Remembering Black South African Soldiers From World War One — Global Issues
CAPE TOWN, Jan 22 (IPS) – A new war memorial in Cape Town, South Africa, commemorates the nearly 2,000 people who died in Africa during the First World War, between 1914-1918 and who have no known graves and because they were Black. , were not remembered in the historical accounts of history. It was a solemn ceremony on a hot sunny day in the north of southern Africa, in Cape Town. The city’s company gardens, between wooden buildings with grass stand out. 1,700 carefully crafted brown wooden statues line up. The frames represent a new memorial by the International War Commission (CWGC), honoring the contribution of hundreds of South African Black military personnel of the First World War. The CWGC commemorates the fallen soldiers of both World Wars equally with this first ever gift of restoration.
Despite being sons of Africa, hundreds of soldiers who served in non-military roles between 1914 and 1918 have remained anonymous for decades. Now, more than 100 years later, the war memorial honors the majority of Black South Africans who fought in Africa.
The brown wooden structures are made of local wood, called African iroko hardwood, and are intricately carved with the names and dates of the fallen soldiers’ deaths. These buildings embody the dedication to preserving the heritage and are a strong reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers. The memorial marks an important step in remembering their memory.
The monument is at the heart of the city’s Company Gardens, which were the main vegetable garden of the Dutch East India Company when it was founded in Cape Town in 1652.
The memorial was opened by the President of the International Wars Commission, Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, in Cape Town. He told the audience, which included several South African and Commonwealth officials, students, and family members of fallen soldiers, that the memorial was a reminder of “a shared but difficult past.” About 1.7 million men and women from the Commonwealth countries, which were British colonies, lost their lives in the two World Wars.
“It shows that by working together we can make a difference. We came to honor and praise them. Their legacy deserves respect,” said the princess.
HRH added that the memorial is a reminder of the “human cost of conflict.”
“We respect the past and I hope this monument will serve not only as a memorial but as a beacon of unity.”
We remember the Black Soldiers
The Imperial War Graves Commission of the time, as well as the colonial authorities, did not honor the more than 100,000 African and Indian workers in the same manner as the Europeans. The memorial also stands as a reminder of the long-overlooked contributions of Black South African military personnel during the First World War, who bravely participated in the war effort but also as an important tribute to their sacrifices that are often overlooked by historical accounts. The memorial also honors different histories and understands past struggles.
Mr. Zweletu Hlakula who is a family member of one of the dead soldiers was one of the four family members who attended the ceremony. He hails from the Eastern Cape town of Port St Johns and is the grandson of the deceased soldier, Job Hlakula.
Zwelethu’s grandfather was part of the Labor Corps during WWI. He says he is proud that his grandfather is remembered and said, “We are even happy when we talk about Jobe, it is the pride we have in our name, for him to be remembered, for him to be in the history of our South Africa – that makes us very humble.”
The Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton, told the audience that the unveiling of the memorial is in front of the generations who put their lives at risk for the freedom we all enjoy today.
“This historic monument, designed and built in collaboration with South Africa, is a testament to our shared global history and responsibility to honor all those who gave their lives in service.”
Horton said the memorial was important “to acknowledge the burden they carried and their contribution to lasting peace.”
Remember the Fallen Heroes
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has become a global leader in commemoration and aims to ensure that those who died in service or as a result of conflict are remembered. It was established by Royal Charter in 1917 and operates on behalf of the governments of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. There are 23,000 sites in over 150 countries and regions with cemeteries, monuments and cemeteries.
The Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, who was one of the speakers at the event, said that this memorial is a tribute to the South African soldiers who died in the First World War and whose stories were ignored in the narrative of that history. .
“There is no other place where I can better remember their contribution than here in the garden of our beautiful and much-loved company in the heart of the Mother City.”
One of the students from Cape Town who was present, Nathan October, said it is important that the country’s rich history tells different stories, including the role of black soldiers.
As a young person, memories are important.
“I’m honored to be here and I’m very happy that the soldiers are represented and their story is being told.”
IPS UN Bureau Report
Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
Follow IPS News UN Bureau on Instagram
© Inter Press Service (2025) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
