PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE 11TH ANNUAL PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE HELD AT THE MAHATMA GANDHI HALL, DURBAN ON FRIDAY THE 21ST NOVEMBER, 1958

READ TO CONFERENCE BY:

Vice-President of the ^atal Indian Congress,

Mr, Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The 11th Annual Conference of the Natal Indian Congress assembles at a time when our people are facing the most critical period in their history. The steps taken to implement the Group Areas Act have caused grave concern in every Indian home in the Union for one of the avowed aims of this diabolical legislation is to enforce expatriation and pending which to relegate us into ghettoes as a reservoir of cheap labour#

The naked aim of the Group Areas Legislation is to make our people impotent in the economic field so that Apartheid oppression can be completed and all the non-White people of South Africa are reduced to the lowest rung of the economic ladder*

The Group Areas Act is described as the corner-stone of the policy of Apartheid, a policy which seeks to entrench White domination under Afrikaner baaskap. It is a policy which naturally flows from the narrow and bigoted tribalism of the Nationalist Party*

While the White ruling Group in South Africa is preaching Apartheid and is doing everyhting possible to prevent healthy race contact, we who belong to the democratic camp have a duty to ourselves, to our civilisation and to posterity. We have to uphold at all costs the banner of a common society based on equality and respect for all in our multi­ racial country.

We reject Afrikaner baaskap tribalism most categorically and today this very platform at the opening of our Conference is a clear illustration of our unbroken faith in creating a South Africa in which all our people can live in harmony and in peace.

We have worked for some years now in closest co-operation in the Congresses in the Union, Today we are most thankful that Mr.

of democracy.

Indian South Africans form the smallest £I*OL2n of* nn nnn+i -mrf a

of its founder has had a profound impact on mankind.

We • • • •/ 2 We in South Africa are part of a world-wide movement for democracy peaoe and justice and we are vitally interested as to what is happening outside our border. Our Congress policy is based on that great philosophy of non-violence and it is natural that in the international field we stand for peace and for the solution of all international problems by non-violent means.

We are totally against all domination of one country by another for we stand for the right of each and every nation big and small to be completely sovereign and therefore we are against the presence and use of foreign troops on the soil of any country.

We have fully supported the United Nations Charter and the n ernational Declaration of Human Rights and once again we record our thanks to member-states of the United Ifetions for the magnificient stand taken on racial discrimination in the Union,

We record with great satisfaction the growing influence exerted for peace and democracy in international affairs by Afro-Asian Powers most of whom have entered the world family of nations with their newly won freedoms,

Bandung, Cairo and Accra hafe become important milestones in cementing friendship and understanding between the peoples of Africa and Asia, Next month when the proposed conference is held at Accra representing the people on the continent of Africa, it will be the voice of the democracy loving people of South Africa that will also be heard there,

NATIONAL :

Over 64 years ago on the 22nd May 1894 in the humble home of Mr, Dada Abdulla in Durban the Congress movement saw its birth. A young lawyer from India Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on that day founded the Natal Indian Congress and today Congress has become the vanguard of the freedom movement in South Africa.

The founder of our organisation worked out the philosophy of non-violence and Satyagraha on the South African soil. That philosophy has been consistently upheld by our Congress. We believe that in South Africa there is room for all her people. There can be no place for hatred against anyone in our multi-racial society.

We believe that it is vitally necessary that we as an organisation should each year celebrate Founder's Day - the third Sunday of each May by reiterating the significance of the contribution made by Mahatma Gandhi to the entire world. On this day there should be an annual Founders’ Day Address by a prominent personality assessing the value of non-violence in the struggle for freedom and emancipation.

Delegates at the Conference should resolve to commemorate Founder’ s Day as from next year.

When we met in Conference last year the General Elections had not yet taken place and I had made pointed remarks on the issues involved before the electorate. The General Elections have once again proved that the denial of the vote to the vast masses of the South African population results in the curtailment of democracy for all the people of South Africa including the White population. The emergence of Verwoerdian regime is the natural and logical outcome of restricting the vote. Had the frontiers of democracy been extended to embrace all South Africans of all colours then our country today would not have been on the verge of totalitarianism. The election results should be a warning to all White South Africans opposed to the ationalists that if they want to see a true democracy in South Africa the vote should be extended to all irrespective of race or colour.

•As • • • ,3 As a community we fully know what it is to be completely voteless. In 1896 Indians in Natal were deprived of the Parliamentary Vote and in 1924 they lost the Municipal Franchise. Had the Indian people Parliamentary Franchise would D r, Donges have dared to place in the Statute Book a measure such as the Group Areas Act? Had the Indian people the Municipal Vote would the Durban City Council have advocated race zoning of the type proclaimed on June 6th this year or race zoning of any type?

