immoral for India to support the scheme without ensuring the total assimilation of the repatriates into Indian society.
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| 1929 |
January |
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Sir Kurma Reddi succeeds V.S.S. Sastri as Agent of the Government of India in South Africa.
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| 1929 |
October |
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The Governor-General of South Africa, the Earl of Athlone, opens Sastri College, a high school for Indian boys, in Durban.
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| 1929 - 1930 |
29 December - 1 January |
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The tenth annual conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is held in Cape Town. At the Conference, the Indian Agent in South Africa, Sir Kurma Reddie , comes under severe criticism because of the way he is handling the interests of South African Indians.
. |
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| 1930 |
3 February |
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Following problems over Indian trading rights and ownership of property in the municipal areas of Springs, Krugersdorp, and Norwood and Braamfontein in Johannesburg, the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, appoints a Select Committee to look into the questions of Indian trading rights and ownership of property in the Transvaal.
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| 1930 |
13 May |
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The Select Committee, appointed in January 1930 to look into the questions of Indian trading rights and ownership of property in the Transvaal, publishes its report and makes the following recommendations:
1.Asiatics are in the future to be prevented from acquiring property in any form outside the areas set aside for them.
2.Sections 130 and 131 of the Gold Law is to be strictly enforced after 1 May 1930, even in townships like Springs which were held to be outside Gold Law.
3.Trading licenses are to be issued only to Asiatics who are the lawful owners of the premises that they occupy.
Immediately following the recommendations of the Select Committee, the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, introduces the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Bill. The Bill contains three main provisions concerning the ownership of fixed property by Asiatics in the Transvaal; the occupation of stands in prohibited areas and their residence thereon; and the method of granting trading licences to Asiatics. It thus has as its aim to close every loophole in existing laws and regulations. The Bill sparks widespread protest and is regarded by Indians as a betrayal of the Cape Town Agreement.
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| 1930 |
9 August |
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The Government of India sends a telegram to the South African Government in protest against the proposed Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Bill. |
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| 1930 |
5 October - 6 October |
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An emergency conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is held in Johannesburg in order to formulate opposition to the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Bill. Sir Kurma Reddi, the Indian Agent in South Africa, addresses the Conference. The Conference calls upon the South African Government to withdraw the Bill and presses for another round-table conference to be held between the South African and Indian Governments. Should the South African Government fail to accept such a conference, it is asked that India shall withdraw its Agent as protest against Bill.
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| 1930 |
28 October |
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Representatives of India, Sir Muhammad Shafi and G.S. Bajpai hold informal talks with Prime Minister, General J.B.M. Hertzog.
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| 1931 |
28 January |
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The Government of India formally requests the South African Government to postpone the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure Bill pending negotiations between the two Governments concerning a second round-table conference.
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| 1931 |
6 May |
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The Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, announces the postponement of the second reading of the Bill and a tentative date is set for the Second Round-table Conference in December.
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| 1932 |
4 January |
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A delegation of the Government of India arrives in South Africa for the second round-table conference with representatives of the South African Government. The delegation is led by Sir Fazli Hussein and the other members are V.S.S. Sastri, Sarojini Naidu, Sir Geoffrey Corbett, Sir d'Arcy Lindsay, Sir Kurma Reddi and G.S. Bajpai (Secretary).
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1932 |
12 January |
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The Second Round-table Conference between the Governments of India and South Africa opens in Cape Town. The South African delegation is led by the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, and includes the Minister of Land, Oswald Pirow, the Minister of Native Affairs, E.G. Jansen, and Patrick Duncan and G.H. Nicholls as representatives of the opposition South African Party.
