The eastern coast of the African continent and the the Indian subcontinent have a long history of cultural and trade contacts. Even 4500 years ago, as far back as the days of the Indus Valley and Egyptian civilizations, trade was booming. In fact, many crops native to Africa, such as ragi or finger millet, were imported to India and became staples of the diet. This continues even till today. In the 9-10 centuries AD, Arab merchants and Indian tradesman made much profit by importing and exporting many spices and other products between these two shores. Thus, by the nineteenth century, there was a sizable contingent of Indians in South Africa, to which the British added considerably by transporting many Indians to the country. So it is not surprising that South Africa and India not only share several cultural practices, but also achieved independence through similar means - a combination of non-violent non-cooperation and violent revolt.
In India, this independence movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi, a man who had considerable influence on the South African independence movement too. In fact, he began the whole agitation in 1893, when he took up the cause of the Indian community living there. This movement eventually turned into the African National Congress that Mandela entered in the 1960s, and led South Africa to independence. Nelson Mandela has spoken quite a bit about the influence Mahatma Gandhi had on his life and the independence movement in the African country. In fact, there is a popular Nelson Mandela quote about it. Mandela adopted much of the attitude and working style of Gandhi, and learnt from him how to twist the arm of the imperial force through silent struggle, and quiet dignity. By making the government into an oppressor in the eyes of the world, Mandela managed to make the world do what he and the African people were themselves not in a position to do - make the white minority treat them as equals.
The story of how Gandhi cam to be in South Africa is quite serendipitous. He came to South Africa as a barrister to attend to a case of one Seth Abdullah, a mamon trader, which involved a large sum of money for his firm. Having been concluded the case satisfactorily Gandhi prepared to leave for India, but Seth Abdullah was determined that he should have a proper send-off. Thus a large party with the Indian residents was arranged for him, at which he intended presenting a purse to Gandhi expressing the firm’s appreciation of his services.
Fate moves in strange ways, it was inevitable that Gandhi must be linked up with the Indian struggle and affairs were moving that way, leading him on. At this party, he began idly scanning some local papers, and an insignificant paragraph entitled "Indian Franchise" caught his eye and then his interest. It was a few lines regarding a Bill to disfranchise the Indian residents of Natal. This final seal of humiliation and ignominy was like a fiery brand upon his soul, having already suffered the ignominy of the famous incident where he was thrown out of a train.
He turned to his countrymen demanding the cause. Mournfully they shook their heads, explaining that they understood nothing of politics and only knew their trade. Then one of them said that they had originally been given franchise as a ramp so that one individual could get into the House of Representatives, and it really had no meaning for the Indian community. Gandhi patiently explained the full implications to them, and when they understood they were at a loss as to what to do. Somebody was needed to lead them, they were willing to be led. As if with inspiration they turned upon Gandhi saying that the only solution was that he should remain with them for yet a while longer and guide them along this path. There was no option for him, he saw this was the only way. So on the eve of his departure for home, he cancelled his arrangements and threw in his lot with the Indians in South Africa.
