Passive Resistance 1946 - A Selection of Documents compiled by E.S. Reddy & Fatima Meer - Royal Visit - 1947

From the book: Passive Resistance 1946 - A Selection of Documents compiled by E.S. Reddy & Fatima Meer

Royal Visit

1947

King gave consent to the "Ghetto" Act

A fairly large crowd assembled under the banner of the Maritzburg branch of the NIC at the VDS Hall last Sunday, with some dissent decided to boycott the Royal visit. Mr. B.A. Maharaj, who presided, outlined the attitude of the Congress. He said that the Indian community had no personal grievance against His Majesty the King, but was the Head of the British Commonwealth of Nations and as he had given consent to the vicious "Ghetto Act," were the Indians then expected to pay homage to the man who had legalised oppression on one section of his subjects. Why should they pay homage to him when they bore the badge of slavery?

Split over Royal Visit

Feelings ran high at a meeting of Indians held at the VDS Hall last Sunday and a "Gandhi" cap worn by a resister, was set alight. Dr K. Goonam, Vice-president of the Natal Indian Congress, had her popularity shattered badly when she attempted to address the gathering and was howled down by the unruly crowd.

She replied by calling "Traitors" . Mr. M.D. Naidoo, Joint Secretary of the NIC, also had an unwelcome reception.

The meeting was called by Maritzburg Indians to repudiate the decision of the NIC to boycott the Royal visit, but owing to the constant uproar, it was impossible to obtain a verdict and when the chairman, Mr. S.R. Naidoo, read the resolution, it was obvious that by far the large majority were against the boycott decision.

Scenes reminiscent of the last election meeting of two years ago were witnessed last Sunday. Free fights, scuffles and violent language, marked the proceedings and police vans stood by all afternoon. The hall was packed to over flowing and the people crammed the doors and even sat on the window-sills. A group of passive resisters, wearing their "Gandhi" caps occupied one section and there were a fair number of women present. The trouble began when officials of the NIC headquarters, headed by Dr K. Goonam and Mr. M.D. Naidoo, came into the hall.

Mr. S.R. Naidoo, in opening the proceedings, said that Indians of Maritzburg convened the meeting and districts and it had no political significance. It was called to consider whether the boycott of the Royal visit was inimical to the interests of the Indians as decided by the Congress. The statement was greeted with boos and jeers. Mr. Naidoo proceeded to ask the audience to consider the matter calmly when the entrance of Mr. M.D. Naidoo, Joint Secretary of the NIC, was the signal for uproar and a section of the crowd moved threateningly towards him.

Mr. S.R. Naidoo took up the thread of his speech but the arrival of Goonam caused further uproar. Mr. Naidoo, trying to make him heard above the din, said that it was obvious that there was definitely a move to wreck the meeting and prevent a decision being taken.

Congress leaders clash with supporters of Royal Visit

The Opposition, led out by Mr. Billy Peters, secretary of the Communist Party, held a meeting outside the Hall. There were a number of people to hear them.

Dr K. Goonam, addressing the gathering said that she was prepared to shed her last drop of blood for the cause.

Mr. Manilall Gandhi said that he did not blame the worker for being afraid of loosing his daily bread asked them not to sell their soul for a crumb.

Mr. M.D. Naidoo declared that the Congress did not ask the worker to leave his employment, nor the children to stay from celebrating asked was that they should refrain from celebrating the Royal visit.

The Royal Visit: Too unhappy to give sincere welcome: M. D. Naidoo

"We have the greatest respect for the Royal Family, but we think it best not to participate in the celebrations because we are engaged in one of the greatest and bitterest struggles of our times."

"We sent a cable to the King to postpone his visit to South Africa until the racial problems of this country were solved. We received no reply beyond a note from Pretoria. Somehow or other that cable did not reach London."

"During the Passive Resistance Movement we have built up a hundred percent unity. Some people are using the Royal visit as ever to break up that unity, while other interested stooges are using "to meet their needs."

