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History |
2,800 African miners strike at the Van Rhyn Deep mines in a bid to redress some of their grievances.
1916
The Beaumont Commission tours The Union of South Africa, trying to find areas that could be incorporated into the reserves, without disturbing white farming.
1916
Dedication of the South African Native College at Fort Hare.
Report of the Native Lands (Beaumont) Commission.
Solomon Plaatje's Native Life in South Africa published.
1916
The Durban & District Native Football Association is established.
1916
October
At a meeting in Pietersburg, the ANC describes the report of the Beaumont commission as unsatisfactory.
1917
Industrial Workers of Africa founded by the International Socialist League.
1917
The Natives Administration Bill
1917
The `Industrial Workers of Africa' founded by the ISL in Johannesburg, the first industrial African trade union to be formed.
South African Native National Congress Executive Committee splits, with John Dube accepting theory of territorial segregation. Samuel Makgatho assumes office as president.
1917
Albert Luthuli completes a teachers training course at Edendale and becomes principal and sole staff member of a tiny intermediate school in Blaauwbosch, Natal
1917
The Indian Printers' Union and the Indian Workers Union (IWU) formed. The Union's respective secretaries are colonial born Indians, M.K. Moodley and Rev B.L.E. Sigamoney.
1917
16 February
A.H. West and others advise indentured workers in Natal not to re-indenture but to become free men.
1917
March
The Imperial War Conference, attended by representatives of Britain and the British Dominions, commences in London. India's attendance at the Conference raises the hope of Indians in the colonies that they now have some leverage to effect changes for equal treatment.
1917
March
Gordon Lee of the Industrial Socialist League (ISL) forms the Durban Workers' Industrial Union. The Union enrols Indian members representing printing, tobacco, laundry, dock and municipal workers, miners, 'sugar slaves'.
1917
27 April
Sir Satyendra P. Sinha of India submits the so-called Reciprocity Resolution to the Imperial War Conference in London. The Conference unanimously accepts the principle of reciprocity between India and the Dominions. Sir Sinha's memorandum also includes grievances of South African Indians in connection with trading licences, the franchise, ownership of land and railway regulations.
1918
Womens anti-pass campaign led by the Bantu Womens League of South Africa, the then womens branch of the ANC.
1918
Anti-pass campaign by women ends in triumph. It was led by the then Bantu Women's League of South Africa - the Women's Branch of the ANC, formed by Charlotte Maxeke.
1918
The formation of the Bantu Women's League of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC)as a result of protests that occur in the Free State.
A delegation is sent to Prime Minister Louis Botha to discuss the issue of Passes for black women.
1918
Rev. B.L.E. Sigamoney takes over the leadership of the Indian Worker's Union (IWU) from Gordon Lee and represents the Union at the Industrial Socialist League's annual conference.
1918
Rev. B.L.E. Sigamoney takes over the leadership of the Indian Worker's Union (IWU) from Gordon Lee and represents the Union at the Industrial Socialist League's annual conference.
1918
May
Bucket strike by African sanitary workers, 152 of which were sentenced to two months imprisonment for breach of contract, under the Masters and Servants Act.
1918
21 May
In a letter to the Indian Opinion, the Cape British Indian Council calls for a national conference of Indian organisations.
1918
June
Strike of African sanitation workers in Johannesburg.
Formal Status Quo Agreement between Chamber of Mines and white trade unions.
1918
20 October
A.M. Cachalia dies and is succeeded by Ebrahim I. Asvat as elected Chairman of the Transvaal British Indian Association.
1918
11 November
An armistice between the Allied and the Central Powers brings the First World War to an end.
1919
ANC delegation visits Britain to protest the Land Act for the second time.
1919
The ANC in Transvaal led a campaign against the passes.
1919
The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) - a general union formed.
1919
A protest is held in the OFS against the carrying of passes by women.
1919
Anti-Indian Legislation: Under Companies Act of 1909, Asiatics could purchase land from whites if they formed a company.
The Companies Act of 1909 is reneged in Krugersdorp:
i) Krugersdorp Municipal Council vs Dadoo Limited and Others transaction in which Company of Asiatics purchase land from white owner declared invalid
ii) Krugersdorp Municipal Council obtains interdict restraining a European firm, Messrs TW Beckett and Company from permitting residence of Indians on a Krugersdorp stand leased by the firm to
an Indian tailor.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Asiatics (Land and Trading) Amendment Act (Transvaal), 37/1919.
Asiatics with rights to trade on property outside designated Asiatic Bazaars allowed to continue. New licences stopped. Asiatics can no longer acquire land through companies. Still able to acquire land through nominees. Register to be compiled of existing licences and businesses owned by Indians.
The Act is promulgated on 3 August.
1919
The South African Native National Council organises an anti-pass campaign. In Johannesburg alone, 700 arrests are made
1919
Reneging on the Companies Act of 1909, the Krugersdorp Municipal Council declares a transaction through which an Indian-owned company, Dadoo Limited, purchased land from a White owner, invalid. In addition, the Municipal Council obtains a court interdict restraining a European firm, Messrs TW Beckett and Company, from leasing a Krugersdorp stand to an Indian tailor. In reaction to these incidents, the Transvaal British Indian Association draws up a petition that directly leads to the establishment of a Select Committee of the House of Assembly to look into the acquisition of property in Transvaal by Indians through mortgages and shareholding in private companies.
1919
Formation of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union of Africa (ICU).
1919
January
Industrial and Commercial Union formed in Cape Town under leadership of Clements Kadalie.
Demonstrations in Bloemfontein location.
1919
7 January
Founding of the Industrial and Commercial Workers` Union of South Africa. Leader: Clements Kadalie.
ANC organises a campaign on the Rand against the pass laws.
70,000 African miners strike against their whole status and pig-level existence. It is highly disciplined and organised and an alarmed government throws police cordons around each of the compounds, preventing coordination of demands and actions. Troops break through the workers` barricades, with bayonets fixed, killing 3 and wounding 40. Police and armed white civilians attack a meeting of solidarity with the striking miners, killing 8 and wounding 80.
1919
20 January
The Cape British Indian Council invites Indian organisations to a South African Indian Conference.
1919
26 January - 30 January
The first South African Indian Conference, convened by the Cape British Indian Council, is held in Cape Town. John X. Merriman, the former Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, opens the Conference. The Conference appoints a committee of 12 members to frame the constitution of an organisation to unite all South African Indians. In addition, the conference resolves to agitate for full civil rights and to resort to civil resistance until those rights are granted.
1919
19 February
The first Pan African Congress is held in Paris, France and is headed by William Edward Durghardt Du Bois. A firm supporter of the 'Back to Africa' movement in the United States of America, Marcus Garvey founds the African Communities League and the 'Black Star Line' (part of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)), with the intention of 'bringing home' the African Americans.
1919
March
Selby Msimang arrested.
1919
March - April
Anti-pass demonstrations on the Witwatersrand led by the South African Native National Congress.
Constitution of the South African Native National Congress approved.
Bantu Union formed in Queenstown under leadership of Meshach Pelem.
Delegation of South African Native National Congress travels to Great Britain and Europe to present African case at Versailles Peace Conference.
1919
1 May
A Select Committee is established by the House of Assembly to look into the acquisition of property in Transvaal by Indians through mortgages and shareholding in private companies. Following the recommendations of Select Committee, the Asiatics (Land and Trading) (Transvaal) Amendment Act, Act No. 37 of 1919 is proclaimed. Asiatics with rights to trade on property outside designated Asiatic Bazaars are allowed to continue to do so, but a register would be compiled of existing licences and businesses owned by Indians and no new licences would be issued. Asiatics can also no longer acquire land through companies, but will still be able to acquire land through nominees.
1919
12 May
The Transvaal British Indian Association calls a mass meeting to organise opposition to the proposed Asiatics (Land and Trading) (Transvaal) Amendment Act. In terms of the Act, Transvaal Indians are prohibited from owning shares in limited companies.
