Braving the cold night of Thursday, 29 August 2024, Dr Thelma John David, the Consul-General of India in Durban, embarked on a meaningful journey to Newcastle. Her purpose was clear and deeply resonant—to foster and strengthen the ties between South Africa and India, focusing on building relationships at a grassroots level.
The Newcastle Club was abuzz with anticipation as several Newcastillians gathered to hear from Dr John David.
With warmth and sincerity, she addressed the crowd, emphasising the profound and rich heritage that links both South Africa and Newcastle to India. This shared heritage, she explained, was a cornerstone of her visit to Newcastle.
Engaging with the community members, Dr John David remarked, “I am also here to remember 30 years of diplomacy and democracy between the two countries, as both India and South Africa are young democracies that have built up strong relationships through the years.”
She spoke with pride about how this relationship has blossomed since the fall of apartheid, with both South Africa and India now playing vital roles within BRICS.
For those unfamiliar, BRICS is a powerful intergovernmental organisation that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Originally identified as a grouping to highlight investment opportunities, BRICS has since evolved into a significant geopolitical bloc.
Moreover, the member governments meet annually at formal summits and have been coordinating multilateral policies since 2009. Dr John David highlighted how the relationship between South Africa and India, grounded in principles of non-interference, equality, and mutual benefit, has led to thriving trade relations that bolster both economies.
A significant part of Dr John David’s visit was to bring attention to the various programmes her office offers to the residents of Newcastle. “This includes assistance with visas and highlighting programmes that we offer, such as scholarships to study in India. To date, we have sent three people from the Newcastle and Ladysmith area to study on full scholarships in India,” she shared.
She further elaborated on the importance of these scholarships, which are fully funded opportunities for locals to pursue tertiary education in India. “Most of those who studied in India are back in the country, contributing to the local economy. These scholarships are not just educational opportunities; they are bridges that connect our two countries, helping to develop our youth. We encourage people to participate in this programme, with the application portals being open from February to March.”
While education played a focal point of the evening, Dr John David also shed light on other programmes offered by her office.
She mentioned cultural initiatives that provide local Indian communities with the chance to immerse themselves in Indian art forms, such as dance and yoga. Additionally, she discussed capacity training programmes that aim to empower individuals across various sectors, with skills ranging from boilermaking to agriculture.
The significance of Newcastle in the historical context of Gandhi’s life was also a key aspect of Dr John David’s visit. For those who may not be aware, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who used nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule. Gandhi’s influence extended globally, inspiring movements for civil rights and freedom. The title “Mahātmā,” meaning “great-souled” or “venerable” in Sanskrit, was first applied to him in South Africa in 1914 and has since become widely recognised around the world.
Gandhi’s connection to Newcastle dates back to 29 October 1913, when he led hundreds of men, women, and children on a march from Newcastle, then part of the Natal Colony, into the Transvaal.
This march was a bold defiance of the Immigrants Regulation Act of 1913 (Act No. 22). Gandhi’s leadership during this event, along with the support of Thambi Naidoo and Albert Christopher, marked one of the most significant episodes in South African history. Gandhi was arrested the following day at Palmford, yet his determination never wavered. Before this march, Thambi Naidoo had galvanised the Indian community in Newcastle to begin the Satyagraha Campaign, also known as the Passive Resistance Campaign.
Gandhi’s strict rules for the Satyagrahis, which called for patience and non-retaliation even in the face of insults, flogging, or arrest, were put to the test during this historic march. On 6 November 1913, Gandhi was arrested while leading another march involving 127 women, 57 children, and 2,037 men. Despite his arrest, he was released on bail, rejoined the march, and was arrested again. This persistent nonviolent resistance eventually led to the repeal of the Indian Relief Bill.
Dr John David highlighted that Gandhi earned the title of Mahātmā during his time in South Africa, and that Newcastle, along with the broader South African and Indian communities, played an essential role in shaping his legacy.
After her talk, Dr John David took questions from the attendees. The discussions revolved around the various programmes provided by her office, visa processes, and how the Consul-General’s office could further strengthen its relationship with the local community.
As the Consul-General of India continues to build relationships at the grassroots level, your thoughts and perspectives are invaluable. What are your thoughts on the above? Be sure to share them in the comment section below.