It is vitally necessary for our people to understand fully the importance of political rights. It is because we are denied the vote that we suffer so many economic, social and educational disabilities in the Union,

It is not my intention to recount to you the measures taken by the Nationalist Government during the last session of Parliament to restrict further basic freedoms in the country. You know these too well. But I do wish to say this in respect of the Group Areas Act. By June 1959 we have a very important task to fulfil in making the country and the world know how unjust and disastrous the Group Areas measures are.

We are indeed thankful to Mr. Alan Paton for the way in which he has spoken out against the Group Areas Act and against all injustices in South Africa.

From this conference let each and every delegate return to his area dedicated to the task of defeating this la w . Our petition to Parliament must become the biggest petition ever presented and we must rally the entire community behind our just slogan "DEFEND YOUR HOMES” , I want to assure the Indian Community that the Nat al Indian Congress will be in the forefront of the struggle against the Group Areas Legislation,

The Congress alliance is continuing to grow in strength and we are proud of the fact that the African National Congress today stands as the real bulwark of freedom. It has completely rejected narrow tribalism and is today under the leadership of one of South Africa’s greatest democrats Chief Albert J. Luthuli, leading the African people on the path of a common society based on democracy and peace among all sections of the South African population.

In two years time the Indian people will be observing the Centenary of their arrival in South Africa, It is our task to mark that event with some striking and lasting example of multi-racial co-operation and achievement. Delegates must give a serious though to this question at this Conference.

In 1960 when we celebrate this Centenary let it be said by all true historians that in South Africa we have remained the upholders of democracy and freedom and that in a world full of violence and hatred the philosophy of non-violence and love has remained the only effective signpost for the progress of mankind,

I would have liked to have been with you all in person but as you know the Treason Trials are not yet over. These trials perhaps more than any other factor have brought South African democrats closer to each other and we are indeed thankful to people outside the broders of the Union and in particular to Canon Collins for the magnificient support the Treason Trial Defence Fund has received.

The ensuing year w ill be one of great trials and tribulations for the Indian Community, It is the first year of Dr. Verwoerd’s rule and the first year of the Group Areas Proclamations. We enter this year with the firm resolve to oppose all Acts of tyranny in the firm belief that our cause is just. Democracy will and must triumph in this South Africa - our beloved country. SECRETARIAL REPORT

(A) POLITICAL: i. International ii.. National

(B) GROUP AREAS. i 0 Housing & Amenities. (C) ii. Labour, iii. Education. (D) ORGANISATION. - 1 -

SECRETARIAL REPORT

Delivered by the Acting General Secretary to the 11th Annual Provincial Conference of the Natal Indian Congress held at Durban on the 21st, 22nd and 24th November, 1958

1. POLITICAL.

INTERNATIONAL;

t In his Pre.ld°ntal Add-"ess Dr. G. M. Naicker ha- oriefly outlined what may be termed the 'foreign policy’ of the Natal Indian uongress. In keeping with past traditions I intend dealing with the political report under two seperate headings, international or foreign affairs and South » African affairs.

In the year under review it is significant to note that the policy of brinkmanship has met with total disaster and conference must with the peoples of the world hail the victory of those forces who stand for peace.

The Cyprus, Algerian and Formosan issues s t ill provide material for the world conflagration if the Great Powers do not follow the path of sanity and find a satisfactory peaceful solution by negotiations. When nations have reached full statehood it is only sensible that they be accorded full international status allowing them full scope for joining the comity of nations and making their contributions towards the better development of human relationship and human progress.

It is in the interest of world peace that domination of one state by another should end and that no state should intervene in the affairs of another as was done in the Middle East.

V«e make common cause with all the peoples in all parts of the world fighting for freedom and justice and we say to them to use the powerful weapon of non-violence in their endeavours to eliminate poverty, misery and foreign exploitation.

Africa is now astir and next month at Accra the world will hear anew of the aspirations of the teeming millions of this great continent known for too long a period in history as the Dark Continent.

The peoples of Africa and Asia have much in common. They are , either groaning under foreign exploitation or their memory of such an exploitation is all too fresh and because of their bitter experience they are destined to become the greatest champions of democracy and freedom in the present day world. ft As Asians and Africans have worked in harmony, understanding and co-operation in the Union against apartheid and racial discriminatior we want to see the same spirit prevailing from Algeria to the Cnpe of Good Hope in every country on our continent. Let people of Afro-Asian origin hold high the banner of democracy and invite within their folds all residents in every country to lay the sure and lasting basis for non- racial democracy.

Every...... / 2 Every new nation on the Afro-Asian continents is an important voice in the councils of the world for sanity in international affairs. Malaya, Ghana and New Guinea are all important acquisitions on the side of the freedom loving vjorld. Let us hope that in the ensuing year many others will join these nations which are already free.

