CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A memorial honoring Black South African servicemen who died in non-combat roles during World War I has been unveiled in Cape Town. The memorial features 1,772 names of these servicemen who served on the Allied side but were not allowed to carry arms due to their race.
The men, members of the Cape Town Labor Corps, played crucial roles in transporting supplies and building infrastructure in Africa during the war. They served in the battles in German colonies of Namibia and Tanzania, making the same ultimate sacrifice as millions of others who died in the war.
Despite their contributions, these Black servicemen were not recognized after the war due to racial policies of British colonialism and South Africa's apartheid regime. The newly unveiled memorial aims to correct this historical oversight and ensure that their legacies are preserved.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, responsible for war graves, spearheaded the project and unveiled the memorial in Cape Town's oldest public garden. The ceremony was attended by families of some of the fallen servicemen, who laid wreaths at the memorial and touched the poles bearing the names of their lost relatives.
For many families, this recognition brought closure and pride. Elliot Malunga Delihlazo, whose great-grandfather was honored, expressed gratitude for finally knowing the fate of his relative who went to war and never returned.
The memorial's unveiling, attended by Britain's Princess Anne, marked a significant moment in acknowledging the sacrifices of these Black servicemen who had been overlooked for decades. The playing of “The Last Post” at the ceremony served as a poignant tribute to these forgotten heroes, ensuring that their names and stories will echo in history for future generations.
After years of obscurity, the memorial stands as a testament to the bravery and service of these Black servicemen, ensuring that they are remembered and honored for their contributions to the war effort.
