WELCOME TO THE GANDHI-LUTHULI DOCUMENTATION CENTRE(GLDC)
About
The Documentation Centre was established in 1979. In 1965 the University College for Indian Students was formed. This served the interest of Indians an Indian University was formed as early as 1965 at Salisbury Island.[…]
Office Hours
We are open Mon to Fri @ 07H30 to 16H00
Contact Details
For assistance: munsamyt@ukzn.ac.za.
Office hours of the Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre



Discover the Hidden Stories of South Africa’s Indian Community 🇿🇦📚
Nestled in the heart of South Africa, the Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre is more than just an archive—it’s a vibrant tribute to history, culture, and resilience.
🎥 In this video, journey through the Centre’s rich collections and uncover the powerful stories of a community whose contributions helped shape a nation. From rare documents and striking murals to personal artifacts and digital archives, the Centre preserves a legacy often left out of mainstream history.
Human Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked with 21 March 1960, and the events of Sharpeville. On that day 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd
The story of indentured Indian labourers in South Africa is a complex and important chapter in the country's history, particularly concerning the intersection of colonialism, migration, and labour exploitation.

MEMORIAL LECTURE
THEME
70th Anniversary of the Freedom
Charter Commemoration
Topic: The Contribution of Phyllis Naidoo to South African History and Archive: from Banned Papers to Robben Island Ferry Tickets
Date : 08 August 2025
Time : 14h00 – 16h00
Venue : Senate Chamber, Westville Campus, UKZN
ENQUIRIES
Thiru Munsamy - munsamyt@ukzn.ac.za | Pamela Adams – adamsp@ukzn.ac.za
The majority, however were brought here by the British Government as indentured labourers to work on the sugar cane plantations. Most of them were from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The other group of Indians were referred to as “Passenger Indians” as they came at their own expense. The first group arrived in 1869. They were mainly entrepreneurs from Gujarat, many were traders, artisans, teachers and shop assistants.

16 November 2025, marks a deeply significant moment in our nation’s history: 165 years since the first Indian indentured labourers arrived in South Africa then the Colony of Natal aboard the SS Truro in 1860.
This anniversary is more than a historical date. It is a time to reflect with gratitude and reverence on the sacrifices, strength, and enduring spirit of the nearly 152,184 Girmityas who would follow in the decades after that first landing.