Africa is on the march and we have to keep in step. The Conference next month at Accra heralds a new era for us. We welcome the preliminary uttorances concerning this Conference, and are pleased to note that non­ violence will feature as the guiding philosophy for Africa's freedom. We are also pleased that the voice of the freedom-loving people of the Union will be heard at this Conference.

Racial discrimination contains within it the seeds of a global conflict. We are pained despite our local experience to hear of Little Rock and Notting H i l l . But whereas the peoples of the United States and Great Britain are declared opponents of racialism in our own country the reverse is the position and therefore it is natural that the United Nations should roundly condemn race discrimination in the Union as it did in the present session with the United States of America for the first time voting for the majority decision.

The United Nations has still to debate the Question of our treat­ ment in South Africa and we know that there too world opinion is almost wholly ranged against the Union Government.

From the United Nations discussions and decisions and from the large number of messages we have received at this Conference we note with gratitude that the entire world stands with us in our just demand. The Union Government is swimming against the tides of history and it is bound to suffer defeat.

Our struggle on the other hand is one for which mankind has struggled from time immemorial and never yet in the history of any nation has the cause of democracy suffered lasting defeat.

SOUTH AFRICA:

While in the international field the forces of democracy and freedom are making great headway in all the countries in all the continents we have to admit with regret that in South Africa the year under review saw the coming into existence the Government of D r. Verwoerd. Our new Prime Minister has held very definite views on democracy, National Socialism in Germany and Apartheid. And it is correct to say that under him South Africa has got a most extreme right wing Government aimed at perpetuating Baaskap at all cost.s.

That Verwoerd and his Cabinet took office at a time when a number of mass trials were proceeding in our Law Courts including the Treason Trials which has cost us so dearly as far as the leadership of this very Congress is concerned, is significant.

While dark clouds are gathering on the South African horizon and while the Indian people are in the midst of a grave crisis caused by the implementation of the Group Areas Act, it is correct to say that on the anti-apartheidfront a democratic united opposition is being consolidated, The future of South Africa lies in an urgent and effective mobilisation of all her democratically minded peoples in order to stem the tide of apartheid and oppression.

Insread.. . ,/3 Instead of apartheid we offer democracy, co-operation and harmony. We have hatred for none and we reject totally and completely the use of any kind of force whatsoever for the achievement of our objectives. We stand for the brotherhood of man which Christ, Buddha, Mohammed and Rama spoke. We believe implicitly in the possibility of the white and non-white living in harmony and in equality in this beautiful country we love so dearly.

No one can accuse us of preaching hatred. If we are agitators then we only agitate for human decency and for the spreading of the gospel among our neighbours.

It hurts and pains us to find that our country is an outcast among the family of democratic Nations. We are firmly convinced that race discrimination and apartheid are increasing tension within our country and therefore we speak out in the name of humanity against all that we believe to be unjust. Did not the iifrikaaner do the same when he felt grieved by what the British were doing to him? I& it wrong for us to ask of the authorities that we live in peace and that our homes should not be taken away from us?

Yes, that is the biggest issue before the Indian people, the question of their homes, and to my mind this Conference should be regarded essentially as a Special Conference with Group Areas legislation as the main issue for consideration.

The Proclamation of June 6th has hit the Indian people of Durban very hard indeed and in our report dealing with Group Areas full consider­ ation must be given to the effect of the Proclamations and our answer to the authorities.

It has now been announced that the Treason Trials will recommence on the 19th January before the Special Criminal Court with 30 accused and that 61 of the accused are to appear on the 20th April facing a similar charge. Besides the bruning issue of the Group Areas Act the Treason Trials must be regared as v itally important to the Indian community who must give unstintingly to the Treason Trial Defence Fund on whom tremendous calls will be made during the ensuing year.

I reiterate the remarks made by the President on the question of the Centenary of our arrival in Siuth Africa. It is the duty of Conference to give the community a concrete lead on how to observe this occassion effectively.

Our alliance with the African National Congress and with other congress has resulted in much useful activity during the year. During the coming year this alliance must be strengthened even more, so that we can meet the challenge facing our country. We must regard the struggle of all the peoples of South Africa for de mocracy as our own struggle.

Whether it may be a campaign on the Pass Laws, a campaign on the Group Areas Act, or a campaign for increased wages, it is a common campaign of all freedom loving people of the Union. The Congress alliance must seriously consider new organisational forms to achieve their objectives of maxim:*!! co-operation on issues on which all congresses are agreed. T I venture to suggest that the time has arrived not only for regular consul­ tations at executive level but also the calling of full-fledged conferences of the members of the Comgress alliance to discuss common problems and hammer out agreed solutions.