1919
July
A number of Indian leaders in the Transvaal sign a covenant pledging civil resistance. The signatories include the following officers of the Transvaal British Indian Association: E. I. Asvat, Chairman; N. A. Camay, Vice-Chairman; P.K. Naidoo and B. K. Patel, Joint Secretaries.
The Transvaal Emergency Conference Committee is formed with E.I. Patel as Chairman and N.A. Camay and P.K. Naidoo as joint-secretaries. The Committee calls for a South African National Indian Emergency Conference.
1919
3 August
The Asiatics Land and Trading (Transvaal) Amendment Act, Act No. 37 of 1919, is promulgated.
1919
3 August - 6 August
The second South African Indian Conference is convened in Johannesburg by the Transvaal Emergency Conference Committee with the aim to create a national body to deal with threats to the rights of Indians. However, internal dissensions defeat the aims of the conveners of the Conference.
1919
4 September - 5 September
The Anti-Asiatic League holds a congress in Pretoria with L.J. Philips, an attorney from Krugersdorp, as Chairman. The congress sets up the South African League under the leadership of Abe Bailey. The aims of the League are the expropriation of all immovable property held by Asiatics, as well as the removal of Asiatics that are residing and trading in the Transvaal.
1919
October
Dock strike by African and Coloured dockworkers in Cape Town led by the Industrial and Commercial Union under Clements Kadalie
1920
The Native Affairs Act
1920
The ANC supports the militant strike by African mineworkers in 1920.
1920
The Black (Native) Affairs Act is Passed.The Native Affairs Act was yet another spinoff of the South African Native Affairs Commission's report of 1905. It paves the way for the creation of a countrywide system of tribally based, but government appointed, district councils modelled on the lines of the Glen Grey Act of 1894. The 1936 Representation of Natives Act extends the principal of separate, communally based political representation for Africans.
Allison Wessels George (A.W.G.) Champion founds the Transvaal Native Mine Clerks' Association.
The Bulhoek Massacre takes place outside Queenstown.
Dorothy Shanley is born.
Eduardo Mondlane is born in Manjacaze, Mozambique.
Elmon Malele is born.
Fred Carneson is born.
Gabriel Dichaba is born.
Harry (Mphephethwa) Themba Gwala is born.
Hymie Barsel is born in Barsel.
Jonas Dinous Matlou is born.
Lionel (Rusty) Bernstein is born.
Lorna Peirson is born in Beckenham, London.
Marimuthu (M.P.) Pragalathan Naicker is born in Natal.
Nimrod Sejake is born.
Raymond Mhlaba is born in Mazoka village at Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape.
Robert M. Resha is born in Bolotwe, Queenstown.
1920
Job reservation is created by the job colour bar becoming official. The 'Civilized Labour Policy' and the Apprenticeship Act entrenches disadvantage for Africans. Black workers are placed in an inferior position to white workers, and are also to denied certain freedoms.
1920
Bulhoek Massacre. Correct date is 24 May 1921. DONE!
1920
Albert Luthuli attends the Higher Teachers' Training Course at Adams College on a scholarship and joins the staff upon the successful completion of the course.
40 000 African miners strike on the Reef and in Port Elizabeth 21 people are killed by the police.
1920
Dalidyebo, father of the Tembu Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, dies at Silimela. It was this latter chief to whom Henry Mandela entrusted his young son, Nelson Mandela.
1920
February
African mineworkers strike on the Witwatersrand.
1920
February
The Asiatic Inquiry Commission, headed by Sir Johannes Lange, is appointed to inquire into laws concerning the right of Asiatics to trade and acquire fixed property in the Union.
1920
March
Smuts forms government with narrow parliamentary majority.
Native Affairs Act.
1920
12 May
The Asiatic Inquiry Commission, appointed in February 1920 to inquire into laws concerning the right of Asiatics to trade and acquire fixed property in the Union, submits an interim report.
1920
July
Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union of South Africa (ICU) is established as national Black trade union in Bloemfontein.
1920
July
Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union of South Africa (ICU) established as national non-white trade union, Bloemfontein.
1920
11 July
Hudson William Edison Ntsanwisi is born at the Shiluvane Mission Station in the Letaba District of Limpopo.
1920
23 October
African demonstrators shot in Port Elizabeth.
Transvaal Mine Clerks' Association formed under the leadership of A.W.G. Champion.
1920
December
P.K. Naidoo and others form the Congress Resuscitation Committee (CRC) to resuscitate the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) that had become defunct after a split with Mahatma Gandhi in 1913.
1921
Mary Fitzgerald is the first female City Councillor in Johannesburg.
1921
Josiah Mqebu succeeds Martin Luthuli as Chief of Groutville
1921
Ghananian educator, J. E. G. Gold Aggrey visits South Africa on an endowment mission to study African education. This prompts concerned Whites and members of African middle class to form the Joint Councils of Europeans and Blacks in major South African cities.
Rev. Z. R. Mahabane addresses the Cape branch of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC).
Selby Msimang, founding member of the African National Congress (ANC) and Clements Kadalie, the Malawian founder of the Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU) agree on the formation of Black trade union called the Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union of South Africa.
Selby Msimang delivers a speech before the second conference of the Industrial Commercial Workers' Union of South Africa in Cape Town.
Florence Mophosho is born in Alexander Township, Johannesburg.
Jo Thorpe is born in Fishoek in Cape Town.
Leslie Massina is born in Pimville, Johannesburg.
Mahomed (Chota) M. Motala is born.
Mpho Keyecwe Motsamai is born.
Thembile Benson Ndimba is born.
1921
February
National elections. Smuts government remains in power with increased parliamentary majority.
1921
19 February
Andries Treurnicht is born on Middelpos farm in Piketberg, Cape Town.
1921
3 March
The Asiatic Inquiry Commission, appointed in February 1920 to inquire into laws concerning the right of Asiatics to trade and acquire fixed property in the Union, concludes its activities and submits its final report. The Commission rejects the grievances of the South African League and proposes a system of voluntary repatriation and segregation of Indians. It also recommends that existing legislation on Indians in the Transvaal be retained, but that new measures be introduced in Natal to prohibit Indians from buying agricultural land in a specified area along the coast.
1921
5 March
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Durban Land Alienation Ordinance , no 14 of 1922 (Natal) This ordinance enables the Durban City Council to exclude Indians from ownership or occupation of property in white areas.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Township Franchise Ordinance.
The Township Franchise Ordinance is approved by the Provincial Council of Natal to deprive Indians of municipal franchise rights, vetoed by the Union Government.
1921
5 March
The Durban Land Alienation Ordinance, No. 14 of 1921 (Natal), enables the Durban City Council to exclude Indians from the ownership or occupation of property in white areas. The ordinance evokes strenuous opposition.
The Provincial Council of Natal approves the Township Franchise Ordinance, which will deprive Indians of their municipal franchise rights. The Union Government, however, vetoes the ordinance.
The Provincial Council of Natal approves the Rural Dealers' Licensing Ordinance, which limits Indian traders' right of appeal against the refusal of trading licences by municipal licensing officers.
1921
6 March
1921 The Natal Indian Congress is resuscitated and reorganised at a meeting in Durban. Ismail Gora is elected President.
1921
May
Frustrated White authorities finally resort to the use of force after the Isrealites Millenarian Separatist Sect repeatedly refused to move from outside of Bulhoek in the Cape Province, where they had squatted for over a year. When a reinforced Police Unit is sent with Colonel Theodore Truter, a Police Commissioner, 163 Africans are killed and 129 wounded. The incident became known as the Bulhoek Massacre. Prophet Enoch Migijima, the leader of the Sect, and his two brothers were given a Six-year sentence for leading people in protest against forced removals by White authorities.
The Communist Party of South African (CPSA) is formed in Cape Town.
1921
4 May
Bulhoek Massacre. Correct date is 24 May 1921. DONE!
