SAICAS is actively involved in a number of heritage projects aimed at researching, preserving and promoting South African Indian military history. These projects rely on the dedication of our volunteers and the support of the community.
Publications
Compilation and publication of books by Indian soldiers and military veterans on the South African Indian military history and heritage. These publications aim to create a permanent record of stories, accounts and research that might otherwise be lost to time.
Museum Contributions
Contributions to museums of historical information and artefacts pertaining to South African Indian military history. SAICAS works with museums across South Africa to ensure that the Indian military contribution is represented in the country’s collective memory.
Durban Indian War Memorial and Wall of Remembrance
A war memorial and wall of remembrance has been identified as a future project to be built in Durban in honour of Indian soldiers who served within the borders of or in the service of South Africa. SAICAS aims to initiate an annual military memorial service in Durban in honour of fallen Indian soldiers, similar to the commemorative service facilitated in Johannesburg.
Indian Anglo Boer War Memorial
The Indian Anglo Boer War Memorial was built in 1902 in Observatory, Johannesburg, in a remote part of the city. SAICAS is currently engaging various stakeholders with the view of relocating the monument to a more suitable and accessible location, with the addition of a Wall of Remembrance. The aim is to host the current annual Commemorative Service at the new location of the monument, ensuring greater public access and awareness.
Awareness Programmes
SAICAS has commenced an awareness programme aimed at educating members of the public on Indian military participation in South Africa. The programme includes a presentation, a tour of the war museum, and a visit to the Indian War Memorial in Observatory, Johannesburg.
The 4 Unknown Soldiers
An investigation is underway to determine the names of four unknown soldiers who perished during the Anglo Boer War (1899–1902) and were buried at Bezuidenhout Valley near Observatory, Johannesburg. In 1964, with the development and urbanisation of the city, their remains were relocated to Braamfontein Cemetery in Johannesburg. While a headstone marks a single grave, only two of the four soldiers are buried there — the other two remain in an unmarked grave directly beside it. Sadly, their names were omitted from the cemetery records and from the headstone. Their graves are situated closest to the road, and a roadside marker would be ideal to bring attention to these forgotten souls.
Airaji Bhagwanji Headstone Project
Airaji Bhagwanji’s grave is situated at St. John’s Church in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. This Anglo Boer War soldier was stationed at the Remount Depot in Gillitts and died on 4 May 1902 from enteric fever. Although Bhagwanji was Hindu, his grave was commemorated with a Christian cross. SAICAS has embarked on a project to replace the cross with an appropriate headstone, with the support of St. John’s Church. An application will be made to the KZN Heritage centre AMAFA to approve the erection of a new headstone.
Historical Research
SAICAS is researching the full scope of South African Indian military history and heritage. This research will form part of future publications and contributions to military and cultural museums. Research areas include:
- Anglo Zulu War
- Anglo Boer War
- World War I
- World War II
- Pre-1994 era (including SADF, SAS Jalsena and MK)
- Post-1994 era (significant career advancement of Indian soldiers in the service of South Africa)
Support Our Work
SAICAS is a volunteer-run organisation. The success of these projects depends on the dedication of our volunteers and funding from the community. As a registered Public Benefit Organisation, SAICAS is able to issue tax exemption certificates to donors.
Interested in supporting a project? Contact us