Instead of delegates/,,4 - If. -

Instead of delegates assembling here from the Natal Indian Congress, how effective it would be if the delegates of the Natal Indian Congress, African National Congress, South African Coloured Peoples’ Organisation, South Afrioan Congress of Democrats and the South African Congress of Trade Unions, meeting at Provincial levels so that local area leaders can come to know each other better and likewise on a national plane provincial leaders meeting each other and exchanging views in our endeavours to establish a non-racial democracy in the Union. I sincerely believe that this suggestion requires consideration at the higest level in Congress oirolea.

I with to and this politieal nith om significant oomsnt aa *agasda the rallying of our people behind our political slogans. I agree with Dr. Naicker that the basic issue in South Africa is one of Franchise and that all our ills arise from the denial of the vote to our people. But to rally our people behind the slogan of Universal Adult Franchise it is essential to have a powerful organisation with its roots deeply implanted among our pe ople.

To achieve organisational strength it is not sufficient to put forward broad political demands before the people whom we represent. It is vitally necessary for Congress Branches, Congressmen and Congresswomen to be alive to the day to day issues affecting the lives of the people with whom they work. If Congress Branches and Congress leaders are there with the people and in their day to day struggle, on issues such as schooling facilities, higher wages, civic amenities, hospitalisation and social welfare then only will our people have confidonce in the leaders and in our Branches.

I f we show results and sincerity and sacrifice in grappling with these day to day problems then and then only con we get the people rallied effectively behind our brood political slogans which are so essential to ■a truly democratic South Africa.

Under orfrr.nisational report we can deal with this question in detail and more offr.-cv. ;• but I feel it my duty to say that the most important political t . t ; . :f0re Congress in the ensuing year is to make the Natal Indian Cong;e«s ^.he oldest section of the Congress alliance in South A fric a» the most effective organisation so that we can march forward non-violently for the achievement of our objectives.

From now onwards let us march forward from strength to strength so that in 1960, we can proudly say wo have justified our existence in this country as one of the chief upholders of LIBERTY, EQUALITY and FRATERNITY. - 5 - SECRETARIAL REPORT

GROUP AREAS ACT

The Congress policy on the Group Areas legislations is c3-ear and has been enunciated at each Conference since the Act was passed in 1950. We are totally opposed to this law and at every stage of its implementation it is the task of every consti­ tuent body of the South African Indian Congress to rally the affected people under our slogan of"DEPEND OUR HOMES".

Since we last met in Conference the most significant development under the Group Areas legislations has been the pro­ clamations of June 6th affecting Durban and Pretoria. These proclamations more than any other recent act fully vindicated our stand in opposition to this obnoxious legislation and naked­ ly exposed the law as primarily aimed at ruining our people economically.

Besides the Proclamation of June 6th the Group Areas Board has held hearings in certain area.s and in others has ad­ vertised race zoning proposals. The Congress has in all such cases lodged the objection of the Indian people totally reject­ ing race zoning and condemning every move to present alternate race zoning plans.

It is the duty of the Natal Indian Congress and the Branches to make known to our people the independent Congress line on the Areas Acts We have been fortunate in creating a united front around our basic policy under the Natal Provincial Vigilance Committee. This body has accepted fully the Congress stand of opposition.

A distinction must be drawn between the principled opposition to the Group Areas Legislations offered by the Vigi­ lance Committee and the broader united front formed for the specific purpose of opposing the Proclamation of June 6th. Con­ ference Is aware of the fact that under a Committee of Sponsors on the 26th June this year, the Indian people of Durban demons­ trated as never before in their tens of thousands at Curries Fountain. It is true that among the sponsors were individuals who have favoured submission of alternate race zoning plans.

When the Congress takes part in such a broad united front its first and primary function is to get the maximum support of the people on t.he issue in question. In respect of the Proclamations of June 6th that primary function was to demons­ trate to the Union Government and to the world the unanimous rejection of the devastating Proclamations. Besides this pri­ mary function Congress has another vital function to fulfil in respect of its policy and programme and that is to take its independent policy of total opposition to the people as a whole. There should be no room for confusion In regard to these dual functions of working within the united front and yet boldly putting forth to the people our independent line of action.

Let each Branch of Congress really answer this question, whether it has in its own area succeeded in working within the framework of a united front and yet at the same time taking to the people its full programme and policy in re.gard to these laws.

DURBAN

It Is essential that at this Conference we place on record the devastating effccts of the Proclamation affecting Durban, According to the figures. /£>,. According to the figures of census.taken by the Union Government in 1951 the population of Durban was as follows:

Indians . . ... 145,744.

Africans ...... 132,841.

