The myth of passive resistance

A HUGELY significant resistance milestone was the 1913 strike that had 20 000 Indian workers down tools. They brought the economy of Natal to a standstill. It was not always the peaceful passive resistance of the popular narrative.

The New York Tribune reported on 18 November 1913: “The East Indian residents of Natal today declared a general strike which was accompanied by rioting and the burning of sugar plantations. The police force is insufficient to deal with the rioters, and white women and children are in a state of terror.

“Troops have been ordered to some of the disaffected districts. In Durban itself practically the whole East Indian community struck work and became so aggressive that a demand was made for the proclamation of martial law.

“In the country districts hundreds of acres of sugar cane was burned. The revolt of the East Indians was brought about by the exclusive laws in force against them…”

Writing in Ilanga lase Natal, South African Native National

Congress (SANNC) president, Dr John Langalibalele Dube praised the resolve of the Indians to resist unjust laws. White colonialists were struck with the fear that Africans were waiting for a signal from the Indians to join the strike. United action among black peoples would have spelt disaster for colonial rule. There was however no organised formation for such mobilisation.