KwaZulu Natal Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize and eThekwini Mayor, Cllr Obed Mlaba will officiate at the unveiling of the graves of the indentured Indian labourers and local Africans at the Dube Trade Port. The milestone event is a significant part of the province’s roll-out campaign of interesting events and activities to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal.
The graves were discovered during the construction of the King Shaka International Airport and dates back to the 1920s. Traditional burial grounds are protected by law in terms of Section 35 of the KZN Heritage Act of 2008. The event highlights the provinces heritage commitment to preserve the traditional burial ground and the graves of a community that previously used the area for burial purposes. Families of the deceased have identified 100 graves of their relatives at the site and will attend the event.
A plaque developed in honour of those who were buried at the site will be unveiled at the Memorial Garden.
The event is scheduled as follows:
Date: Saturday, 2 October 2010
Venue: Dube Trade Port (road signage to be provided)
Time: 10h00