Whites . . • • • 131,430 Coloureds . . • • • 16. 104. The position in respect of land holdings for Durban ls as follows:- acres value. 1 . Total area of Durban 39,732 £178,645,960 2 .Owned by Government and local authorities(all white) 12,885 £ 40,113.620

3. White owned 16,419 £113, 879,100

4. Indian owned 10,323 £ 24*541,060

5. African & Coloured owned 105 £ 90,000 of It will thus be noted that/all the non-white groups Indians own a substantial area of Durban. One of the factors responsible for this position ls the unique racial composition of Durban among the major cities of South Africa. Becaues of legal restrictions on freedom of movement within the boundaries of the Union of South Africa itself 40.16% of the total Indian population of tfce country as compared to 5 . 01$ whites; 1 . 51$ Coloureds and 1.57$ Africans, is confined to Durban. Further­ more the landholdings of the African people have been severely restricted by the Land Act of 1913 a*id the Urban Areas Act of 1923, measures enacted so that they permanently remain a re­ servoir of cheap labour. It is our contention that one of the aims which the Group Areas Act seeks to achieve is to destroy the Indian people in the economic field, make them also a re­ servoir of cheap labour and coerce them to expatriate from the Union of South Africa.

The Proclamations affecting the City of Durban was published in the Government Gazette Extraordinary N0.6O68 of June 6th 1958. The Proclamation, although only covering a portion of the City - (subsequent proclamations will deal with the rest) - has resulted in a hue and cry on the part of all South Africans who love justice as it nakedly illustrates the true nature of the Act.

In the Union Parliament Dr. Donges, replying to a question as to the estimated number of persons who would event­ ually have to be moved from their homes and premises in Durban as a result of the proclamations of June 6th said that based on the 1951 Census the approximate numbers were as follows:-

Indians ...... 75,000 Coloureds . . . . . 8, 5°0 Whites ...... 1,000 (Hansard Volume 5, 1958)

And it was the same Dr.Donge^7... had And It was the same Dr.Donges whc/said that thel,carf*y- ing out of this Act ... will be based on justice.'1

The areas still unzoned but already threatened by the Council's race zoning plans will it is estimated result in the further uprooting of:-

54.000 Indians.

44.000 Africans.

6,000 Coloureds. It would not be an exaggeration to state that there is a move to make Durban an all white city by expelling from its boundaries more than 200,000 of its non-white citizens.

Dr. Donges did not give Parliament the figures of African displacements but is is estimated that under the full implementation of the zoning plans of the Durban City Council over 100,000 Africans will be displaced.

It has been estimated that with the full implementation of the race zoning plans of the Durban City Council Indians will be deprived of 6,658 acres of their present land holdings and 4,626 dwellings.

Taking into account the present day market value of the properties affected it is estimated that Indians in Durban stand to lose over £30, 000,000 under the proposed race zoning plans.It has been estimated that if the zoning plans of the Durban City Council are fully Implemented 35 Indian schools with an enrol­ ment of 8,771 pupils will be uprooted. This will have devastat­ ing effect on Indian Education in Durban a city where already - about 10,000 Indian children are without any schools whatsoever because of the polcy of racial discrimination in the Educational field - a policy which makes education free and compulsory for white children only.

Thousands of Indian businesses in Durban will be ruin­ ed as a result of the Proclamations. It is not possible at pres­ ent to estimate fully the total losses which Indian commerce will suffer in Durban with the City completely zoned under the Group Areas Act.

The Proclamations of June 6th ,1958 besides dealing with Durban also deals with Pretoria, the capital city of the Transvaal, where about 70$ of Indian businesses will have to close down within 1 and 3 years of the Proclamation. In the Prinsloo Street area of Pretoria alone where 127 businesses are effected, It is estimated that Indian commerce will lose over £6, 500, 000. Not only are businesses and homes affected but also mosques, temples and churches, notwithstanding the fact that Moslems and Hindus regard their places of worship as sacro­ sanct and which should forever remain as places of worship, in terms of their religious laws. The Group Areas Act in respect of these places of worship violates the fundamental principle of religious freedom.

The 1 roclamations of June :6th have the immediate effect of making large areas owned and occupied by our people in and around Durban immediate Group Areas for White ownership. In some area /8 In some areas like the Beach and upper Berea, we have to vacate within a year. In the other areas the Sword of Damocles hangs over the heads of our people. The areas of ^ato Manor, River­ side, Prospect Hall, the Lower Berea, Bellair, Hillary and others are proclaimed future white occupation areas.

On the Berea we stand to lose 127 acres of land and 705 dwellings valued at £1,134,450,

In the Beach area over 120 Indians, 120 Coloureds and about 2,700 Africans are affected.

In Woodlands and Montclair over 1,600 Africans and 175 Indians will have to move.

