In the meantime, in 1860/61, the British in Natal brought 600 Indian families to the area as indentured workers on the sugar cane fields. They were rather severely discriminated against, and they even had to carry passes to keep control of their movements. That led to Muhatma Gandhi staying on in the country till 1914, fighting discrimination.

Today, South Africa (more specifically Durban) has what is described as the largest Indian population outside of India. The Indian community renders a valuable contribution to the economical and political environment of the country.