Taj Mahal canopy for Royalty

An influential body of Durban Indian is planning a welcome as warm as any yet accorded the Royal Family South Africa for the Royal visit next month. Details of the reception to the King and Queen and the two Princesses at Curries Fountain have still to be worked out, but the organisers have already conceived the broad outlines. It is intended to build a canopy with outlines similar to that of the Taj Mahal, beneath which will be a dais and seats for the Royal Family. This canopy will be floodlit immediately before and throughout the Royal visit. Indian school children will be marshaled at Curries Fountain in such a way that they will represent the outlined of the Indian Empire. The first meeting of the Royal Visit Indian Reception Committee was held in Durban on Sunday last. All sections of the Indian community were represented. The following officials were elected: Chairman, Mr. A.I. Kajee; Vice-Chairmen, Messrs' Lawrence, M.W. Daniels, A.B. Moosa, D.G. Satya Deva. P.Abaoy Naidoo; Joint Honorary Secretaries, Messrs C. M. Anglia. P.R.W and K. Soobramoney; Joint Hon. Treasurers, H.J. Maghrajh and M. A. Kazi. Executive Committee: Messrs S.M. Paruk, S.C. George, M.I Motala, S.J. Joseph, M. Mecci.A.V. Kajee, N.P. Dixon, P. Muthusamy, J.P. Gookul, Anjum Haffejee, S. Raman, and I.M. Dhooma.

Mr. Gandhi endorses boycott of Royal Tour

Calcutta, Friday: Mr. Gandhi today endorsed the boycott by the Natal Indian Congress of celebrations in connection with the Royal tour of South Africa. Responding to a request cabled by the Congress, he said at Hamica, East Bengal: "I take this opportunity of publicly endorsing this abstention as national and dignified” .

"Indians in South Africa feel that in view of the disabilities imposed upon Asiatics, Africans and other coloured peoples, it would be improper on their part to share the rejoicings of the white the of South Africa."

Students Debate the King's Visit

"That the Indian community is ill-advised in boycotting the Royal Visit" was the subject of a debate by the Maritzburg Indian Technical Students' Society held at the HYMA Library last Sunday evening. Speaking for the motion, Mr. C. Rajagopaul contended that as the King was the Constitutional Head of the Government but was not responsible for its legislation, therefore it would be foolish to boycott the visit of Their Majesties.

Mr. T. M. Moodley, who led the opposition, said that the numerous legislations enacted by the Union Government received the assent of the King through the Governor-General, and were designed to strangulate the Indian people, who were a permanent part of the population.

The community, therefore, were not at all happy to accord a welcome to the Royal Party in any shape or form.

The adjudicators, Messrs S. Kumalo and A.K. Meeran, gave their verdict in favour of the motion by a narrow margin. The teams were: For: Messrs C. Rajagopaul, Essop Bhamjee, S.N. Reddy and Miss Gladys James. Against: Messrs T.M. Moodley, R. Ramesar, Loggie Pillay and Paul Harrigobin.

Maritzburg Participation

The Maritzburg branch of the Natal Indian Teachers' Society will not participate in the celebrations connected with the Royal visit, in accordance with the decision of the parent body, but, at the request of the Department of Education, individual teachers have formed a committee which will be responsible for those children who desire to take part in the celebrations. About 3 500 children are expected to gather at the Show grounds on Tuesday.

They will be drawn from Maritzburg, Greytown, Harden Heights, Richmond, Thornville Junction, Howick and New Hanover, and in18 schools will be represented. Rover Scouts and Girl Guides will also take part.

A comprehensive program has been drawn up which includes Indian folk dances, national songs, the English and Afrikaans NationalAnthems and other items.