In Merebank Indians will lose 241 acres of land valued at £82,140, Over 2,000 Indians and 1,100 are affected.

On the Bluff some 1,800 Indians, 3,359 Africans and 181 Coloureds will have to move, Indians stand to lose 175 dwellings and 552 acres of land valued at £195*000• In Rossburgh, Sea View, Bellair and Hillary over 6.000 Indians, 493 Coloureds and 3,3 0 6 Africans, totalling 9,879 non-whites will be moved, Indians will lose over 400 dwellings, 755 acres of land valued at £266, 520,

In Brladene, Riverside and Prospect Hall Road over 6.000 Indians and 5,000 Africans will be displaced, Indians stand to lose 480 acres of land and 400 dwellings are involved at a value of £403,240 and a market value of million pounds.

In Cato Manor 25,798 Indians, 2,107 Coloureds and 28,298 Africans will be shifted, Indians will lose 2891 acres of land and 2,444 dwellings valued at £1,685,350* Coloureds and Africans will lose over 7® acres of land and 133 dwellings valued at £25,940,

COURT ACTION The Mass Meeting of June 26th has decided on challeng­ ing the Proclamation in the Supreme Court. The timing of this action must be left in the hands of the Sponsoring Committee who must act as advised by legal opinion. It is however the duty of Congress to remain ever M gllant and thus ensure that no undue delay takes place in taking action at the appropriate time.

OUR TASKS

The Mass Petition now circulating should receive the highest priority in the task before the Congress, Branches must immediately after this Conference plan out vigorous area campaigns canvassing each and every home in Durban on this issue. The Petition speaks on behalf of all justice loving people of Durban and therefore it is lncumbant on us to get all sections of our multi-racial population to back this petition. It is strongly felt that the petition opens up great possibilities for joint field work on the part of the Congress alliance in particular and on the part of all those opposed to this legislation.

The most effective way of handling this question would be to organise concerted weekly area drives choosing one particu­ lar area per week. In the particular area chosen for the week we should have in the field Indian, African, European and Coloured field workers working as a team and collecting signatures in unision. This will be an effective way of coming to know the people of the area and at the same time explaining to the people That essentially the Group Areas,,,/ that essentially the Group Areas Legislation is aimed at all the non-white people of the Union and that it is Just another facet of the land Acts of 1913 and 1936, laws which have already struck severe blows at the economic progress of the African people.

Just imagine how valuable will such work be if during one weekend our multi-racial team operated in Cato Manor and the next Springfield, followed by Sparks Estate Housing Scheme.

For some time now it has been felt that readable litera­ ture on Group Areas was required in our field work. The magnifi­ cent booklet..- The People Wept - by Mr Alan Paton is ideal for this purpose. We are indeed grateful to Mr Paton for writing this booklet which speaks from his heart and is an effective contri­ bution in the cause of the fight against this legislation.

We reject the Group Areas legislation in toto, and so does the entire democratic world. Our task is to remain forever vigilant because this law threatens our very existence and we cannot in any way be a party co its Implementation. SECRETARIAL REPORT

HOUSING AM) AMENITIES:

It is not intended this year to deal comprehensively with the problems facing our community in Housing and Civic Amenities. The problems basically remain the same as posed before Conference last year. It is however, necessary to emphasise that the incoming Executive should ensure in particular that we have an active and alive sub-Committee dealing with the problems of Housing and Amenities.

Already moves are afoot to create huge Housing Schemes to which the Authorities Vant to remore Indians expelled under the Group Areas Procla­ mations. The Durban City Council remains notorious for its neglect of Indian Housing and for its criminal neglect of civic amenities for our people. Our task is to expose the Council and the Authorities on their moves to expell Indians from Durban under the pretext of grandiose Housing Projects which ore nothing but projects to banish our community to the barren velds outside the city boundaries.

On the question of Civic Amenities and Transport we must constantly raise our demands. Transport in particular with the general increase in the cost of living is becoming a burJiing issue and our people cannot afford to meet increased transport costs which arise from the segregated housing schemas created against our wishes. The Bus Boycott Movement particularly on the Reef ilustrates how strongly our people feel about this problem.

LABCUR:

The Labour situation calls for urgent consideration on the part of Conference particularly when on the admission of the Department of Labour itself, Durban has 16,000 unemployed Indians. It is for us to determine the cause for this state of affairs. The job reservation provision of the Industrial Cohciliation Act, if implemented, is likely to create even more serious results. There is also the question particularly in the Clothing Industry, of factories in rural areas exempt from the provisions of Wage Agreements.

The gap between skilled and unskilled labour in South Africa continues to widen and there is now open admission on the part of organised Commerce and Industry and Local Authorities that unskilled wages are ' totally inadequate and that there is an urgent need for revision. In the face of these admissions it is vitally necessary that we in co-operation with the Trade Union Movement carry on a vigorous campaign for higher wages under the Pound-a-Day Slogan.

