Celebrate, remember friends and renew the energies that consolidated the struggle at many levels.
Educational segregation was a vital part of the apartheid strategy to divide and rule. The Extension of Universities Act of 1959 made this a reality. It created separate ethnic and linguistic ‘colleges’. The dilemma for black students – and their communities – was whether to give credibility to these tribal institutions.
Indian students had the choice of the University College for Indians in Durban Bay (Salisbury Island). In 1972, a few months after this College moved to the University of Durban-Westville (UDW) on the mainland, the students led the most sustained strike since the banning of the liberation movements in the early sixties. The hiatus of the doldrum years was broken. This history must not be forgotten.
Let us document this in a Souvenir Brochure by telling us about your Island experiences, things that need to be said, even now. If there are precious photographs, please lend them to us and we will ensure they are delivered and returned safely.
Write a word, write at length or just write in support. Send us notes from historical and academic perspectives or purely from the heart.
We will, of course, acknowledge every contribution. And if you have time to help please let us know and join the Reunion Committee. Our e-mail addresses are: Herselene Charles: herselene@yahoo.co.uk; Shirene Seedat: sherenet@gmail.com
We also advise that the Reunion will be held in Durban (probably the Exhibition Centre) on a Saturday between June 1 2011 and August 31 2011 - date to be advised. You will be informed of the elaborate programme which will include a visit to Salisbury Island, dinner and dance (Dukes Combo in attendance), flashes and skits on the island, a souvenir brochure etc.
Please read the next edition of UKZNTOUCH and visit the website (http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za) for updates.
Prepared by Ranjith Choonilall (Vice-Chairperson) on behalf of the Reunion Committee