Our Story
A South African military veteran of Indian origin was searching the internet when he came across an online article regarding the Indian Anglo Boer War Memorial in Observatory, Johannesburg. On further investigation, he discovered that no annual memorial services were held at the monument, nor was there any recognition of Indian military participation in South Africa during the Anglo Boer War. The monument was completely unknown to the general public.
After contacting fellow South African Indian servicemen and military veterans, the decision was taken to establish a platform from which the South African Indian military veterans’ community could engage the necessary authorities to address the poor state of the Indian Anglo Boer War Memorial and the broader neglect of South African Indian military history and heritage.
The South African Indian Cultural Advancement Society was established in July 2018.
The founding members recognised the need to include family members of former soldiers and the greater community in the organisation — especially those with a keen interest in preserving South African Indian military history and heritage for future generations.
Our Mission
To ensure South African Indian military history and heritage is researched, preserved and promoted to the benefit of future generations.
Aims and Objectives
- Public Awareness — Increasing public awareness of South African Indian military heritage through dedicated awareness programmes
- Museum Contributions — Contributing artefacts and researched information to museums across South Africa
- Memorial Services — Establishing annual memorial services to acknowledge Indian military participation in South Africa
- Heritage Preservation — Engaging authorities to advocate for the preservation of historically significant places and monuments
- Research and Publication — Researching and publishing information on the South African Indian military history
- Veteran Participation — Encouraging South African Indian military veterans to actively participate at military memorial services
Affiliations
SAICAS is an affiliated Military Veterans Organisation to the Council of Military Veterans Organisation (CMVO).
Registration
- Non-Profit Company (NPC): 2021/321727/08
- Public Benefit Organisation (PBO): Registered — tax exemption certificates available for donors
Membership
SAICAS welcomes three categories of members:
- Military Veterans — Former members of the South African military services
- Serving Members — Currently serving members of the South African National Defence Force
- Associated Members — Civilians with an interest in South African Indian military history and heritage
Interested in joining? Contact us to find out more.