South Africa’s (SA) President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need for an inclusive remembrance of SA who served in the First World War (WWI).
He says the nation should honour all contributors, irrespective of race.
Speaking during the commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood in France, Ramaphosa has called for the recognition of the men of the SS Mendi and the SA Native Labour Contingent.
“A democratic SA must remember differently from the governments of the past. We cannot repeat a history that elevates some lives and diminishes others. We cannot honour the soldier and forget the labourer who supplied him. We cannot remember Delville Wood and neglect the SS Mendi. We cannot speak of national sacrifice while excluding the majority of the nation.”
—SABC—
