Tongaat, previously and still commonly known as oThongathi, is a town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, about 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of Durban. The town is closely tied to South Africa’s sugar industry and nestled among rolling hills dominated by sugarcane fields, just inland from the coast and primarily located south of the uThongathi River.
Given the historical significance of this company in growing the economy of KwaZulu-Natal and its relationship to indentured ancestry, the imminent collapse of Tongaat Hulett’s sugar related operations conjures up a multitude of bittersweet reflections.
Aerial view of oThongathi
A Brief History of Tongaat Hulett
To contextualise the current crises, it is important to look at the history of the company from its origins. The company that now manages some 120 000 hectares of land for sugarcane production was formed through the merger of two sugar companies that are each almost 130 years old. The present company was formed in 1962 as a result of a ‘merger’ between the Tongaat Sugar Company founded by Edward Renault Saunders and Hulett Sugar founded by Sir Liege Hulett.
Sir Liege Hulett, knighted for his contributions to the colony of Natal, arrived in Durban as a 19-year-old lad with just 5 pounds in his pocket on board the ship Lady Shelbourne in 1857. Two years later, he borrowed money to purchase a farm near Compensation where he made steady progress growing vegetables. A year later he purchased 600 acres of land that he named Kearsney growing a host of crops from cotton to tea. Today, this farm famously houses the elite boys high school, Kearsney College near Hillcrest.
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The genesis of the Tongaat Sugar Estate that eventually contributed to the name of Tongaat Hulett was formed through a generous grant of land of 6000 acres in 1848 to E. Chiappini, a Cape Town merchant. By 1860 James Renault Saunders who gained vast experience of sugarcane farming in Mauritius, acquired a portion of Tongaat’s company holdings.
The Role of Indentured Labor
Both Saunders and Hulett were noted for their strong advocacy of the importation of indentured Indian labour to grow the economy of an undeveloped colonial Natal. On closer inspection, the advocacy of Indian labour was a carefully constructed plan concocted by colonial farmers to bring in cheap labour from India to maximize profits. Given the strong advocacy for Indian labour by both Saunders and Hulett, it is not surprising to note that much of this advocacy was done with sinister intent.
In highlighting the powerful stature of the Huletts, the case of Dr. H.W. Jones of the Stanger Medical Circle is worth outlining. In a letter to the Hulett’s, Dr. Jones lambasted them for their treatment of indentured labour by stating the following: “Well I happened to ride the corner of the old factory - when lo and behold there were five Indians - who were very ill. One woman had her womb right out…. Now were these people hiding there? During the summer months you make your Indians toil in the blazing sun… You may say perhaps that the industry would not thrive unless the coolies were sweated… Very well then, let the industry go to the devil. It benefits no one but yourselves”. Given the political and economic clout of the Huletts within the colonial administration circles it was no surprise that Dr Jones was summarily dismissed from his position as medical officer.
From the years 1875 to 1911, the Tongaat Sugar Company was rated second only to the Reynolds Brothers Estates (now Ilovo Sugar) for the highest incidence of suicides committed by indentured labourers on the plantations of Natal.
Given the evidence that validates the colonial planters intent to manipulate the workforce to yield maximum profits, it was not surprising to note that when India had finally stopped indenturing Indians to Natal in 1911, that the defensive position of the planters that advocated for Indian labour would then deliver anti - Indian sentiments in wanting to remove ‘the alien menace’: “ They (coolies) are a restless people and are a thieving set of vagabonds.
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The town’s character is shaped by both its industrial roots and its multicultural heritage. Tongaat’s colonial-style architecture harks back to the 1860s, a time when Indian labourers were brought to South Africa to work on sugar plantations. Their descendants remain an integral part of the town’s identity today, enriching its cultural and spiritual landscape.
Indentured laborers in a sugar cane field
Financial Troubles and Current Challenges
Another corporate institute that has garnered much attention in recent weeks is Tongaat Hulett whose books show serious financial discrepancies with false profit reporting to the tune of R3 to 4 billion. The company has acknowledged the growing scandal and admitted that its financial statements have to be restated. The board has requested the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges to suspend its listing.