1921
24 May
Bulhoek Massacre of Israelites takes place near Queenstown when Colonel Theodore Truter, a police commissioner, leads 6 squadrons, a machine gun and an artillery detachment against the Israelite religious sect collected at their annual gathering on the land of their leader and prophet, Enoch Mgijima at Ntabalanga. The slaughter takes 10 minutes and costs 190 lives.
Mgizima and his two brothers are sentenced to 6 years - their crime: the refusal to demolish huts built on crown land and defiance of white authority.
1921
June
Non-European Convention held in Kimberly to protest against the pass laws and the Hertzog Bills, where he proposed the removal of the limited cape Franchise. Dr. Abdurahman of the African Peoples Organisation (APO) was elected as the chairperson.
1921
20 June
The Imperial Conference begins in London. At the Conference, V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, the Indian representative, puts forward a strong case for the granting of full citizenship rights to Indians in South Africa and other British colonies. The South African Prime Minister, General J.C. Smuts, opposes Sastri's resolution that calls for equality and maintains that he cannot grant the franchise to Indians while withholding it from Blacks.
1921
July
The International Socialist League together with other socialist organisations formed the Communist Party.
1921
July
Communist Party of South Africa formed in Cape Town.
John Dube attends the Second Pan-African Congress in London.
J.E.G. Aggrey of Gold Coast visits South Africa.
First European-African Joint Council formed in Johannesburg.
Start of publication of Umteteli wa Bantu, African newspaper linked to the Chamber or Mines.
1921
1 July
Seretse Khama is born at Serowe, Bechuanaland (now Botswana).
1921
21 November
The trial of the accused of the Bulhoek Massacre commences
1921
16 December
-the Communist Party (CP) called for a united front in a pass burning campaign on Dingaans Day.
1922
White miners embark on what has become known as The Rand Rebellion.
1922
The first significant action by women in the rural areas occurs in Hershel. Boycott of stores as a result of price hikes, using passive resistance tactics that had been used earlier in the Free State.
1922
New laws passed which fixes the funding of African education at 1922 levels, with additional funding to come from the Africans themselves. The result is continual under funding.
1922
A South African Indian deputation, supported by Sir Jamshetji Jeejibhoy and other Indian leaders, meets the Viceroy.
1922
Following a crisis between a section of White workers and the chamber of mines on labour issues, miners in the Witwatersrand embark on a strike and it becomes known as the Rand Rebellion. The key issue for the White workers is the replacement of 2000 semi-skilled White labourers by cheap Black labour. Initially Whites were protected by the Colour Bar Act, which advocated job reservation for them. The fall of the Rand after WWI had a heavy financial impact on mine owners leading them to a reduction in costs, especially on labour. Both English-speaking leftwing socialists and Afrikaner Militants use armed action to support their demands. Jan Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa, instructs the police to use martial law to bring the strike to an end. The miners get the sympathy of the South African Labour Party and National Party (NP), who use them to canvass votes in order to oust Smuts' South African Party from power in the 1924 election.
Industrial and Commercial Workers's Union in its meeting in Cape Town condemns the attack on Blacks during the Rand Rebellion and calls upon government to act against the offenders.
Rev. Selope Thema founding member of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) encourages biracial meetings as they make the organisation more informative.
Transvaal Native Mine Clerks' Association hands a memorandum to the Mining Industry Board.
Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU) is renamed the Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union of Africa.
Jerry Dibanhlele Khumalo is born.
Greenwood Dumisa Ngotyana is born in the Transkei.
George Edward Peake is born in the Cape.
Mary Goitsemang Ranta is born.
1922
March
Bondelswarts rebellion in South West Africa.
White miners' general strike becomes armed clash between strikers and government.
Clements Kadalie assumes dominant position in national ICU.
First Native Conference held under provisions of Native Affairs Act of 1920.
1922
March
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Natal Provincial Council passes three ordinances.
i) The Rural Dealers Licensing Ordinance limited the right of appeal.
ii) The Townships Franchise Ordinance Indians lose municipal franchise.
iii) The Durban Land Alienation Ordinance gives the Durban Town Council the right to restrict ownership and occupation of land of any race group.
1922
22 March
The Rand Rebellion is brought to a brutal end by the police.
1922
4 April
Narainsamy Thumbi Naicker is born.
1922
14 October
Rahima Moosa is born in the Strand, Cape Town.
1923
The European-Bantu conference encouraged the ANC to withdraw from direct political action.
1923
The Natives (Urban) Areas Act
1923
Fietas, Johannesburg: The Native Urban Areas Act is passed.
1923
Native (Black) Urban Areas Act No 21:
Made each local authority responsible for the blacks in its area. Native advisory boards regulated influx control and removed surplus people, i.e. those who were not employed in the area. The country was divided into prescribed (urban) and non- prescribed areas, movement between the two being strictly controlled (Horrell 1978: 2-3). This Act was consolidated by the 1945 Blacks (Urban Areas) Consolidation Act.
Assent gained: 14 June 1923; commencement date not found.
Repealed by the Blacks (Urban Areas) Consolidation Act No 25 of 1945
1923
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Class Areas Bill.
Minister of Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, introduces Class Areas Bill, which proposes compulsory residential and trading segregation for Indians throughout South Africa.
Anti-Indian Legislation: Boroughs Ordinance no 189 of 1924
This Bill effectively disenfranchises Indians in Natal. They lose vote in boroughs.
Anti-Indian Legislation: Industrial Conciliation Act.
This Act provides for Job reservation.
1923
South African Labour Party and National Party sign a Pact agreement. They agree to form a Pact government should they win the 1924 elections under General Barry Hertzog.
The Natives (Urban Areas) Act legislated on a broad front to regulate the presence of Africans in the urban areas. It was only intermittently applied until the end of the 1940s.The African National Congress (ANC) through its newspaper 'Abantubantu' makes it known that it opposes the Act as it promotes and strengthens segregation
The South African Native National Party (SANNC) changes its name to the African National Congress (ANC).
James Thaele, a self-styled 'professor' of Cape Town, in the first conference of Black Affairs, under the sponsorship of the Dutch Reformed Church, calls for Independent African Action.
Thembekile Enoch KaTshunungwa, a member of the Tembu Royal House is born in the Transkei.
Wilton Z. Mkwayi is born in Middledrift in the Cape.
Hassen (Ike) M. Moosa is born.
P. Ntsangani is born in Eastern Cape.
Reginald September is born in Cape Town.
Mbuyiselo Stanley Vanqa is born.
Diamond Bozas is born in Isipingo.
1923
April
Nationalist Party and South African Labour Party conclude electoral pact to challenge Smuts government.
Start of publication of Workers' Herald, newspaper of the ICU.
1923
31 May
The Mayor of Durban, Walter Gilbert J.P., officially opens the third national conference of Indian organisations in the Durban Town Hall. The Conference formally decides to establish the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) and Omar Hajee Amod Jhaveri is elected its first President.
1923
1 June - 3 June
The third national conference of Indian organisations continues at Parsee Rustomjee Hall in Queen Street, Durban. The Conference draws up and adopts the constitution and standing orders of the newly established South African Indian Congress.
1923
September
First European-African Conference sponsored by the Dutch Reformed Church.
Natives (Urban Areas) Act.
1923
29 October
James John Hadebe is born in Frankfort, Free State.
1924
Rev. Z.R. Mahabane is elected President-General of the ANC
1924
Industrial Conciliation Act.
1924 - 1939
Premiership of General Hertzog.
1924
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Township Franchise Ordinance, Natal.
This Ordinance deprived Indians of municipal franchise.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Rural Dealers Ordinance, Natal.
This Ordinance attempts to cripple Indian trade.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Durban Land Alienation Ordinance, Natal.
This Ordinance prevented Indian ownership of land in white areas.
1924
The Boroughs Ordinance, Ordinance No. 189 of 1924 effectively disenfranchises Indians in Natal. The South African Indian Congress threatens passive resistance.
1924
Colonel F.H.P Creswell of the South African Labour Party is appointed Minister of Labour in the Pact government.
The Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU) is rigged by internal struggle over its relationship with the Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA).