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1932 |
12 January - 4 February |
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During the Second Round-table Conference between the Governments of India and South Africa, the South African Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, indicates the failure of Cape Town Agreement with regards to the repatriation of Indians and introduces the Colonisation (Emigration) Scheme. In terms of this scheme, a Committee will be appointed to investigate possible outlets or areas abroad, to which South African Indians can be relocated. Malan also produces a signed document by South African Indian leaders, including Advocate Albert Christopher, P.R. Pather and Manilal Gandhi, in which cooperation in a colonising scheme is offered. This issue would later lead to a split in the South African Indian Community with the formation of the Colonial Born and Indian Settlers Association.
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1932 |
4 February |
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The Second Round-table Conference between the Governments of India and South Africa ends in Cape Town without any decisions or agreements on the contentious Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure Bill of 1930.
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1932 |
5 April |
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The Report on the Second Round-table Conference between the Governments of India and South Africa is released. Indian leaders in South Africa express their disappointment with the results of the Conference and its emphasis on the Scheme of Assisted Emigration. |
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1932 |
18 April |
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The Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, requests the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) to nominate a representative of the South African Indian community to the Colonisation Enquiry Committee.
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1932 |
June |
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The Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Act, Act No. 35 of 1932 becomes law. The Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure Act and its subsequent amendments in 1934, 1935 and 1937 establish the statutory segregation of Indians in the Transvaal and end the state of uncertainty about their status in the Province that has existed since the passing of Law 3 of 1885.
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1932 |
3 August |
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Sir Kunwar Maharaj Singh arrives in South Africa as the successor to Sir Kurma Reddi as Agent for the Government of India in South Africa. The Indian Government places the Agent at the disposal of the proposed Colonisation Enquiry Committee.
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1932 |
3 August |
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The South African Indian Congress convenes a conference in Johannesburg. The Conference adopts a resolution in which it agrees to co-operate with the Indian and South African Governments to find good opportunities for Indians in other countries in terms of the proposed Assisted Emigration Scheme. However, the Conference stresses that this decision is neither an admission that Indians are undesirables nor an acceptance of attempts to reduce the South African Indian population.
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1932 |
14 August |
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The Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) holds a mass meeting, attended by one thousand people, to respond to the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure Amendment Act. After an emotional appeal by Thambi Naidoo, the meeting resolves to appoint a committee to organize resistance to the Act.
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1932 |
27 August |
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The twelfth annual conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is held in Johannesburg. The SAIC President, Sorabjee Rustomjee, supports the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) decision to resist the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure Act.
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| 1932 |
4 October |
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The Feetham Commission, led by Mr Justice Feetham, is appointed to enquire into the occupation of proclaimed land in the Transvaal by Coloured persons and to compile a register of persons in legal/ illegal occupation. The Agent-General of India, Kunwar Sir Maharaj Singh, appeals to the Commission on behalf of South African Indians. The Commission is boycotted by the Transvaal and South African Indian Congresses (TIC and SAIC).
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| 1933 |
16 June |
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The new Minister of the Interior in the Coalition Government, J.H. Hofmeyr, appoints the Indian Colonisation Enquiry Committee and announces the Committee's terms of reference and composition. Known as the Young Committee after its Chairman, James Young, its other members are G. Heaton Nicholls, P.K. Kincaid and a nominee of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC).
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| 1933 |
9 July |
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The Executive of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) meets in Durban and appoints S.R. Naidoo as the SAIC's nominee to the Young Committee. Albert Christopher, Manilal Gandhi and P.R. Pather, arguing for non-cooperation with the Committee, strongly condemn the appointment.
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| 1933 |
23 July |
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Twenty-two leading Indian leaders, including Manilal Gandhi, Albert Christopher and P.R. Pather, calls for a mass meeting to protest the decision of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) to cooperate with the Young Committee.
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| 1933 |
28 July |
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The Young Commission, charged with investigating possible outlets or areas abroad to which South African Indians can be relocated, begins its work.
