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Opening of the memorial at the Shakaskraal Heritage Site

Opening of the memorial at the Shakaskraal Heritage Site

Date: 2017-11-23

Since 1860, Indentured Indians were brought to the then Natal to work on the sugar cane plantations. The Chakaskraal Sugar Estate also received many of these emigrants who worked on the sugar estate or in the Chakaskraal Sugar Mill.

When the mill was shut down in 1961, the majority of the employees were transferred to the Gledhow Sugar Mill. Many people moved away to other areas.

Whilst the mill was in operation many employees were laid to rest at the very early gravesite near the Railway Station. The property, on which the gravesite is located, was sold. Further burials were not allowed and a new burial site was chosen. The old site was neglected, families did not visit and dense undergrowth took over the site completely.

A genealogy search by Tholsi Mudly assisted by Late N.P.Moodley, Absolam Dube, Billy Govender, late Bobby Govender and Krish Moodley led to the rediscovery of this site in 2011. Amafa (the heritage agency of KZN) and the property owner Mr Alberto Mattioda were informed. Negotiations began in earnest and finally in November 2015 the site was declared a Heritage Site. Amafa has erected an impressive memorial.

The opening prayer for the Memorial was conducted on Sunday, 19 November 2017. Deputy Mayor of KwaDukuza, Mrs Dolly Govender graced this function. The official launch will be held early next year.

Descendants, family members and friends are urged to visit the site to pay homage to all the pioneers of Shakaskraal.