Dennis Brutus is born in Rhodesia.
D. Fuyani is born.
Nadime Gordimer is born in Springs.
Alfred (Tough) Hutchinson is born in Hectorspruit district, Eastern Transvaal.
Elias Motsoaledi is born in Sekhukhuniland.
Ahmed Ebrahim Patel is born.
Abraham Barnett Koatlhao Secchoareng is born.
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe is born in Graaff-Reinet in the Cape Province.
1924
Introduction of Industrial Conciliation Act.
1924
January
The Minister of the Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, introduces the Class Areas Bill, which proposes compulsory residential and trading segregation for Indians throughout South Africa.
1924
January
The Minister of the Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, introduces the Class Areas Bill, which proposes compulsory residential and trading segregation for Indians throughout South Africa.
1924
27 January
The Natal Indian Congress and the Natal Indian Association jointly organises a mass meeting in Durban in opposition to the Class Areas Bill. The mass meeting is attended by 3000 Indians.
1924
8 February
Imam Abdullah Haron is born Newlands-Claremont.
1924
15 February
A deputation for the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) meets with the Minister of the Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, and presents him with a memorandum setting out their objections concerning the Class Areas Bill.
1924
April
After an invitation from the Natal Indian Congress (NIC), Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, a celebrated poetess from India, returns to South Africa from a visit to Kenya. She addresses scores of meetings and puts forward the case of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) concerning the Class Areas Bill in interviews with the Prime Minister, General J.C. Smuts, the Minister of the Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, the leaders of the Opposition and other prominent members of Parliament. She is also present in Parliament during its discussions of the Bill. The Government later decides not to pursue the Bill pending the general elections to be held in June.
1924
April
After an invitation from the Natal Indian Congress (NIC), Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, a celebrated poetess from India, returns to South Africa from a visit to Kenya. She addresses scores of meetings and puts forward the case of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) concerning the Class Areas Bill in interviews with the Prime Minister, General Jan Smuts, the Minister of the Interior, Sir Patrick Duncan, the leaders of the Opposition and other prominent members of Parliament. She is also present in Parliament during its discussions of the Bill. The Government later decides not to pursue the Bill pending the general elections to be held in June.
1924
8 April
Industrial Conciliation Act No 11:
Provided for job reservation. Excluded blacks from membership of registered trade unions, prohibited registration of black trade unions.
Commenced: 8 April 1924
Repealed by s 86 of the Industrial Conciliation Act No 36 of 1937
1924
8 April
The Industrial Conciliation Act, Act No. 11 of 1924, provides for job reservation.
1924
21 April - 25 April
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) convenes an emergency conference in Durban. In a resolution adopted by the Conference, the SAIC approves Mrs Sarojini Naidu's suggestion that a Round-table Conference be held between delegates from the SAIC, the Union Government and the Indian Government.
1924
21 April - 25 April
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) convenes an emergency conference in Durban. In a resolution adopted by the Conference, the SAIC approves Mrs Sarojini Naidu's suggestion that a Round-table Conference be held between delegates from the SAIC, the Union Government and the Indian Government.
1924
28 April
Kenneth David Kaunda is born.
1924
May
Rev. Z. R. Mahabane elected president of the African National Congress.
1924
May
Rev. Z. R. Mahabane is elected the president of the African National Congress (ANC).
1924
June
National elections. Nationalist Party-South African Labour Party win parliamentary majority. General Hertzog becomes prime minister.
1924
17 June
The Pact coalition between the National Party and Labour Party wins the national election and General J.B.M. Hertzog becomes Prime Minister.
1925
The Pact government comes to power, under Jan Smuts and Barry Hertzog.
1925
The Bill of rights is adopted at the National conference.
1925
The new name: African National Congress (ANC) is adopted, replacing the old South African native National Congress (SANNC)
1925
Wage Act.
Attempt to extend pass laws to African women blocked by court decision in suit instigated by African National Congress.
ICU headquarters shifted from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
1925
Anti-Indian Legislation: Transvaal Dealers (Control) Ordinance 11/1925.
This ordinance puts obstacles in the way of obtaining licences. Aim to restrict Indian trade.
Anti-Indian Legislation: Minimum Wages Act.
This Act leads to a form of job reservation and promotes white employment. Certain trades are earmarked for whites.
Anti-Indian Legislation: Class Areas Bill.
This Bill is designed for mere segregation.
1925
The Transvaal Dealers (Control) Ordinance, Ordinance No. 11 of 1925, aims to restrict Indian trade by placing further obstacles in the way of obtaining licences.
The Minimum Wages Act leads to a form of job reservation and promotes White employment by earmarking certain trades for Whites.
1925
The Wage Act is Passed. The Act gives the Pact government the power to determine wage rates within specific industries.
Alex La Guma is born in Cape Town.
Stanley B. Lollan is born.
Patrick Mosell Molaoa is born in Johannesburg.
Ruth Mompati is born in Vryburg, North-West Province.
Obed Motshabi is born.
John K. Nkadimeng is born in Sekhukhuniland, Eastern Transvaal.
A.B. Nogaya is born.
Tamsanqa Tasque Tshume is born in Port Elizabeth.
Harold Strachan is born.
1925
25 January
Sir Dinshaw Petit and Sir Purushottamdas Thakurdas head a deputation to the Viceroy of India to press for a round-table conference with South Africa.
1925
14 March
Heloise Ruth First is born.
1925
8 April
The Indian Government sends a telegram to the Union Government to suggest round-table conference. In his reply to the telegram, the Union Governor General states that the conference must acknowledge repatriation as fundamental to the discussions.
1925
8 April
The Indian Government sends a telegram to the Union Government to suggest a round-table conference. In his reply to the telegram, the Union Governor General states that the conference must acknowledge repatriation as fundamental to the discussions.
1925
14 April
Collins Wells Englin is born in Sea Point, Cape Town.
1925
16 June
The Union Government rejects a round-table conference with India on the grounds that it will constitute interference in South African affairs.
1925
2 July
Patrice Lumumba is born in Kasai, in the Northern Province of Katanga.
1925
23 July
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill
Dr. D. F. Malan, Minister of the Interior, introduces Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill in Parliament. It defines Indians as aliens and recommends limitation of population through repatriation.
1925
23 July
Dr. D. F. Malan, Minister of the Interior, introduces the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill in Parliament. The Bill is more stringent than the Class Areas Bill of the previous year ' whereas the Class Areas Bill was designed for the purposes of enforcing mere segregation, the Areas Reservation Bill defines Indians as aliens and recommends the limitation of the Indian population through repatriation.
1925
23 July
Daniel Francois (D. F.) Malan, Minister of the Interior, introduces the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill in Parliament. The Bill is more stringent than the Class Areas Bill of the previous year, whereas the Class Areas Bill was designed for the purposes of enforcing mere segregation, the Areas Reservation Bill defines Indians as aliens and recommends the limitation of the Indian population through repatriation.
1925
31 August
The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) holds a mass meeting in Durban in protest against the proposed Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill. Anglia and J.K. Roberts call for a round-table meeting of Indian organisations, but the resolution is opposed.
1925
31 August
The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) holds a mass meeting in Durban in protest against the proposed Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill. Anglia and J.K. Roberts call for a round-table meeting of Indian organisations, but the resolution is opposed.
1925
19 September
Liz Abrahams is born in Paarl.
1925
24 September
In a communiqué to the Indian Government, the Union Government again declares that there is no need for a round-table conference and that the two Governments need only to discuss the repatriation of South African Indians.
1925
9 November - 12 November
The fifth Conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) in Cape Town rejects the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill and calls for a round-table conference to be held between the Governments of India and South Africa and representatives of the SAIC. The Conference also adopts a resolution that a deputation be sent to India.
1925
13 November
General Hertzog outlines his "solution" for the 'Native Question' at Smithfield.
Afrikaans recognised as an official language.
1925
13 November
General Barry Hertzog presents his Smithfield speech in the Orange Free State, where he presents proposals regarding the Coloured Persons Rights Bill.
