Historic Maidstone Bell Tower relocated to honour indentured labourers
AIMED at honouring and preserving the rich history of indentured labourers and their descendants, who had lived in the Maidstone Barracks in Tongaat, a more than century-old bell tower has been relocated to a local temple.
The Maidstone Bell Tower, which was used to alert indentured labourers who worked in the sugar cane fields and mill of their working hours, has now been erected at the premises of the Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple in Gandhi’s Hill.
For the stakeholders involved in the relocation and the community at large, the tower holds great significance.
They said it served as a stark reminder of the struggles and successes of indentured labourers, who journeyed to South Africa in November 1860 and thereafter settled in the barracks.
Henry Reddy, an honorary life vice-president of the Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple and the Maidstone Football Club, said the decision to relocate the tower was taken following his visit with Dr Thelma John David, the Consul General of India in Durban, to the site in November last year.
“While speaking to Dr David about the significance of the tower, I realised it was important to ensure that it be preserved because of its rich history and for the future generations to learn the history of our forefathers.
“Furthermore, for many people in the community, like myself, the tower signifies the trials and tribulations that our forefathers faced while living in the barracks. The bell would be rung to notify the workers of their shifts throughout the day and night. The only time the community would be able to rest was on Sundays and would often gather in the square around the tower to socialise especially after attending a football match. At the time, football was a major sporting activity in the community,” he said.
Reddy, who also grew up in the barracks, said in February this year members of the temple committee and football club, approached Tongaat Hulett with their request to relocate the tower.
“While we had to move when the entire barracks was demolished to allow for expansion of the mill, the tower remained. However, it was not easily accessible to the community or general public. Following the approval, the relocation processes started and the tower has now been erected in the temple’s heritage garden.
“I feel overwhelmed with emotions as more people will now be able to see it and we can share the stories of our forefathers. We are also grateful to Tongaat Hulett for allowing us this opportunity to preserve our history, and to all other role-players involved,” he said.
Kola Govender, president of the Maidstone Football Club, added that it was important for the tower to be protected.
“The tower holds great sentimental value to those that lived or had family members that lived in the barracks. Furthermore, the tower, although it was used as a form of control of the workers, it was a point of connection for the community.
It was also a place where activities took place and achievements were celebrated.
“I feel proud and excited that the current and future generations will be able to see the tower, learn about the pioneers of the barracks and the humble beginnings of Indians in the country. In addition, it is the most fitting location as the current temple is an amalgamation of the Maidstone Shree Emperumal Temple that once stood in the barracks,” he said.
Yogan Naidoo, a member of the temple, said the relocation of the tower was a momentous step in commemorating the history of the indentured.
He said the tower was also a reminder of his forefathers who had lived in the barracks.
“My great-grandfather was one the first priests at the Maidstone Shree Emperumal Temple, and my grandfather worked in the mill. It was also where my father was born. Growing up, we were always told stories about the life they lived including the struggles they faced. However, we also heard about the camaraderie among the community.
“For the community and general public, it was almost impossible to visit the area and see the tower, but now, due to the efforts of the temple committee and football club, everyone will have access to the tower.
“It will enable people, especially the youth, to learn of the hardships our forefathers went through, and their contributions towards our freedom struggle. It is a reminder that despite being oppressed, the Indian community played a significant role in the freedom movement in the country.
“The tower will also, hopefully, serve as an encouragement to the future generation to put their shoulders to the wheel to ensure what our forefathers struggled and fought for such as non-racialism and equality, as well as just, peaceful and prosperous society, continues in the years to come,” he said.
Mani Govender, the structural engineer, said while it was challenging to move the tower due to its size, he was grateful to be part of the historic move.
“When I was asked to assist, and after seeing the beauty and being informed of the history of the tower, I immediately decided to get on board. However, it has taken about four months to relocate the tower as it required various processes to ensure that there was no damage due to it being over a century-old.
“The tower consists of two brick columns and stands over six-metres tall. It also weighs about 22 tons. Between the columns is a small arch underneath which the bell used to be. In order to move the tower, steel cages had to be placed over each of the columns and transported separately. The tower has successfully been erected at the temple. I feel proud and grateful to have been part of his historic moment,” he said.