Observations on Heritage Month

COLUMNS in the POST, September 10-14, concerning heritage and history raise questions while evoking memories and sadness.

- DR DUNCAN DU BOIS Bluff

Asa naive 19-year-old in 1972 attending undergraduate sociology lectures on the all-white, Howard College campus of the University of Natal, I remember being surprised when one morning an Indian woman arrived to present the lecture. She was Fatima Meer.

Ihave no recollection of what aspect of sociology she covered nor at the time did I have any idea of her political character and circumstances.

Like most white students then, our lives were insulated and detached from those of other communities.

It was only decades later, while pursuing higher academic degrees, that I came to appreciate the history of Ismail and Fatima Meer, and to value their academic contributions.

Regarding our wider heritage, this month occasions some critical observations on the subject.

What is apparent in every issue of the POST is the homogeneity and collective spirit of the Indian community.

It derives from their historical experience since 1860 which imbued them with the mainsprings of survival and success: initiative and enterprise.