Muslims had an immense impact on history in South Africa from the early days until now. Many are the streets that are being renamed after Muslim anti-Apartheid freedom activists. One of the earliest impacts by Muslims on SA history and world history was in 1808.
A Muslim slave from Mauritius called Louis joined an Irishman and some others in British-ruled Cape Town. They formed a secret society and plotted a loose plan to free all slaves. Of the 50 slaves brought to court after the failed rebellion, there were slaves from Indonesia and India among others. The slaves took over farms and marched to Cape Town. They were surrounded and seized by British forces. 5 were hanged and 50 whipped and sent to Robben Island. 300 were arrested in all.
This rebellion was the first of its type in British territory around the world. It led to rebellions in Jamaica, Mauritius, Guyana, Barbados and British Honduras. Slavery was outlawed in the British Empire in 1833. The Dutch Afrikaners resented this and set off to found states in Free State, Natal and Transvaal. The action of the Muslim Louis had an impact on the outlawing of slavery around the world and the expansion of European rule into other parts of South Africa.
Adapted from article by Richard Gott
Slave Rebel