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| 1933 |
August |
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Albert Christopher, Manilal Gandhi, S.L. Singh and P.R. Pather form the Colonial Born and Settlers Indian Association (CBSIA). Christopher becomes President; Manilal Gandhi, Vice-President; S.L. Singh and A. Haffejee secretaries; and K.K. Pillay and P.G. Naicker (father of Dr. G.M. Naicker) treasurers. The formation of the CBSIA is essentially in protest against the cooperation of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) and the Government of India with the Young Committee.
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| 1933 |
19 August - 20 August |
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The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) holds an Emergency Conference in Johannesburg. The Conference, opened by the Indian Agent-General, Kunwar Maharaj Singh, sanctions a policy of cooperation with the Young Committee and confirms the nomination of S. R. Naidoo to the Committee. Manilal Gandhi, Albert Christopher and Transvaal Indian Congress delegates C.K.T. Naidoo, B.L.E. Sigamoney, P.S. Joshi, E. Mall and S.B. Medh oppose the SAIC line.
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| 1933 |
24 August |
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A meeting of the Colonial Born and Indian Settlers Association (CBSIA) at the Durban City Hall is attended by Sir Kunwar Maharaj Singh, the Indian Agent in South Africa, and his wife. Lady Maharaj Singh brings the rowdy meeting to order.
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| 1933 |
September |
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Members of the Colonial Born and Indian Settlers Association's (CBSIA) Pietermaritzburg branch, armed with knives, knuckledusters, bicycle chains and iron rods, disrupt a meeting in the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and the police is called in.
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| 1933 |
23 September |
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A. Christopher and P.R. Pather address meetings in Pretoria and Johannesburg. These meetings are disrupted by Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) supporters of S.M. Nana.
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| 1933 |
31 December |
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The first provincial conference of the Colonial Born and Indian Settlers Association (CBSIA) is held in Durban.
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| 1934 |
9 January |
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The South African Indian Congress presents a statement to the Young Committee, requesting full citizenship rights for Indians in South Africa.
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| 1934 |
7 February |
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The Young Committee, charged with investigating possible outlets or areas abroad to which South African Indians can be relocated, completes its work.
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| 1934 |
16 February |
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The British Indian Union of East London dissolves and forms the Colonial Born and Indian Settlers Association (CBSIA)(East London).
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| 1934 |
26 February |
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The Young Committee publishes its recommendations on the proposed Indian Assisted Emigration Scheme. The Committee identifies British North Borneo, British New Guinea and British Guiana as suitable for Indian colonisation. However, the Committee's findings are not not taken seriously and the Committee expires. Though a few Indians do emigrate, Scheme of Assisted Emigration continues, until suspended during WWII.
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| 1935 |
February |
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Sir Syed Reza Ali becomes the new Agent of the Government of India to South Africa.
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| 1935 |
June |
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The Feetham Commission releases Parts I & II of its report. |
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| 1935 |
October |
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The Feetham Commission releases Part III of its report. The Commission recommends that some 202 acres of land on the Rand be exempted from the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure Act for occupation and ownership by Indians.
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| 1936 |
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Dr. Yusuf Dadoo returns to practice in South Africa after obtaining a medical degree in Edinburgh. He subsequently joins the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) and is offered a position on the executive of TIC, which he refuses. |
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| 1936 |
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Chamberlain Nakasa, brother of Nat Nakasa and compositor and columnist on African affairs in "Indian Views" weekly, starts a monthly journal called New Outlook. The editorial board consists of himself, B. Asher, Dr. Goonam, Farooqi Mehtar and I.C. Meer. A radical journal, New Outlook lasts for a short time. New Outlook is followed by Call, published by H.A. Naidoo, Cassim Amra, D.A. Seedat, George Ponen, A.K.M. Docrat and others who later become active in the Liberal Study Group.
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| 1936 |
January |
|
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The rank the representative of the Indian Government in South Africa is raised from "Agent" to "Agent-General". |
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| 1936 |
18 January |
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Sir Reza Ali, the Indian Agent-General to South Africa, marries a Hindu, Miss Ponnoosammy. This causes a furor and several Hindu officials and Sorabjee Rustomjee resign from the leadership of Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the South African Indian Congress (SAIC). The leadership of the NIC passes to A.I. Kajee and other Muslims.