The company’s response to the huge escalation in its debt has been to retrench more than 5 000 workers. The bulk of whom are employed in sugar production industries.
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Much like their predecessors of colonial times, the former chief executive and his team at Tongaat Hulett responsible for the present financial irregularities are yet to face criminal charges. The implicated former CEO, who retired last year after 16 years as chief executive, received R94-million in bonuses and incentives over the past 10 years.
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Clearly the troubles that afflicted the Tongaat Hulett group from their formatives years through to their current financial woes have failed to teach them how to effectively treat their working class employers.
Preserving History and Looking Forward
In addition to the human salvage operation of this financial debacle, the revisionist history that hopes to dignify our fractured past contained in the farm properties of Tongaat Huletts must be preserved for future generations to fully gauge what their ancestors endured. Similar to the history of slavery and should the company close its sugar production divisions, this history, through the memorialisation of indentured farm sites, stands a good chance of being lost forever.
In endorsing the heritage status of the many historic sites that are owned by Tongaar Huletts, much attention must be given to its protection and historical preservation by activists, civil society and the government alike. Additionally, the massive land reserves amassed through questionable means must be apportioned for not just the building of luxurious profit driven estates but equally for the continued development of low-income properties found in Cornubia, built on land bought by the KZN government to the tune of some R350 million.
Like the generous land grants of 1848 more land must be allocated for further housing developments that benefits all our people!
Tongaat Today
Today, Tongaat is home to Tongaat Hulett, one of the largest sugar producers in Africa which has its headquarters located just outside the town. As a regional service centre, oThongathi is fairly well served in terms of public infrastructure with amenities such as a town hall, police station, library, sports centre and a regional branch of the Department of Home Affairs.
oThongathi is home to numerous cultural and religious organisations and buildings. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Juggernathi Puri Temple, a striking example of North Indian architectural design built in 1920. It’s both a spiritual centre and a recognised national monument. Nearby, the Sri Siva Soobramaniar Temple is equally prominent, drawing worshippers and visitors alike during the annual Kavadi Festival-a vibrant celebration filled with age-old rituals and colourful displays of devotion.
For those seeking nature and adventure, Tongaat offers more than just sugarcane. Crocodile Creek, a well-known breeding centre, provides an up-close yet safe encounter with crocodiles and other reptiles. Families can also enjoy the tranquil Amanzimyama parks and gardens, perfect for a peaceful outing. On weekends, locals and visitors gather at Dudley Pringle Dam, a favourite spot for picnics, boating, and watersports.
No visit to Tongaat would be complete without learning about the product that defines it. The award-winning Maidstone Sugar Mill opens its doors to those curious about the sugar-making process, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s agricultural engine.
Whether you’re here for its heritage, its wildlife encounters, or a deeper appreciation of its industrial legacy, Tongaat makes for a meaningful and rewarding stop in KwaZulu-Natal.
What to Do:
- Tour the historic Maidstone Sugar Mill and learn about sugar production.
- Visit the Juggernathi Puri Temple, a national monument with North Indian architecture.
- Explore the Sri Siva Soobramaniar Temple and attend the colourful Kavadi Festival.
- Get close to reptiles at Crocodile Creek breeding centre.
- Relax and unwind in the Amanzimyama parks and gardens.
- Enjoy a picnic or try water sports at Dudley Pringle Dam.
- Discover local Indian cuisine and street food around the town.
- Photograph colonial-era architecture and scenic sugarcane landscapes.
- Join cultural events and community markets hosted by Tongaat residents.
Handy Travel Tips:
- Tongaat is best explored during the week for quieter experiences at temples and public spaces.
- Check ahead for temple opening hours, especially during religious festivals.
- Carry cash for local vendors and small eateries.
- Wear sun protection if you plan on spending time at the dam or in the fields.
- Combine a visit with nearby North Coast beaches for a varied day trip.
Why You Should Visit:
Tongaat is more than just a sugar town-it’s a living blend of industrial heritage, cultural richness, and natural beauty.
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