1925
16 November
Advocate J.W. Godfrey leads the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) deputation to the Minister of Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, to put forward the case of the Indian community with regards to the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill. The deputation urges the Minister to agree to a round-table conference between the Governments of India and South Africa.
1925
16 November
Advocate J.W. Godfrey leads the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) deputation to the Minister of Interior, Daniel Francois (D.F.) Malan, to put forward the case of the Indian community with regards to the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill. The deputation urges the Minister to agree to a round-table conference between the Governments of India and South Africa.
1925
23 November
0A deputation of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) leaves for India to lobby the Indian Government about the issues of the Areas Reservation and Immigration and Registration (Further Provision) Bill and a round-table conference between the Governments of India and South Africa.
1925
December
The Paddison deputation, led by the Commissioner of Labour in Madras, G.F. Paddison, arrives in South Africa. The other members of the deputation are the Hon. Syed Raza Ali, G.S. Bajpai, C.S Ricketts and Sir Deva Prasad Sarvadhikary. The aim of the deputation is to study the general position and economic conditions of the Indians in South Africa. This delegation paves way for the first Round-table Conference.
1925
19 December
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) delegation, led by Dr A. Abdurahman (President of the African People's Organisation, APO, but now involved with the plight of the Indians), meets with the Viceroy of India. The other members of the delegation are: Amod Bayat, J. W. Godfrey, Pandit Bhawani Dayal, V. S. C. Pather, Sorabjee Rustomjee and A. A. Mirza.
1925
26 December
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) deputation attends 40th session of All-India Congress (also referred to as the India National Congress) at Cawnpore, India. Sarojini Naidu, President of the Indian National Congress, links the problems of South African Indians with India's subjection to foreign rule and calls for the freedom of India.
1926
Prime Minister General Barry Hertzog introduces a Bill to eject Africans from the political system.
1926
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Mines and Works Amendments Act (Colour Bar Act) 25/1926.
This Act provides certificates of competency for skilled work, Indian workers are excluded.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Liquor Bill, Sections 107 and 144
Indians and Africans could not be employed by licence holders and were not allowed on licensed premises and liquor supply vehicles. 3000 Indians employed in the brewery trade are affected.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Local Government (Provincial Powers) Act.
This Act denies citizenship rights to Indians.
1926
The Mines and Works Amendment Act , Act No. 25 of 1926 (Colour Bar Act), provides certificates of competency for skilled work, but Indian workers are excluded. Because of the differential treatment instituted as a result of this and other discriminatory Acts, Indian workers feel that separate Indian and Coloured Unions would best serve their needs, especially as white Trade Unions refuse to admit Indian members who want to fully benefit of Industrial Conciliation Act. i.e. representation on Industrial councils and Conciliation Boards.
1926
In terms of the proposed Liquor Bill, Sections 107 and 144, Indians and Africans cannot be employed by licence holders and are not allowed on licensed premises or to drive in liquor supply vehicles. 3000 Indians employed in the brewery trade are affected.
1926
Jongilizwe, brother of the Tembu Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, dies. It was this latter chief to whom Henry Mandela entrusted his young son, Nelson Mandela.
1926
The Mines and Works Amendment Act is passed.The Act firmly establishes the principle of the Colour Bar in certain mining jobs.
The African National Congress (ANC) plans a nation wide campaign after the publication of the Black 'Native' Bills in alliance with the Industrial Commercial Union (ICU). Leaders of the two organisations back away from the endorsement and the campaign fails to take off.
The Mines and Works Act no 25 of 1926:This Act, also called the Colour Bar Act, is supposedly designed to counteract the force of economic advantages enjoyed by natives as stated by the government's Mining Regulations Commission. The 1926 legislation is a reflection on the belief by most whites, especially those in the labour market, that it represented unfair competition and that the welfare of Whites would suffer significantly if Blacks were not legislated out of the market. The law strengthened the barriers against non-White advancement provided in the 1911 Act.
Ethel de Keyser is born.
Balelekeng Sam Masemola is born.
John A. Mavuso is born.
Elliot Nzimeni Mfaxa is born at Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape.
Cecil Skotnes born in East London.
Joe Slovo is born in Lithuania.
Joseph Mpoza is born.
Kesval Moonsamy is born.
Maniben Sita is born in the Asiatic bazaar (Marabastad).
Michael Gagashe Zondi is born in Mtulwa, Greytown district of KZN.
Rexon Mathebula is born.
1926
30 January
Prime Minister, Gen. J.B.M. Hertzog and the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, meet with the Paddington delegation after a great deal of pressure from the British government. The meeting results in the decision that a Select Committee will be set up to enable the Paddison deputation to argue on the principle of Areas Reservation Bill. The deputation also succeeds in getting the Union Government to agree to a round-table conference.
1926
30 January
Prime Minister, General Barry Hertzog and the Minister of the Interior, Daniel Francois (D.F.) Malan, meet with the Paddington delegation after a great deal of pressure from the British government. The meeting results in the decision that a Select Committee will be set up to enable the Paddington deputation to argue on the principle of the Areas Reservation Bill. The deputation also succeeds in getting the Union Government to agree to a round-table conference.
1926
February
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) deputation to India returns to South Africa.
1926
17 February
The South African Government agrees to round-table conference with the Government of India provided discussion is restricted to repatriation of Indians. The conference is to be held at the end of 1926. It is further agreed that a South African Government deputation will visit India before the conference.
1926
23 February
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) calls for a national day of prayer (hartal), strikes and the closure of shops in opposition to various pieces of proposed anti-Indian legislation. The South African Indian community heeds this call on national scale.
1926
April
South African Trade Union Congress formed.
1926
May
Mines and Works Amendment Act (`Colour Bar' Act)
1926
6 May
Andrew Mokete Mlangeni is born Prospect township in Soweto.
1926
31 May
Indian Government invites a delegation from the South African Government to visit India in an attempt to foster closer mutual cooperation.
1926
11 September
Gerrit Viljoen is born in Cape Town.
1926
19 September
A South African Government delegation, led by F. W. Beyers, the Minister of Mines and Industry, in the Hertzog Government, and Patrick Duncan, the Minister of the Interior in the previous Smuts Government, arrives in India.
1926
30 September
Immorality Act No 5:
Extra-marital intercourse between whites and blacks prohibited (Horrell 1978: 8).(Extended in 1950 to include coloureds and Asians.)
Commenced: 30 September 1927
Repealed by s 23 of Sexual Offences Act No 23 of 1957.
1926
30 September
Immorality Act No 5:Extra-marital intercourse between whites and blacks prohibited (Horrell 1978: 8). (Extended in 1950 to include coloureds and Asians.)Commences: 30 September 1927Repeals by section 23 of Sexual Offences Act No 23 of 1957.
1926
October
General J.B.M. Hertzog, South African Prime Minister, attends the Imperial Conference in London. The Conference focuses on the clarification of the dominions' status within the British Empire and its activities result in the Balfour Declaration.
1926
19 November
Following the Imperial Conference held in London in October, Lord Balfour, the former British Prime Minister, announces the Balfour Declaration, in which the status of the dominions in the British Empire is clarified as follows: '[Britain and her dominions] are autonomous Communities within the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the Crown and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations'.
1926
December
Communists expelled from ICU.
Kadalie defies order forbidding him entry into Natal.
Balfour Declaration defines relations of Great Britain and the Dominions.
1926
6 December - 7 December
The South African Indian Congress holds an Emergency Conference.
1926 - 1927
17 December - 12 January
Representatives of the South African and Indian Governments meet for a round-table conference in Cape Town. The Conference leads to the conclusion of the Cape Town Agreement between South Africa and India. In terms of the agreement, the Indian population of South Africa shall be limited through assisted emigration; the entry of naturalised Indians' wives and minor children will be facilitated in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Reciprocity Resolution; and the South African Government commits itself to the upliftment of Indian Community in South Africa. It is also decided that Agents of the Government of India will be appointed to represent India in South Africa.