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| 1936 |
February |
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The fifteenth annual conference of the South African Indian Congress is held in Durban and attended by the Indian Agent-General, Sir Reza Ali.
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| 1936 |
28 May |
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The Minister of the Interior, J.H. Hofmeyr, introduces a Bill to give legal form to the Feetham Commission's recommendations, namely the Asiatic Land Tenure Amendment Act. The Bill, as amended by the Select Committee comes up for a second reading. The Indian Agent-General, Sir Syed Raza Ali, fearing that a second reading will remove elements favourable to Indians, gives evidence in Parliament favouring voluntary segregation in an attempt to prevent second reading. The South African Indian community is outraged at the suggestion of voluntary segregation.
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| 1936 |
16 June |
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The Asiatic Land Tenure Amendment Act, Act No 30 of 1936 is passed. The Act empowers the Minister of the Interior to exempt further areas for Indian occupation with the possibility of freehold title. The Act accepts the policy of segregation whereby Indians are to be confined to separate areas. |
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| 1936 |
28 August |
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The Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) hosts a banquet to honour a delegation of South African Members of Parliament, led by J.H. Hofmeyr, the Minister of the Interior, to India.
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| 1936 |
19 September |
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A South African Parliamentary delegation consisting of eleven Members of Parliament, led by J.H. Hofmeyr, Minister of the Interior, arrive in Bombay, India. The visit, solely for the purpose of courtesy and goodwill and not for negotiations, will last 26 days. The delegation consists of J. H. Hofmeyr, Minister of the Interior; J. G. Kemp, Minister of Lands; Members of Parliament J. G. Derbyshire, Dr. N.J. Van der Merwe, Leif Egeland, and M.J. Van den Berg; P. I. Hoogenhout, Secretary of the Interior; P.F. Kincaid, Commissioner for Immigration and Asiatic Affairs; and C. J. Dames and K.V. Penzhorn, the Private Secretaries of the two Ministers.
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| 1936 |
December |
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Seth Govind Das, member of the Central Legislative Assembly of India, visits South Africa on behalf of the Indian National Congress and advises Indians not to accept any qualified franchise.
|
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| 1937 |
January |
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|
Sir Syed Reza Ali, Indian Agent-General, advises Indians to accept qualified franchise. This is contrary to advice given by Seth Govind Das and indicates the division between the Indian Government (colnial and British-controlled) and the Indian National Congress, comprised of people like Gandhi, Nehru, Seth Govind Das and Sarojini Naidu.
The Marketing Act, Act No. 26 of 1937 debars Indians from holding seats on regulatory boards. While the Marketing Bill was still under Parliamentary discussion, the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) sent a deputation to the Minister of Agriculture, Deneys Reitz, in protest, but to no avail.
The Native Administration Amendment Act, Act No. 9 of 1937 prohibits Indians and other persons of colour from employing whites.
The Industrial Conciliation Act, Act No. 36 of 1937 introduces the colour bar in trade unions.
Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Further Amendment) Act of 1937 is passed.
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| 1937 |
22 February |
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J.J. Pienaar and J.H. Grobler of the United Party introduce three Bills of discriminatory aim to the South African parliament:
1.The Mixed Marriages Bill aims to prohibit marriage between Asiatics, Europeans and Africans. In the event, the Bill is not passed, but a Mixed Marriages Commission is appointed.
2.The Provincial Legislative Powers Extension Bill aims to refuse trading licenses to non-Europeans who employ white people. The Bill is later passed as the Native Administration Amendment Act, Act 9 of 1937.
3.The Transvaal Asiatic Land Bill aims to deny the right of owning property to any white woman married to a non-European. The Bill is later passed as the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Further Amendment) Act of 1937.
