Overlooked WWI South African labourers honoured by Princess Royal in Cape Town
The Princess Royal has unveiled a historic memorial in Cape Town, South Africa, commemorating the South African Native Labour Corps' contribution during the First World War.
More than 1,700 black South Africans who perished in non-combat roles supporting British and imperial forces are honoured through this tribute, marking their vital but long-overlooked role in military operations.
"This memorial is a reminder of a shared but sometimes difficult past and it is also a demonstration that, with honesty, openness and working together, we can make a difference," said Princess Anne.
"It is important to recognise that those we have come to pay tribute to have gone unacknowledged for too long.
"They were the men at the South African military labour corps who served with valour in campaigns during the First World War."
She went on: "They gave their all in the most challenging of circumstances.
"Their courage and dedication were essential to the Allied efforts, and their legacy deserves the lasting recognition that this memorial provides."
The Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial, constructed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, consists of a field of engraved African Iroko hardwood posts and was unveiled on 22 January.
Each marker represents a fallen labourer, inscribed with a name, service number, and date of death.
The men faced harsh conditions, with diseases including malaria and dysentery claiming many of their lives.
Their critical role was historically overlooked, particularly during South Africa's apartheid era.
At the ceremony, Princess Anne laid a wreath and acknowledged the enduring legacy of these men, stating their sacrifice had gone unrecognised for far too long.
Claire Horton, director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said: "We are deeply honoured and grateful to our president for joining us in unveiling this truly remarkable memorial today, in the presence of descendants whose relatives put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy today.
"This landmark memorial, designed and built collaboratively in South Africa, testifies to our shared global history and responsibility to honour all those who gave their lives in service.
"It acts as a poignant tribute to the predominantly black South Africans who fought in Africa during the First World War and who were not commemorated at the time."
She added: "The careful and deliberate design of this new memorial offers visitors the space to contemplate the scale of loss of military labourers who gave their lives – ensuring their contribution to the war effort is never forgotten."
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