EDUCATION:

The most vital question in the field of education is the problem of finding accommodation for our school-less population. It is estimated that nearly 10,000 Indian children were refused admission at the beginning of this year.

The Platoon.. . ./II The Platoon schools which were established to meet an urgency should not be allowed to become a permanent feature of Indian Education and there­ fore we are faced with the problem of finding adequate schools for not only the 10,000, children who are without any school whatsoever but also for those who are now receiving what is admittedly an inferior education under the Platoon system.

The Congress has consistently advocated free and compulsory education and our demand for this must be made at all times no matter what other practical steps have been taken to meet an emergency.

IMP IAN EDUCATION O O M H T E E :

Congress continued its participation in this brood Committee. As a result of the representations made by this Committee, experimental classes for children over ten years were started at Dartnel Crescent Junior, Greyville and Depot Road Government Indian Schools to afford accelerated instruction. These children will be promoted to Standard one after a year’s instruction. Representations were also made to the Natal Education Department to integrate the Private Platoon Schools into the normal school system so that the Provincial Authorities should relieve the Indian community of a part of its burden. The Committee has not yet received an answer to this request. The Committee also directed its attention to another unsatisfactory feature of the Platoon Schools System. Whereas it was originally intended to provide education up to Standard IV only, several Platoon Schools are now forced by circumstances to teach up to Standard V I , The Committee sought a ruling from the Department to state the highest Standard to which the children in these schfcols should proceed before they absorbed by the normal morning sch6ols but the Department has given no definite ruling up till now.

Since the last Conference of the Indian Education Committee in 1955, this Committee held its 3rd Conference in September, 1958, at which the Congress was fully represented. Conference was faced with the task of taking a decision on a matter which was causing great concern to our people. It was the old question of age priority scheme of admission. In a paper submitted to Conference by Dr. S. Cooppan, the newly elected Chairman of the Indian Education Committee, he said:

"Reversal of the age priority will not solve the problem of shortage of accommodation. Only building s will do that. But reversal, in the circumstances, will still hold out hopes of some schooling, sometime or other in the present v future for the younger ones. The presennt system of age priority condemns an appreciable number to perpetual illiteracy , and cannot be defended. The educational advantage sought to be obtained by giving preference to the younger child should not be pursued at the expense of denying educationto the older ch ild ren ".

After a great deal of debate and discussion, Conference resolved by an overwhelming majority to rescind its previous decision and adopted a system whereby the older children will be given preference to the younger ones.

HIGHER EDUCATION:

The -creation of the new portfolio of Bantu Education can only mean one thing to the non-European people. It is an indication of the Government’s determination to pursue its policy of forcibly introducing apartheid and hastening the establishment of tribal universities. The I new Minister for Bantu Education has wasted no time in announcing that at the next session of Parliament he will introduce a Bill for the taking over of Fort Hare University by his Department. We condemn the educational policies of the Nationalist Government, because they seek to entrench white domination and perpetuate racial differences. SECRETARIAL REPORT

ORGANISATION

INTRODUCTION:

The Natal Indian Congress remains the effective voice of the Indian people of the Province notwithstanding the attacks made on it and its members by the Authorities. At first the banning orders and subsequently the arrests of so many of our leaders on a charge of High Treason has had, as was to be expected, serious repercussions on our organisation. But it is to the credit of the Indian people of Natal that the Natal Indian Congress has continued to function as their mouthpiece and that Congress has remained intact despite such severe setbacks.

Our organisation has dealt on its own with many problems affecting our people and we have in particular, through the Congress alliance played an important part even in a larger field. Congress delegates have during the year under review served on such broad united front organisations as the Natal Provincial Vigilance Committee, the Indian Education Committee and the Indian Centenary Committee,

It will not be out of place to record here the useful work carried out by the Natal Indian Youth Congress and the Natal Indian Women's Congress, both organisations though constitutionally independent, yet closely bound with us in endeavouring to achieve the common objective of our freedom.

While we note with extreme satisfaction the unshakeable resolve on the part of Congressmen to uphold the banner of the Natal Indian Congress despite so many casualties in its top leadership it w ill be wrong i f we did not in a spirit of constructive self criticism underline some of the basic weaknesses which are to be found in our organisation.

MEMBERSHIP:

Firstly there is the question of our membership which has at its peak reached the figure 35,000. The actual potential membership of Congress is the entire Indian community of the Province and indeed it is correct to state that the principles which the Congress expresses - the freedom and equality of the Indian people within a non-racial democracy - is supported by every Indian who abhors the indignities of racial discrimination and white domination. It is however not enough to hold the belief that our community is with us. We must have a yardstick by which we could measure the active and effective support we have in each area falling' under the jurisdictidn of a Congress Branch.