The Pienaar-Grobler Bills elicit strong protests from the South African Indian Congress (SAIC). At the same time, Indian Congress members of the Legislative Assembly in India question the Indian Government (at this stage still a colonial government under British control) on what it is doing to safeguard rights of Indians in South Africa. The Indian Agent–General is to present the Indian Government's viewpoint to the South African Parliamentary Select Committee, but the Agent-General and Indian Government is considered ineffective by SA Indians.
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| 1938 |
February |
|
|
The Indian Agent-General in South Africa, Sir Syed Raza Ali, returns to India. The new Agent-General, Sir Benegal Rama Rau, arrives in May.
The Commission on Mixed Marriages, under the chairmanship of Mr Charles de Villiers, is appointed to investigate the issue of mixed marriages. In its report, the Commission later found no justification for legislation to prevent the White or Cape Malay wives of Asiatics from owning property, but recommended legislation prohibiting marriages between Whites and Blacks. |
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| 1938 |
3 February |
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|
The Transvaal Asiatic Land Laws Commission is appointed to report on the evasions of Asiatics of restrictive measures concerning the use, occupation and ownership of land. At a conference called by the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC), a proposal "to offer cooperation" to the Transvaal Asiatic Land Laws Commission is defeated by 56 votes to 44 due to opposition by Dr. Yusuf Dadoo and others. |
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| 1938 |
April |
|
|
The Coloured National Liberation League convenes a conference in Cape Town. At the conference, African, Coloured and Indian delegates representing 45 organisations decide to form to form the Non-European United Front (NEUF). Cissie Gool is elected President. Subsequently, a branch of the NEUF is formed in the Transvaal with Ebrahim Asvat as President, Dr. Yusuf Dadoo as secretary and includes J.B. Marks and others. |
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| 1938 |
April - May |
|
|
The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) is revitalised after former members, who resigned from the NIC following the former Indian Agent-General, Sir Syed Raza Ali's marriage, rejoins the Congress. |
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| 1938 |
18 April |
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The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the Colonial Born and Settlers' Indian Association (CBSIA) meet to hammer out an agreement on reconciliation. |
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| 1938 |
30 April |
|
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The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the Colonial Born and Settlers' Indian Association (CBSIA) both hold special meetings to discuss a merger of the two organisations. |
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| 1938 |
May |
|
|
Sir Benegal Rama Rau, the new Indian Agent-General, arrives in South Africa. He would remain in office until April 1941. He immediately begins work to bring the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the Colonial Born and Settlers' Indian Association (CBSIA) together in Natal. |
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| 1938 |
1 May |
|
|
Swami Bhawani Dayal is elected President of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) - the first Hindu to be elected as NIC President since the formation of NIC in 1894. |
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| 1938 |
4 May |
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The Union Government introduces the Asiatic (Transvaal Land and Trading) Bill, which provides for the protection of Indians in exempted areas for two years and for certificates for trading licences to be authorised by the Minister of Interior. Asiatics are not allowed to appoint nominees to buy land and obtain trading licences on their behalf. The Bill elicits protests from India, but eventually becomes law as the Asiatics (Transvaal Land and Trading) Act, Act No. 28 of 1939. |
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| 1938 |
June |
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The Minister of the Interior, Mr Stattaford, announces the Servitude Scheme after meeting with a deputation from the conference of the Pretoria Ratepayers' Associations. He informs the deputation that “…he would propose to the Government that legislation be introduced providing that, in cases where sixty per cent or more of the owners of property desired it, servitudes in respect of such properties be registered free of charge to prohibit the sale to, or hire of such properties by, Indians” (Muthal, Tyranny of Colour: 232). |
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| 1938 |
December |
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The unity of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the Colonial Born and Settlers' Indian Association (CBSIA) is short-lived. A.I. Kajee and Swami Bhawani Dayal re-establish the NIC. |
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| 1938 |