"Wholehearted Support" for Royal visits

At a well-attended meeting of the Indian employees in tin Liquor and Catering Trades held in the City Hall Basement, Durban last Tuesday week, under the chairmanship of Mr. M.W. Daniels, the following resolution was unanimously passed:

"This meeting of the Indian employees of the Liquor and Catering Trades, pledges its wholehearted support to the Royal Visit Indian Reception Committee in its arrangement to welcome the Royal Family on behalf of the Indian community, and hereby appoints Messrs D.Abrahams, N.P. Williams, Lewis Nelson, Jack Shunmugam and Percy James as its representatives to serve on the Reception Committee."

"The following are additional names on the Royal Visit Indian Reception Committee: Miss Royeppen (Grey Street Madressa), Mrs. J. Miachel (Barfoodeen's School), Sayed Nizamoodeen (Nazamoodeen Madressa), S.A. Nazeer (Essendene Madressa), Moulana A.H. Kathab (Abmida Madressa), A.I. Timol (Wiggins Road Madressa), A. Rahaman (Second River Madressa), Moulana Abdul Kadir (Manning Madressa), Shaik Amod (Overport Muslim Educational Society), M.N. Pillay (Overport and District Tamil and Telegu Protective Association Tamil School), Miss G. Moodley (H.T.I. Tamil School), J. G. Peters (Manor

Gardens Government Indian School), V. Nadasob (Shri Muthulinganathanatha EaspherarAlay am Tamil School),

A. Moothusamy (Clairwood Horse Shoe Road Tamil School), Miss Sargoonma (Marie Gold Tamil School), M. Morgan (Municipal Barracks Free Tamil School), D.Abrahams, N.P. Williams, Lewis Nelson, Jack Shunmugam

and Percy James (Durban Liquor and Catering Trades), P. Jacobs, E. Thomas (Greyville G.I. School), A.A. Ephraim, Mrs. E. Thomas (Durban and District Girl Guides' Association), C.D. Boulton (Mayville and District Indian Cricket Union), R.S. Pather, M.B. lyaloo, V.V. Naidoo (Immigration Department, Stanger Street, Durban), Cyril Joseph, S.N. Moodley, J.V. George, Anthony Daniels, Willie Frank, Joseph Gabriel, N. Balasar, B. Govind, I.E. Omar, M.H. Coovadia, G.H. Randree, Shaik Himid, B. Parmasier, M.E.G. Paruk, Ismail Ebrahim, Arumugam Pillay, A.K. Fareed (Bugd. Workers' Indian Union), R. Nunkoo, M. Ramchod, J.A. Persad, R. Balaram, M. Raman, C.R. Naidoo, R.K. Naidoo, M.Y. Pillay (Football Association), V.R. Nair, (St. Aidan's Boys' Indian School), Seaman Chetty, A. M. Khan, E. Seedat, B.A. Pather, K.R. Naidoo (Principal, Booth Road Government Aided Indian School), Amod Kajee (River Muslim Madressa), C. Munsamy (Hindu Tamil Institute), S.K. Moodley (Government Indian Junior Boys' School, Clairwood), Ahimid Ballim (Cadery Glamie Society), D. Roopnarian (St. Thereasa G.A. Indian School), V.M. Thambrian, Miss Sundrim (St. Aidan's Girls' G.A. School), B. Barnabas, (Mayville G.A. Indian School), K.M. Joseph, (Depot Road School), S. Munisamy (Clare Estate Indian School), A.D. Lazarus (Sastri College), A.V. Kajee (Pine Street Madressa), D. Kalichwan (Westville G. A. Indian School), B. Jugnawath (Early Morning Market), liminy Varden, Moosa Jadwat, S. Neerputu, Jimmy Arumoogan, D.A. Cassim, David Armoogam,W.E.Ally, Goodil Jagwat, T. Joseph, T. Shubramoney, M.R. Mistry, Sayed Nizamuddin Kazee. All Indian ex-servicemen desirous of participating in the march-past at the City Hall and Curries Fountain, when His Majesty the King will take the Salute, are requested to meet at the Avalon Theatre, Victoria Street, and Durban on Sunday, 16 March, at 10 a m. to make all the necessary arrangements for the march-past. Mr. W. Proctor, the Secretary of the British Empire Service League, will be present to address the gathering."