1927
J.T. Gumede is elected President of the ANC.
1927
James La Guma is sent to Brussels by the SACP.
1927
Walter Sisulu leaves school at the age of 15 and shortly afterwards Sisulu goes to Johannesburg where he attended various educational organisations. Sisulu, later became secretary of the "Orlando Brotherly Society", a Xhosa organisation, which prompted an interest in tribal history and encouraged economic independence from whites.
1927
Immorality Act.
Native Administration Act.
First Communist-sponsored African trade union formed.
1927
Joan Morice becomes South Africa's first qualified Veterinarian
1927
Albert Luthuli marries fellow Adams College teacher Nokukhanya (The Bright One) Bhengu, the granddaughter of a hereditary Zulu Chief.
1927
The Native Administration Bill is passed. However, the Pact government fails to have the Native Bills, which is meant to regulate African Affairs, passed.
Josiah Tshangana Gumede of Natal branch of the African National Congress (ANC) and a member of the ANC delegation to London in 1919 is elected president of the organisation.
Josiah Tshangana Gumede attends a communist-sponsored conference in Brussels of oppressed nationalities, and travel to Soviet Union and indicates his desire of cooperation with the communists in joint efforts to influence the government, including mass demonstrations.
Clements Kadalie attempts tore organise the Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU) along the lines of Britain trade union.
The National and Flag Act of 1927This Act does not recognise Indians as South African Nationals.
Ben Turok is born in Latvia.
Joseph Morolong is born in Northern Cape.
Julius Phumelela Busa is born.
Lionel Forman is born in Rossettenville.
Lungile Kepe is born.
Philemon (Duma) Pearce Dumasile Nokwe is born.
1927
12 January
The Cape Town Agreement is signed on the last day of a round-table conference of representatives of the South African and Indian Governments. The South African Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan withdraws the Areas Reservation Bill, while the Government of India agrees to the policy of voluntary repatriation.
1927
27 January
The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the Natal Indian Association jointly organise a mass meeting in Durban in opposition to the Class Areas Bill. The mass meeting is attended by 3000 Indians.
1927
February
Second (and last) European-African Conference sponsored by the Dutch Reformed Church.
1927
21 February
The Cape Town Agreement is published and a joint communiqué on the Cape Town round-table conference is issued by the South African and Indian Governments.
1927
12 March - 13 March
The seventh annual Conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is held in Johannesburg to discuss the Cape Town Agreement signed by South Africa and India in February. The SAIC accepts the agreement. Transvaal delegates also try unsuccessfully to get a decision from the Conference to move the SAIC headquarters to Johannesburg.
1927
April
The Immigration and Indian Relief (Further Provision) Bill of 1927 The Minister of Interior, Dr. Daniel Francois (D.F.) Malan, introduces Immigration and Indian Relief (Further Provision) Bill, which follows closely on the Round Table Conference between India and South Africa. It requires children of South African Indian parents, born outside the Union to enter the country within three months of birth. In addition South Africans who absent themselves for three continuous years from the country forfeit domicile rights, and Indians who have entered the country illegally (mostly at the time of the South African War) condoned and issued with condonation certificates. Families of condonees are not allowed to join them. The Act also establishes a scheme of voluntary repatriation of South African Indians to India. Indian Government complies. Repatriates to receive bonuses of £20 per adult and £10 per child, plus free passages. Bonus doubled in 1931, and finally abolished in 1955 when it becomes apparent that only the old, intending to retire in India, take advantage of it.
1927
12 April
In an article published in The Star, The Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan presents the Cape Town Agreement as an agreement between South Africa and India to repatriate Indians.
1927
27 April
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Immigration and Indian Relief (Further Provision) Bill
Minister of Interior, Dr Malan, introduces Immigration and Indian Relief Further Provision) Bill, which follows closely on Round Table Conference between India and South Africa.It requires children of South African Indian parents, born outside the Union to enter the country within three months of birth.In addition South Africans who absent themselves for three continuous years from the country forfeit domicile rights, and Indians who have entered the country illegally (mostly at the time of the Anglo-Boer War) condoned and issued with condonation certificates. Families of condonees are not allowed to join them. The Act also establishes a scheme of voluntary repatriation of South African Indians to India. Indian Government complies. Repatriates to receive bonuses of 20 per adult and 10 per child, plus free passages. Bonus doubled in 1931, and finally abolished in 1955 when it becomes apparent that only the old, intending to retire in India, take advantage of it.
1927
27 April
The Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, introduces the Immigration and Indian Relief (Further Provision) Bill in Parliament. The introduction of the Bill follows closely on Round-table Conference between India and South Africa and has as its aim to provide legal guidelines for the implementation of the Cape Town Agreement. The Bill requires children of South African Indian parents, born outside the Union, to enter the country within three months of birth. In addition, South African Indians who absent themselves for three continuous years from the country forfeit their rights of domicile, while Indians who have entered the country illegally (mostly at the time of the Anglo-Boer War) will be condoned and issued with condonation certificates. However, families of condonees will not be allowed to join them. The Act also establishes a scheme of voluntary repatriation of South African Indians to India with the compliance of the Indian Government. Repatriates are to receive bonuses of £20 per adult and £10 per child, plus free passage to India. This bonus is doubled in 1931 and finally abolished in 1955 when it becomes apparent that only the old, who intend to retire in India, are taking advantage of it.
1927
8 May
The Transvaal British Indian Association (TBIA), dominated by Muslim merchants, secedes from the South African Indian Congress (SAIC). The TBIA feels that the SAIC, dominated by representatives of the Natal Indian Congress, does not pay sufficient attention to the problems experienced by Transvaal Indians.
1927
10 May
The Natal Provincial Council passes a motion against the Cape Town Agreement over fears that existing licensing legislation will be relaxed.
1927
27 May
V.S.S. Sastri is appointed as the first Agent of the Government of India in South Africa.
The South African Indian Congress (SAIC) sends a deputation to the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, to protest against Section 5 of the Immigration and Indian Relief (Further Provision) Bill. This section empowers Immigration Officers and Boards to cancel registration certificates and certificates of domicile. After further pressure by V.S.S. Sastri, the Indian Agent in South Africa, Malan, does not put Section 5 into effect.
1927
June - November
Clements Kadalie visits Europe.
1927
June
First Non-European Conference meets in Bloemfontein under the leadership of Dr. Abdullah Abdurahman
Gumede elected president of the African National Congress.
Gumede travels to Europe and the Soviet Union.
1927
10 June
Mizream Maseko is (also documented as Mizraim, Mizriam, Mizram) is born.
1927
23 June
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Asiatics in the Northern Districts Act.
Transvaal laws are to be applied to Indians in Utrecht, Vryheid, and Paulpietersburg. Restrictions placed on land purchase, trade and residence rights.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Liquor Act
Africans and Indians are denied employment by license holders and are not allowed to serve liquor and drive liquor vans. They are also denied access to licensed premises.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Womens Franchise Bill
No Indian women are allowed to vote.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Riotous Assembly Act
Any Indians are considered dangerous agitators subject to deportation.
1927
23 June
Dr. A. Abdurahman, leader of the African People's Organisation (APO), organises a Non-European Conference in Kimberley to protest against the so-called 'Hertzog Bills' that aims to further segregation and are to be tabled in Parliament later. At Abdurahman's invitation, the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) sends a delegation led by V. Lawrence. The delegation, however, declares that the SAIC cannot be bound by resolutions adopted at the Conference, because of the delicate position of Indians following the Cape Town Agreement and the appointment of an Indian Agent.
1927
23 June
The Asiatics in the Northern Districts Act of 1927 determines that Transvaal laws will be applied to Indians in Utrecht, Vryheid and Paulpietersburg. Restrictions are placed on the purchase of land by Indians, as well as their trade and residence rights.