9 December - 10 December |
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The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) Conference passes resolutions regarding penetration, industrial legislation, education, social welfare and trade. Government attitudes and actions are severely criticised. |
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| 1939 |
March |
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Dr Yusuf Dadoo forms the Nationalist Bloc in the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC). |
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| 1939 |
1 March |
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The Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) calls a meeting called to protest latest anti-Indian measures (including the proposed servitude scheme of the Minister of the Interior, Mr Richard Stuttaford). The meeting is attended by one thousand people - a large number as the total Indian population of Transvaal numbers only about 25,000 at this time. S. M. Nana, the secretary of the TIC, moves a resolution to protest the proposed anti-Asian measures. Dr Yusuf Dadoo moves an amendment to declare a definite policy of Passive Resistance and to set up a Council of Action to devise ways and means to start a passive resistance campaign if the servitude scheme is introduced in Parliament. He also calls for cooperation with other non-white organisations. The amendment receives a large majority, but there is heated dispute as to whether the amendment has been carried. The older group of the TIC opposes vigorous measures of protest in the hope that the Feetham recommendations will be accepted by parliament. Nana offers to resign, but the President, M.E. Valod, declares that no passive resistance Council of Action will be set up. |
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| 1939 |
April |
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Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an Indian philosopher and statesman, visits South Africa.
The first national conference of the Non-European United Front (NEUF) is held in Cape Town. The national committee of the NEUF includes:
Mrs. Zainunnissa (Cissie) Gool, Chairperson
Moses Kotane, Secretary
R.G. Baloyi, Senior Vice-President
W.H. Andrews, Treasurer
H.A. Naidoo
Yusuf Dadoo
The Conference is attended by 125 delegates representing 83 organisations, including trade unions, religious, social, sporting and civic bodies. Officers of the Natal branch of the NEUF, formed subsequent to the Conference, include Cassim Amra, D.A. Seedat and Dr. Goonam.
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| 1939 |
7 May |
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A mass meeting of Indians, organised by the Nationalist Bloc of the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC), is held at Patidar Hall, Johannesburg, under the Chairmanship of E.I. Asvat, and attended by 3,000 people. Dr. Yusuf Dadoo is elected to lead Passive Resistance against what becomes the Asiatic (Transvaal Land and Trading) Act of 1939. The meeting maintains that the Union government's proposal for Indians is linked to an acceptance of segregation and ‘pegging legislation'. A Passive Resistance Council of 25 persons is appointed for the campaign. |
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| 1939 |
4 June |
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The Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) leadership calls another protest meeting and gangs of thugs appear with lethal weapons. They begin beating members of the Nationalist Bloc. Dr. Yusuf Dadoo escapes narrowly and one of his supporters, Dahyabhai (Dayabhai) Govindji, is disembowelled and dies on 8 June. Nine other persons are injured – four seriously – and hospitalised. All those injured are supporters of the Nationalist Bloc. The five Indians arrested by the police in connection with this incident are relatives of S. M. Nana and A.I. Kajee. One is an executive member of the TIC. The accused are released on bail, but the Attorney-General withdraws charges against them after the magistrate commits them for trial. The funeral of the victim becomes a major political event, drawing thousands of people. The violence leads to revulsion against the Valod-Nana group in the TIC leadership and Transvaal Indian support swings to Dadoo. |
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| 1939 |
9 July |
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At a meeting of 6,000 Indians, held at the Indian Sports Ground in Johannesburg under the chairmanship of E. I. Asvat, a decision is taken to launch the Passive Resistance Campaign (as decided upon at the earlier meeting of 7 May) on 1 August. A Council of Action for the campaign is set up with Dr. Yusuf Dadoo as Chairman. India declares its support for the intended the campaign of Passive Resistance. |
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| 1939 |
19 July |
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Mahatma Gandhi sends a telegram to Dr. Yusuf Dadoo suggesting the postponement of the intended Passive Resistance Campaign. |
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| 1939 |
23 July |