Over 10 000 Indians welcome Royal Family

Ignoring the Congress ban on participation, the Indian' Maritzburg and districts turned up in full force on Tuesday and tumultuous welcome to the Royal Family.

From an early hour people streamed into the Show grounds while about 4 000 school children formed groups and assembled near the dais immediately in front of the pavilion. There were also contingents of Rover Scouts and Girl Guides present.

The distinctive uniforms of the school children amid the gaily-dressed women presented a colorful scene. For once the colour one's skin was forgotten. Europeans and Indians mingled freely their mutual loyalty to their King.

A burst of cheering at 3.20 pm. heralded the arrival of the Royal Party and as they drove slowly round the ground, wild children waved small flags and the cheering rose to a crescendo which only subsided when the Royal car stopped in front of the stand.

On alighting, they were met by the Administrator, Mr. Mitchell, and the Mayor, Mrs. W.A.D. Russell.

When Their Majesties took up their positions on the dais," huge crowd, led by the "Gay Swingsters" band, sang the National Anthem, followed by Die Stem.

Then the Administrator, Mr. Mitchell, presented five prominent Indians to the King. They were Reverend R. Choonoo, Minister charge of Wesleyan Methodist Indian Church: Mrs. G. Zachariah, a well-known social worker, Mr. D.R. Singh, principal of the Sutherlands Indian School; Mr. Adam Habib, a businessman; and Mr. R. Dockran principal of Ester Payne-Smith School and District Commission of the Scouts Association.

Immediately after this, the pupils of the Girls' High School dressed in saries, gave a display of "Kolathum" , which embodied a song of welcome in Tamil, specially written for the occasion. King and Queen were obviously pleased.

The King and Queen then chatted for a few minutes with those Indians to whom they were presented. The King asked the Reverend Choonoo how they managed to get along with the various dialects spoken by the Indians. Mr. Choonoo replied that they solved the prow by using English as the medium.

His Majesty was greatly interested in the Scouts and Girl and he asked Mr. Dockran several questions regarding the movement in Natal.

General Smuts, who accompanied the Royal Party, spoke to tee presented to Their Majesties and also to some children. He was obviously very pleased at the spontaneous welcome accorded in the Royal Visitors. When the Royal Visitors rose to depart, the crowd again sang the National Anthem and Die Stem.

During the afternoon, a full programme of events was staged.

These included songs and folk dancing by the school children, a physical culture display by the Magnus Rover Crew and an exhibition of jinjitsu by the Cultural Girl Guides. The “Gay Swingsters” and the “Kalaivani Orchestra” provided the music.

In the evening over 800 people were entertained to dinner the provided by the City Council at the HYMA Hall.

Indian welcome to Their Majesties

The largest crowd ever to assemble at Curries Fountain, estimated to be about 65 000, greeted the King and Queen and the Princesses at the Indian welcome last Saturday morning.

Your South African Indian people of this city of Durban the largest colony of Indians in the Southern Hemisphere outside India- extend, with our homage and loyalty, a warm and cordial welcome to Your Majesties. Our hearts are filled with joy that you your midst," said Mr. A.I. Kajee, chairman of the Reception Committee, in his welcome speech.

Over 40 members of the Indian community were presented. Six little girls in colourful saries presented baskets of roses and carnations to the Queen and the two Princesses. When the ceremony on the dais, which was partly a replica of the Taj Mahal, was completed, the Royal Family mingled at close quarters with the crowd, who cheered unceasingly. They stopped and chattered to a number of ex-servicemen, who also made an impressive march-past, scouts and children, of whom there were 20 000 on parade.