1927
23 June
Dr. Abdullah Abdurahman, leader of the African People's Organisation (APO), organises a Non-European Conference in Kimberley to protest against the so-called Hertzog Bills that aim to further segregation and are to be tabled in Parliament. At Abdurahman's invitation, the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) sends a delegation led by V. Lawrence. The delegation, however, declares that the SAIC cannot be bound by resolutions adopted at the Conference, because of the delicate position of Indians following the Cape Town Agreement and the appointment of an Indian Agent.
1927
29 June
The first Agent of the Government of India, the Right Hon. V.S. Srinivasa Sastriarrives in South Africa.
1927
5 July
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Immigration and Indian Relief (Further) Provision: Act 37/1927.
This Bill becomes law and the scheme of assisted emigration comes into operation.
(Repatriation: 1927 1655 Indians repatriated; 1928 3477 repatriated; 1929 1314 repatriated)
Anti-Indian Legislation: Nationality and Flag Act
Nationality and Flag Act denies Indians right to become citizens by naturalization.
1927
5 July
The Immigration and Indian Relief (Further) Provision Bill becomes law as the Immigration and Indian Relief (Further) Provision Act, Act No. 37 of 1927 and the scheme of the assisted emigration of Indians comes into operation
1927
1 September
Black (Native) Administration Act No 38:
Section 5(1)(b) provided that whenever he deemed it expedient in the public interest,the minister might, without prior notice to any persons concerned, order any tribe, portion thereof, or individual black person, to move from one place to another within the Republic of South Africa (Horrell 1978: 204). Section 29(1) prohibited the fomenting of feelings of hostility between blacks and whites. Amended by s 4 of the Black Laws Further Amendment Act No 79 of 1957. This was extended to all racial groups in terms of s 1 of the 1974 Second General Law Amendment Act (see below). All the reported cases concern charges of inciting hostility among blacks towards the white section of the community rather than cases of whites who cause feelings of racial hostility by racially abusive comments (Dugard 1978: 178). Used extensively to carry out forced removals. Later amended by the 1973 Bantu (Black) Laws Amendment Act.
Commenced: 1 September 1927, except ss 22, 23 & 36: 1 January 1929. Sections 5(1)-(5) repealed by the Abolition of Influx Control Act No 68 of 1986; repealed in full by the Abolition of Restrictions on Free Political Activity Act No 206 of 1993
1927
October
The Nationality and Flag Act denies Indians the right to become South African citizens by naturalisation.
1927
12 October
The Indian Agent in South Africa, V.S.S. Sastri, addresses a public meeting in Johannesburg to explain Section 5, concerning the entry of minor Indian children into the Transvaal, of the Immigration and Indian Relief (Further) Provision Act, Act No. 37 of 1927.
1927
17 November
Thanks to the efforts of the Indian Agent in South Africa, V.S.S. Sastri and C.F. Andrews, the Natal Commission for Indian Education is appointed.
1927
18 December
Dissidents from the Transvaal British Indian Association (TBIA) (encouraged by the Indian Agent, V.S. Srinivasa Sastri) establish the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC). The TIC affiliates with the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) at the annual conference of SAIC in January 1928.
1928
Communist Party adopts a plan for a Native Republic.
1928
The ANC organises workers in Cape rural areas.
1928 - 1929
The Durban Beer Protests occur in opposition to liquor acts that extend the scope of police raids on the brewers, usually women.
1928
Josie Palmer active in campaign against residential permits.
1928
Albert Luthuli is elected Secretary of the African Teachers Association under the presidency of his friend Z.K. Matthews, principal of Adams College
1928
The Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA) receives orders from Moscow to endorse an Independent Black Republic as a stage towards a workers and peasants' republic. Josiah Tshangana Gumede supports the motion and this provoke the African National Congress (ANC).
Allison Wessels George (A.W.G.) Champion is suspended from the Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU) following financial mismanagement.
Allison Wessels George (A.W.G.) Champion is elected president of a separatist Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU) Yase Natal.
William Ballinger arrives from Britain as advisor to the Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU).
Winston Z. Conco is born.
Suliman Esakjee is born.
Joe Gqabi is born.
Christina Jasson is born.
Henry (Squire) George Makgothi is born.
Kate Molale is born.
Leslie Sonny Thusbo Monnanyane is born.
Temba D. A. Mqota is born.
Cleopus Sibande is born in Benoni.
Archibald Sibeko is born in Alice in the Cape.
Regina Buthelezi is born.
Barrymore Maritz is born in Pietermaritzburg.
1928
January
South African Trade Union Congress rejects application of ICU for affiliation.
Natal branch of ICU secedes. ICU yase Natal formed under leadership of A.W.G. Champion.
1928
2 January
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Liquor Bill
Section 104 of the Liquor Bill, prohibiting Indians from entering licensed premises, is withdrawn.
1928
2 January - 5 January
The affiliation of the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) to the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is accepted at the SAIC's annual conference.
1928
5 January
Phyllis Ruth David is born in Estcourt.
1928
5 January
Phyllis Naidoo is born in Estcourt.
1928
February
Section 104 of the Liquor Bill of 1927 is withdrawn. If implemented, this section would have prohibited Indians from being employed on any licensed premises.
1928
25 March
The South African Federation of Non-European Trade Unions is formed.
The Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) help establish several Indian trade unions and bring them together in a Natal Workers Congress with NIC officials in key positions.
1928
30 April
Josiah Gumede is succeeded by Pixley ka Isaka Seme as African National Congress president. Luthuli commented later: with his ascendancy, the African National Congress shifted several degrees rightwards into almost total moribundancy.
1928
27 August
Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi is born.
1928
28 August
Fatima Meer is born in Grey Street, Durban.
1928
19 September
The Minister of Public Health appoints the executive committee of the Central Housing Board to enquire into the sanitary and housing conditions of Indians in and around Durban. The Committee becomes known as the Thornton Committee after its chairman, Sir Edward N. Thornton.
1928
11 October
Zacharias Johannes de Beer is born.
1928
26 December
Derrick John McBride, Robert McBride's father, is born in his parent's home in Rockey Street, Johannesburg. He is the darkest complexioned middle child in a Coloured family of 4 boys and 1 girl. His mother made obvious her dislike of him because of his darkness, and from the age of 8 he alone was made to do all the domestic work when there was no maid. His bitterness toward his mother prevents him from attending her funeral in 1983.
He suffers childhood taunts and disadvantage because of his colour, and grows to hate Whites. He becomes politically aware from a young age and later develops a drinking problem.
1928
28 December - 30 December
At a conference held in Johannesburg, the South African Federation is launched with Abdul Karim as President. The Federation repudiates the Cape Town Agreement, as it is opposed to the reduction of the Indian population in South Africa and their repatriation.
1929
Barry Hertzog wins general election.
1929
League of African Rights is formed.
1929
Walter Sisulu returns to Johannesburg after undergoing traditional Xhosa initiation rites back in Transkei. In Johannesburg Sisulu obtained work at a gold mine.
1929
Bhawani Dayal Sannyasi, Vice President of Natal Indian Congress (NIC), President of the All-India Emigrants Conference and a member of the South African Indian Congress deputation to India in 1925, publishes a report on the subject of the repatriation scheme in which he reaches the following conclusions:
1.The repatriation scheme had failed because it brought great misery upon the repatriates, especially those born in South Africa, who were accustomed to a different standard of living.
2.The caste system in India presented great difficulties to repatriates born of inter-caste marriages in South Africa.
3.The Indian Government had been able to help a few repatriates in South India but hardly any in North India.
4.Foodstuffs in India were very costly. The repatriates would be better off financially in South Africa.
5.The repatriates, especially the skilled workers, found it very difficult to settle happily in India because of climatic conditions and low wages.
6.The repatriation scheme would become increasingly unpopular, as the true facts became known.
7. It was morally wrong to encourage unsuspecting persons to take advantage of the scheme and thereby find themselves in great difficulties in return for which those left behind would be uplifted. It was selfish for those in South Africa to benefit at the expense of the repatriates, as it was immoral for India to support the scheme without ensuring the total assimilation of the repatriates into Indian society.
