The Group Areas Act
In early 1960’s the
government of the country began implementing the separate development programme
for its various population groups. Areas were set aside for particular race
groups, the prime areas, especially in and around the cities, being reserved for
the ‘white’ population group. Between 1960 and 1985, it is estimated that
3,5 million “non-whites” were removed against their will to confirm to
apartheid regulations. A few “whites” were moved for their betterment.
Riverside, a suburb near the
mouth of the Umgeni River was one such area that was affected. Indians, mostly
freed after serving indentureship on the canefields, chose to live here. Many of
them were gardeners supplying the local market. They were forced to sell their
homes and properties for a pittance in compensation to the so called Department
of Community Development which was in charge of implementing the Group Areas Act
and which provided employment for thousands of “whites”. Many of them moved
to Chatsworth that was built especially for those who were affected by the Group
Act. The homes were small and made of hollow bricks and it also heralded the end
of the joint family system with its many advantages. There were other families,
who were able to afford their own homes, and they chose other areas that were
set aside for the Indians. The authorities gave the Darbar at Riverside just two
days after the last Urs Shareef of Hazrath Khwaja Moinudeen Chisti RA and
Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA, held on 12/13 October 1968, to vacate part of the
institution at Riverside. In other words, by Tuesday, 15 October 1968, the
orphans, destitutes and members of the family had to vacate. Appeals to the
authorities for extension of time were ignorad.
The Urs Shareef was
celebrated as usual on the weekend of 12/13 October 1968. On Monday, over 100
degs ( pots in which food was prepared) had to be washed and returned to the
hirers. Over 2000 chairs, 100 trestles, 1000 big and 1000 small sheens (plates).
1000 bowls, cups, jugs, etc had to be washed, packed and returned. Because there
were no marquees, two large structures (one for gents and the other for ladies)
made of bamboo poles and covered with tarpaulin had to be dismantled. On the one
hand the cleaning up operation was in progress and on the other hand the
belongings of the orphans, destitutes and members of the Soofie Family from the
Darbar at Riverside were gathered together to be relocated to the Darbar at
Kenville.
It is extremely difficult to
imagine the chaos that prevailed at the Darbar especially on those two days
following the Urs Shareef. Besides the time factor there was also the sentiment
factor. On Tuesday, 15 October 1968 at 9a.m. the so called officials from the
department called at the Darbar to see if the “moving out” process was in
progress. By late afternoon most of the belongings had been removed with heavy
hearts. After Asr Salaat, Fateha was read at the Mazaar Shareef of Hazrath
Soofie Saheb RA by the then Sajjada Nasheen, Hazrath Shah Goolam Mohamed Soofie
Sani RA, members of the Soofie family, the inmates and close friends.
Words cannot describe aptly
the emotions and thoughts that were running through the minds and hearts of all
those present when the buildings were mercilessly destroyed by the bulldozers,
which resembled huge dragons; it seemed as if the Day of Qiyamat was at hand.
Seventy three years of history and rich heritage, sweat and toil, dreams and
visions, were left in tatters overnight. But the inspiring memories of this
great vibrant centre which gave light not only to the Muslims, will always be
treasured and nothing would obliterate it.
The Buland Darwaza
(Entrance), the original wood and iron house of Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA, the
kitchen and dinning hall of the orphans, the orphanage, the madressa and
dispensary and the residential home were all demolished. The Musjid, Mazaar and
Cemeteries survived and continued to serve the community, who in spite of living
elsewhere, were still drawn here like moths to a burning lamp. The Darbar
continued through the years with the various activities and buildings were later
added, renovated and extended in order to restore the Khanqah to its former
glory and splendour.