South African WWI Servicemen Honoured with New Memorial After a Century of Neglect

South African WWI Servicemen Honoured with New Memorial After a Century of Neglect

Hundreds of South African servicemen who died during World War I have been officially recognized with a newly unveiled memorial in Cape Town, marking a long-overdue tribute after more than a century. The 1,772 men, primarily black South Africans, served in non-combatant roles, including porters, wagon drivers, and railway workers in East Africa, and until now, their names had not been commemorated or recorded.

The memorial, situated at the Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial, features timber posts engraved with each of the fallen servicemen’s names. Princess Anne, the president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), attended the dedication ceremony, where she unveiled the memorial in the presence of descendants of the deceased.

This commemoration addresses the long-neglected history of these individuals, who played vital roles in the war but were largely forgotten. The CWGC, responsible for honoring soldiers from the two world wars, described the memorial as a “culmination of years of work.” Claire Horton, the commission’s director general, explained that it serves as a “poignant tribute” to the predominantly black South African soldiers who had not been properly acknowledged at the time.

The event came after a UK government apology in 2021, acknowledging the failure to adequately honor over 100,000 black and Asian soldiers who fought alongside British forces during the war. South African families expressed deep pride and gratitude, with relatives noting their joy in finally seeing their ancestors’ contributions recognized.

Claire Horton, CWGC Director General

One of the names inscribed was Bhesengile Delihlazo, a driver who passed away on January 21, 1917. His great-nephew, Elliot Malunga Delihlazo, said that while the exact location of Delihlazo’s death remains unclear, his family felt immense pride in the newfound recognition. “It makes us proud, really, that at last, we can be one of the families that people can talk about in the due course of history,” he said.

Job Hlakula’s great-grandson, Zweletu Hlakula, expressed similar sentiments. “We are very proud of him. We even rejoice when we talk about Job, it’s a pride that we’ve got in our name, for him to be remembered.”

This newly dedicated memorial marks a crucial step in acknowledging the sacrifices of these men, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.

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