November 16, 1860, marks the arrival of the first Indians in South Africa, who were brought as slaves to work on the sugar plantations in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The period from 1860 to1923 is characterised firstly by the introduction of indentured Indian labourers into KZN and of the "passenger" Indians who came to trade, and secondly by the Gandhi resistance campaign and the formation of the Natal Indian Congress (1894), the Transvaal British Indian Association (1903), the Cape British Indian Council (before 1917) and the South African Indian Congress (1919)*.

Celebrating 150 years since the arrival of Indians in South Africa indicates the value that Indian descent adds to the diversity and unique character of the country, President Jacob Zuma said on a State visit to India earlier this year.

"In those 150 years, we have seen Indians who were brought to the country as slaves in the sugar plantations toil their way out of the dehumanising and demeaning garments of slavery, to excellence in different fields.

"These have impacted positively in South Africa's development programmes. This long, hazardous yet worthy journey has unleashed many heroes and heroines who have left an indelible mark in the collective memory of the nation, also at a political level," he said.

There have been many leaders and individuals who have emerged from the South African Indian community as influential characters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Monty Naicker, Yusuf Dadoo, Ahmed Kathrada, Ismael Cachalia and Mac Maharaj himself, besides many other inspiring individuals who have contributed to South Africa's rich history.

In this video clip, anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Mac Maharaj discusses the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa, with Polity's Brindaveni Naidoo.

* South Africa History Online