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To show the solidarity of Natal Indians with the intended Passive Resistance Campaign in the Transvaal, a mass meeting is organised mainly by leaders of the Colonial Born and Settlers Indian Association (CBSIA). However, passive resistance is later postponed following the earlier request of Mahatma Gandhi, who believes that a honourable settlement can be achieved. |
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| 1939 |
29 July |
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| 1939 |
19 August |
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The Mixed Marriages Commission, under the Chairmanship of Mr Charles de Villiers, releases its report and recommends that a law be introduced that would make mixed marriages impossible and illicit miscegenation punishable. |
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| 1939 |
22 August |
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The Indian Agent-General, Sir Benegal Rama Rau, convenes another meeting of representatives of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the Colonial Born and Settlers Indian Association (CBSIA) in a fresh attempt to achieve reconciliation between the two factions. |
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| 1939 |
1 September |
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Germany invades Poland and the Second World War commences when Britain declares war on Germany on 3 September. |
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| 1939 |
4 September |
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General J.C. Smuts becomes the new South African Prime Minister after Parliament narrowly approves his motion that South Africa should enter the Second World War on the side of Britain and the Allies. In India, the Indian Congress remains opposed to Indian involvement in the war, and links the supporting of Britain in the war to India's independence. Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy of India, states that dominion status is the goal of constitutional development and that action in this regard is to be taken after the war. In South Africa, South Africa's participation in the war also causes division in Indian ranks. |
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| 1939 |
October |
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In an attempt to get Black support for the South African war effort, the Union Government tones down segregationist rhetoric and decides not to proceed with anti-Indian legislation during the Second World War. Following an ‘informal understanding' between Mr H.G. Lawrence, the new Minister of the Interior, and Sir Benegal Rama Rau, the Indian Agent-General, the Union Government further indicates that an inquiry will be made to establish the extent of Indian penetration of de facto White areas, and that the cooperation of the Indian community was required to ensure that the status quo is maintained and that no new cases of penetration would take place. |
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| 1939 |
8 October |
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At a public meeting of 2,000 people in Durban, the Indian philosopher and statesman, Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, reconciles the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and Colonial Born and Settlers' Indian Association (CBSIA) members to form the Natal Indian Association (NIA). Hajee A.M.M. Lockhat elected President, and Sorabjee Rustomjee and P.R. Pather secretaries. The name of the new organisation is cleared with Gandhi. The NIA is backed mainly by leaders of the CBSIA and the radicals in the NIC. However, once again this unity proves to be short-lived. A group headed by A.I. Kajee and Swami Bhawani Dayal does not recognise the decision of the NIC to unite with the CBSIA and declines positions in the NIA. |
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| 1939 |
November |
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The executive of the newly formed Natal Indian Association (NIA) decides to cooperate with the envisaged Lawrence Committee, which, in conjunction with the Durban City Council, shall investigate and regulate the acquisition of property in Durban by Indians. |
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| 1940 |
January |
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A meeting is held between the Nationalist Bloc, Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) leadership and the Indian Agent-General, Sir Benegal Rama Rau, to unite the Indian political factions in the Transvaal. However, the meeting ends in failure. |
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| 1940 |
February |
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The decision of the Natal Indian Association (NIA) executive to cooperate with the Lawrence Committee in controlling the purchases of property by Indians in Durban is ratified by the NIA's general body. The NIA's decision to cooperate with the Committee is largely thanks to the persuasive influence of the efforts of the Indian Agent-General, Sir Benegal Rama Rau, who stresses that the Committee will provide an opportunity to discuss Indian housing problems and the need for proper amenities in the predominantly Indian-occupied areas, as well as the need for good alternate residential areas for the Indian middle class. |