1929
General Barry Hertzog campaigns for votes to the White Electorate under the banner of the 'Black Manifesto' in which the 'Swart gevaar' (Black danger) is made the central issue.
Minister of Justice, Oswald Pirow leads the police force in Durban, against discontented Africans who are boycotting the Municipal Beer Halls in protest of beer monopoly and other grievances.
The leaders of Joint Councils movement create the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR), a non-partisan body oriented to research and bridge the racial divides.
General Barry Hertzog is re-elected Prime Minister of South Africa.
Clements Kadalie resigns from the Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU) in an attempt to form an independent workers union with those opposed to William Ballinger.
Isaac Bokala is born in Newclare, Johannesburg.
Martin Luther King is born.
Norman Levy is born.
Leon Levy is born.
Joseph G. Matthews is born.
John Mtini takes part in the anti-pass campaigns.
Peter Papela Nthite is born in Sophiatown, Johannesburg.
Ronald Edwin Press is born.
Emma Mashinini is born in Rosetteville, Johannesburg.
1929
The Johannesburg Bantu Football Association is founded.
1929
January
Clements Kadalie resigns from ICU after disputes with W. G. Ballinger.
1929
January
Clements Kadalie resigns from ICU after disputes with W. G. Ballinger.
1929
January
Sir Kurma Reddi succeeds V.S.S. Sastri as Agent of the Government of India in South Africa.
1929
1 January
The Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA) adopts a programme at the seventh annual conference of the Party.
1929
February
First National European-Bantu Conference.
1929
April
Independent ICU formed under the leadership of Clements Kadalie.
1929
23 May
Johannes Modise is born in Doornfontein, Johannesburg.
1929
June
National elections. Nationalists gain parliamentary majority. General Hertzog forms government without aid of South African Labour Party).
Africans of Natal boycott municipal beer halls. Demonstrations in Durban around office of ICU yase Natal result in loss of African and European lives.
1929
September
A.W.G. Champion barred from Natal under provisions of Riotous Assemblies (Amendment) Act.
1929
October
The Governor-General of South Africa, the Earl of Athlone, opens Sastri College, a high school for Indian boys, in Durban.
1929
November
Oswald Pirow, Minister of Justice, leads police expedition to Durban to force Africans to pay poll tax).
South African Institute of Race Relations formed.
1929
November
Minister of Justice, Oswald Pirow leads the police force in Durban, against discontented Africans who are boycotting the Municipal Beer Halls in protest of beer monopoly and other grievances,
1929 - 1930
29 December - 1 January
The tenth annual conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is held in Cape Town. At the Conference, the Indian Agent in South Africa, Sir Kurma Reddie , comes under severe criticism because of the way he is handling the interests of South African Indians
1930
J.T. Gumede is voted out of office as president for being too close to the Communist Party, and is replaced by Pixley Seme.
1930
The formation of the Independent ANC
1930
Fietas, Johannesburg:'Africans are moved out of the south of Fietas (between 17th and 24th Streets) to Orlando and Coloured people and Tamil people moved in.
1930
White women get the vote. This means in effect that the weight of the black vote is decreased from 3.1% to 1.4%. The first restrictions against the urbanisation of black women are introduced. The official government reasons for this are to decrease prostitution and illegal brewing in urban areas.
1930
Minister of Justice, Oswald Pirow pilots the Riotous Assemblies (Amendment) Bill through parliament. This measure empowers him to exile persons seen to be creating hostility between the races, thus giving a new means to controlling radical political movements within South Africa.
Dr. Alfred Bitini (A.B.) Xuma, says in a speech to the Conference of European and Black Christian Associations that he hopes that a possibility exists for inter-racial cooperation.
Prixley Isaka Seme, the founding father the African National Congress (ANC) is elected president and replaces Josiah Tshangana Gumede.
The African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General and Journalist attend the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) meeting. He urges the convocation to coordinate opposition to General Barry Hertzog's efforts to influence the British African policy.
Allison Wessels George (A.W.G.) Champion becomes the first African to be banned under the Riotous Assemblies (Amendment) Act. He is exiled to Durban for a three-year period.
Molly Blackburn is born.
Amina Cachalia is born.
Stella Madge Damos is born.
Paul Joseph is born.
Nelson Mandela's father dies.
Joseph Sallie Poonyane Molefi is born in Winburg, Free State.
Billy Nair is born.
Mshiywa Henry Tshabalala is born.
1930
January
Second Non-European Conference, Cape Town).
1930
3 February
Following problems over Indian trading rights and ownership of property in the municipal areas of Springs, Krugersdorp, and Norwood and Braamfontein in Johannesburg, the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, appoints a Select Committee to look into the questions of Indian trading rights and ownership of property in the Transvaal.
1930
April
Pixley ka I. Seme elected president of the African National Congress
1930
May
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Bill is introduced by Minister of Interior as a result of recommendations of Select Committee. Proposes segregation: *relocation of Indians to designated areas exempted from Gold Law within five years. No protection for those who had acquired interests on proclaimed (mining) land.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Industrial Conciliation Act, 1930.
Anti-Indian Legislation: Wage Amendment Act, 1930.
Anti-Indian Legislation: Women's Enfranchisement Act, 1930
1930
13 May
The Select Committee, appointed in January 1930 to look into the questions of Indian trading rights and ownership of property in the Transvaal, publishes its report and makes the following recommendations:
1.Asiatics are in the future to be prevented from acquiring property in any form outside the areas set aside for them.
2.Sections 130 and 131 of the Gold Law is to be strictly enforced after 1 May 1930, even in townships like Springs which were held to be outside Gold Law.
3.Trading licenses are to be issued only to Asiatics who are the lawful owners of the premises that they occupy.
Immediately following the recommendations of the Select Committee, the Minister of the Interior, Dr D.F. Malan, introduces the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Bill. The Bill contains three main provisions concerning the ownership of fixed property by Asiatics in the Transvaal; the occupation of stands in prohibited areas and their residence thereon; and the method of granting trading licences to Asiatics. It thus has as its aim to close every loophole in existing laws and regulations. The Bill sparks widespread protest and is regarded by Indians as a betrayal of the Cape Town Agreement.
1930
21 May
Riotous Assemblies (Amendment) Act No 19:
Authorised the Governor-General to prohibit the publication or other dissemination of any documentary information ... calculated to engender feelings of hostility between the European inhabitants of the Union on the one hand and any other section of the inhabitants of the Union on the other hand (Dugard 1978: 177).
Commenced: 21 May 1930
Repealed by s 20 of the Riotous Assemblies Act No 17 of 1956.
1930
June
Clements Kadalie is banned from the Rand.
1930
June
Non-European Convention held in Kimberley as a climax to a campaign of protest meetings and resolutions against the pass laws and the Hertzog Bills. It is attended by more than 100 delegates representing the ANC, the APO, the Indian Congress, the Native Voters Association, the Bantu Union and religious and welfare societies from all over Southern Africa. Dr. Abdurahman elected to the chair.
1930
9 August
The Government of India sends a telegram to the South African Government in protest against the proposed Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Bill.
1930
September
General Hertzog at Imperial Conference in London asks South African voice in British Imperial policy in Africa.
1930
5 October - 6 October
An emergency conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is held in Johannesburg in order to formulate opposition to the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Bill. Sir Kurma Reddi, the Indian Agent in South Africa, addresses the Conference. The Conference calls upon the South African Government to withdraw the Bill and presses for another round-table conference to be held between the South African and Indian Governments. Should the South African Government fail to accept such a conference, it is asked that India shall withdraw its Agent as protest against Bill.
1930
5 October - 6 October
An emergency conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) is held in Johannesburg in order to formulate opposition to the Transvaal Asiatic Land Tenure (Amendment) Bill. Sir Kurma Reddi, the Indian Agent in South Africa, addresses the Conference. The Conference calls upon the South African Government to withdraw the Bill and presses for another round-table conference to be held between the South African and Indian Governments. Should the South African Government fail to accept such a conference, it is asked that India shall withdraw its Agent as protest against Bill.
1930
28 October |
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