Proposal to honour black servicemen who died in WW I
THE Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation has thrown its weight behind the proposal by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to create a new memorial bearing the names of more than 1 600 black South Africans who lost their lives in World War I (1914-1918).
This monument, if approved by Heritage Western Cape, will be erected in the Company’s Garden in close proximity to the historical Old Granary building, home of The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.
Until now, the servicemen have not been formally commemorated.
The commission said that the names of these men came to light following extensive research in South Africa’s National Archives. “They served with a variety of units including the Cape Coloured Labour Regiment, Cape Auxiliary Horse Transport, the Military Labour Bureau and the Military Labour Corps.
“Unlike the South African Native Labour Contingent, which would serve in Europe and is well known for its connection to the SS Mendi, these men joined in Africa for service in Africa.
“Believed to be buried either in South Africa or elsewhere on the African continent, this memorial will be a permanent reminder of their sacrifice, while providing space for additional names should more come to light in the future,” said the commission.
The war in Africa could not have been fought without the vital contribution of these men to transport and labour, yet this story was not well known, despite its enormous cost in lives.
“The aim is to encourage broad engagement with this lesser-known aspect of South Africa’s participation in the First World War and introduce this historic period to a younger generation of South Africans.”
The notice for the proposal has been given that an application in terms of Section 27 of the National Heritage Resources Act will be submitted to Heritage Western Cape regarding ERF 95135, Delville Wood Memorial Garden in the Cape Town Company’s Garden. The CWGC is inviting members of the public and other interested and affected parties to comment on the application before the memorial can be commissioned. To comment visit www.chand.co.za/the-knowhow/#projects_review
The development of such a memorial will not only include public participation, it will also incorporate a series of education initiatives.
Should you or your organisation have any comments or queries regarding this project or the documentation, or if you would like to participate in the process and be notified of further opportunities to provide comment, ensure that you register as an I&AP in writing and/or provide written comment/object by not later than November 25.
A series of Focus Group Meetings with key stakeholders and a public Open House will be held during October and November 2021, so early registration of Interested and affected parties is encouraged.
Register with: Michelle Lee Chand Environmental Consultants Info@chand.co.za/021 762 3050