Our Constitution only provides for an enrolment fee. There is no provision in it for on annual subscription. Thus it is difficult to assess at any given time the active strength of any particular Branch. From time to time it has been suggested that our Constitution be amended to enable us to have a membership paying annual dues. But until such time as this happens it is suggested that Branches compile a list of levy - paying members - members who will.be asked to contribute the sum of one shilling a year voluntarily, and these members will in fact be the real active core of the Congress organisation.

Conference must give this Question of membership very serious consideration and take an appropriate resolution on it:* is the interest of building an active organisational strength, particularly at a tine when even greater attacks against the Congress may be contemplated.

Conference.. ./13 CCNFERENCE REPRESENTATION:

The Branch^ the most important unit of our Congress,,26 has been freely discussedxthat a stagejinto organisation has been leached when we must consider giving paritfr{^e^6ur Branches so that th€y can enjoy equality witnin the Congress stpdcture. Such a stepjwduld involve a fundamental Constitutional wiange. Once a Branch^/has been formed in terms or the Constitumi^,'should there be an unequal representation of it at Coherence? Thi^i Inference is being askpePto ventilatexrCs views on whether it would noM)@^ore democratic, ifat future Conferences, every ^■anch should not be asked to send a maximum of ten delegates each-

The remarks made in the provincial report on the vital need of linking the day to day issues with broad political slogans-of the Congress must be taken to heart by every delegate. We must accept the sound proposition that a Branch will only become active and alive in its area if it concerns itse lf with the educational, social and economic problems which arise from political inequality.

CONSTITUTION:

With the exception of a few minor amendments our Constitution is essentially the one adopted after the present leadership came to power. Our actual practical experience shows that there is a need for some vital changes to bring the organisation into line with the present day needs. A suggestion which has come from numerous sources is the reduction in the number constituting the officials and Executive Committee of the Congress and the Branches. All those who have given consideration to the question of constitutional reform have a number of important suggestions to i&pke.

In past years the Constitution has been discussed but no concrete recommendations have flowed out of Conference discussions. It is now seriously suggested that Conference instruct the incoming Executive Committee to appoint a Special Constitution Committee whose task it will be to present to the next Conference, or if necessary a Special Conference, with a fully amended Constitution bringing it into line with the present day requirements of Congress. It is imperative, however, that before vital Constitutional changes are proposed there should be the fullest discussion in the widest Congress circles.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

During the year under review five Working Committee and fourteen Executive Meetings were held. Five of the Executive Committee members, including the President and the General Secretary, are still facing the charge of High Treason and their bail conditions preclude their attendance of any Congress meeting. Those elected to the Working and Executive Committees must remember that they have provincial duties to fu l f il l and those who will be elected to hold these offices during the ensuing year must see to it that they attend all meetings and make their full contribution.

SECRETARIAT:

The Secretariat discharged its duties satisfactorily, holding 32 meetings during the period under review.

Sub-Committees.. ./lit- SUB-COMMITTEES:

In keeping with past traditions the following sub-committees were appointed after the last Conference:

(a) Organisation. (b) Education. (c) Labour. (d) Housing and Amenities.

All these Committees could become vitally important to Congress machinery and it is strongly recommended that the incoming Executive should ensure that efficient working of its sub-Committees in the ensuing year .

JOINT EXECUTIVE & SECRETARIAT:

Four Joint Executive and six Joint Secretariat meetings were held during the year in furtherence of the joint alliance and its programme.

MASS MEETINGS:

There have been very few mass meetings held by Congress since the last Conference. While many difficulties are placed in our path in holding regular mass meetings, our experience shows that a properly organised mass meeting is s t ill one of the best means of aontact with the masses.

The important decision given by our Law Courts in the case of Regina Versus Mall and others in which our leaders were acquitted on a charge of holding an unlawful public meeting, opens the door for the holding of a more multi-racial mass meetings without fear of prosecution.

PRESS STATEMENTS:

Congress has during the past year kept the Press, and through it the public, informed of its views on vital issues affecting the people by issuing regular press statements.

CONCLUSION:

The chief organisational task before Congress is not only to consol­ idate our present forces but to strike out into new fields of activities in alliance with the Congress movement as a whole. CXir members must become political!! v conscious of their responsibilities and for that purpose Congress requires adequate educational classes, phamplets and bulletins. The coming year w ill be a year of many d iffic u lties but the Executive as a whole must make it its duty to keep constant personal contact with Branches so that the Natal Indian Congress, the oldest member of the Congress alliance in South Africa could play its historic role effectively.

Collection Number: AD1137

FEDERATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN 1954-1963

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