Black South African Soldiers Finally Honored with Memorial After Century of Neglect

A new memorial in Cape Town honors 1,772 Black South African soldiers from World War I, acknowledging their overlooked sacrifices in a historic rectification.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In a significant step toward historical reconciliation, the contributions of Black South African soldiers who served in World War I have finally received recognition, ending years of neglect.

A memorial, showcasing the names of 1,772 servicemen, has been unveiled.

Crafted from African hardwood, the wooden poles rise upward, symbolizing both remembrance and hope.

Neglect and Recognition

These soldiers, who lost their lives while performing critical support roles for the Allies, were denied the dignity of proper burial sites.

Their vital contributions had long been obscured by the shadows of racial discrimination and injustice, but this new tribute seeks to set the record straight.

Located in Cape Town, the granite memorial serves as a poignant reminder of these individuals’ legacies.

During the war, systemic racism barred these troops from handling weapons, relegating them to the Cape Town Labor Corps.

Their mission involved transporting essential supplies and building vital infrastructure in various African theaters of war.

Legacy of Sacrifice

Although they did not engage in combat in Europe, their efforts proved invaluable in neighboring regions, particularly in what are now Namibia and Tanzania, where they faced perilous conditions.

The sacrifices of these men are part of a larger narrative that includes around 10 million military personnel from 1914 to 1918.

Unfortunately, the historical acknowledgment of their service was seriously flawed, influenced by British colonial attitudes and the oppressive apartheid regime that followed in South Africa.

The recent dedication of this memorial is seen as a monumental step in correcting this long-standing oversight, emphasized by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

This organization is committed to maintaining the memory of military personnel.

Princess Anne of Britain, who oversees the commission, officiated the ceremony and shared her reflections on the importance of remembrance, stressing that it is essential to honor those who have been forgotten for far too long.

After her remarks, the emotional notes of “The Last Post” played, marking an impressive 106 years, two months, and 11 days since the end of World War I.

Connecting Past and Present

While numerous memorials in South Africa commemorate white soldiers from both world wars, the valor of Black servicemen has often been overlooked.

This unfortunate trend persisted until a researcher unearthed significant documentation from army records a decade ago, revealing the identities of over 1,700 Black soldiers who had served valiantly.

Through this important research, connections were established with the families of six fallen soldiers, many of whom came from rural backgrounds.

At the unveiling, representatives from four of these families honored their kin by laying wreaths and touching the carved poles that bore their loved ones’ names.

Elliot Malunga Delihlazo expressed his pride during the ceremony, sharing that his great-grandfather, Bhesengile, was among those being remembered.

He recounted that the family had always known Bhesengile went to war and never returned.

Although the absence of his remains brought pain, the acknowledgment of his death in 1917 has provided the family with a sense of peace.

At last, they have closure, gaining insight into his fate from so long ago.

Source: Militarytimes