A century after their sacrifice, 1,772 Black South African servicemen who died in non-combat roles during World War I have been honored with a memorial in Cape Town, South Africa. The memorial, unveiled on Wednesday, commemorates these men whose names were largely forgotten due to systemic racial discrimination.
The names of the fallen are etched into tall African hardwood poles, symbolizing a connection to the sky, and stand as a poignant reminder of their overlooked contributions. A granite inscription at the site reads, “Your legacies are preserved here.”
Service Without Recognition
Barred from bearing arms due to racial policies of the time, these servicemen joined the Cape Town Labor Corps, performing essential tasks such as transporting supplies, building infrastructure, and supporting Allied troops in battles across Africa, rather than in Europe. Despite their critical roles, their contributions were ignored for decades, overshadowed by South Africa’s history of British colonialism and apartheid.
David McDonald, operational manager for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which constructed the memorial, explained that these men were denied proper recognition, even though their sacrifices mirrored those of the approximately 10 million soldiers who died during the war.
A Historic Memorial
The memorial, located in Cape Town’s oldest public garden, seeks to address this historical injustice. Britain’s Princess Anne, who is the president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, inaugurated the memorial, emphasizing its importance.
“It is crucial to acknowledge that those we honor today have been overlooked for far too long,” she said. “They gave everything in the most difficult circumstances, and their bravery and commitment were vital to the Allied efforts. Their legacy deserves the enduring recognition that this memorial offers.”
Rediscovering the Forgotten
The journey to honor these servicemen began over a decade ago when a researcher unearthed their names in South African army records. This discovery identified over 1,700 servicemen and led to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission connecting with the families of six fallen soldiers.
Four of these families attended the unveiling ceremony, placing wreaths and touching the inscribed poles that carry the names of their relatives. Among them was Elliot Malunga Delihlazo, whose great-grandfather, Bhesengile, was one of the soldiers commemorated.
Delihlazo shared his family’s emotional journey: “We only knew Bhesengile went to war and never returned. While it saddens us that we cannot locate his remains, we are relieved to finally know that he died in 1917.”
Preserving Their Legacy
For decades, South Africa’s war memorials predominantly honored white soldiers, while Black servicemen were excluded from historical recognition. This new memorial stands as a long-overdue acknowledgment of their contributions and a commitment to preserving their legacy for future generations.
Princess Anne’s words resonate deeply: “Their bravery deserves to be remembered, not just today but for all time.”