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| 1940 |
4 February |
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The A.I. Kajee group declares that the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) is still in existence and that the procedures followed during the amalgamation of the NIC with the Colonial Born and Settlers Indian Association (CBSIA) were wrong. The depleted NIC, under the leadership of Kajee, strongly opposes the decision of the Natal Indian Association (NIA) to cooperate with the Lawrence Committee, arguing that it constitutes Indian acceptance of voluntary segregation. However, this stance is ironic, since Kajee in 1936 gave a similar assurance to the Natal Municipal Association. |
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| 1940 |
14 March |
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The Lawrence Committee, named after the Minister of the Interior, H.G. Lawrence, who initiated it, holds its inaugural meeting in Durban. The Committee consists of Mr R. Ellis-Brown (the Mayor of Durban), H.G. Capell, T. Kinloch, W.E. Knight, D.G. Shepstone and J.M. Harris as representatives of the Durban City Council; and six representatives of the Natal Indian Association (NIA), namely A. Christopher, Godfrey, A.S. Kajee, P.B. Singh, Sorabjee Rustomjee and P.R. Pather. The Indian Agent-General, Sir Benegal Rama Rau, also attends the inaugural meeting. |
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| 1940 |
15 May |
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The Indian Penetration Commission, under the chairmanship of Justice F.N. Broome, is appointed to investigate and report on the extent of Indian residential and trading penetration of predominantly White areas in the Transvaal and Natal since 1 January 1927 (the date of the Cape Town Agreement). |
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| 1940 |
June |
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Following a decision taken at a mass meeting of the Natal Indian Association (NIA) on 9 June, the Indian Service Corps is formed to provide transport, medical, hygiene and ambulance services in support of the South African Second World War effort.
The depleted Natal Indian Congress (also known as the A.I. Kajee group), with E.M. Paruk as president, holds a general meeting in Durban. The meeting is attended by 1,400 people. |
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| 1940 |
9 June |
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At a mass meeting of the Natal Indian Association (NIA), the NIA leadership (backed by the Indian Agent-General, Sir Benegal Rama Rau) declares its support for the Union Government's war effort, but demands that there should be full equality between White, Black, Indian and Coloured troops and other staff in the armed services and that democratic rights be extended. However, this decision is far from unanimous, as the NIA leadership is split between those who support the South African war effort and those opposed. Those opposed to the South African war effort, known as the radicals, demand that equal democratic rights first be extended to the disenfranchised population groups in South Africa, before they are expected to support and participate in the war effort. Strongly disagreeing with the NIA's decision to support the South African war effort and further opposed to the Association's cooperation with the Lawrence Committee on Indian penetration in the predominantly White areas of Durban, the radicals in the NIA form the Nationalist Bloc. In reaction to these developments, the NIA expels seven of the radicals, including H.A. Naidoo, D. Seedat, George Singh, G.M. Naicker, and Cassim Amra. |
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| 1940 |
29 July |
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Recruiting for the Indian Service Corps (mechanical and transport section) begins under Colonel Morris. In a later confidential report, Colonel Morris highly praises the efforts of the Natal Indian Association (NIA), and especially that of A. Christopher, P.R. Pather, S.R. Naidoo and S. Rustomjee, each of whom had spent ten hours daily in assisting the recruiting programme. In the report, he gives the following examples of the contribution made by the NIA's war committee: They provided premises free of charge to the Durban recruiting office; contributed £100 to the Regimental Funds; presented the Indian Services Corps with five motor cars to assist in the instruction of drivers; supplied free hot meals to those attested and waiting for enrolment; provided blankets for all recruits proceeding to Johannesburg; organised a gifts and comforts committee; and offered to supply a musical band without charge. |
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| 1940 |
20 September |
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The Indian Agent-General, Sir Benegal Rama Rau, reluctantly admits that the recruitment drive under Indians in Natal for the South African Indian Service Corps (established to provide transport, medical, hygiene and ambulance services in support of the South African Second World War effort) has been a failure mainly due to the anti-war activities of the Nationalist Bloc in Natal. |
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