In 2021, Britain apologized after blaming “mass apartheid” for failing to properly honor at least 100,000 black and Asian soldiers who died fighting on its behalf.
Relatives said they were “proud” and “delighted” to finally see the servicemen’s contribution recognized at the Cape Town Labor Corps Memorial.
These people worked as porters, wagon drivers and railways.
One of those honored was Bhesengile Delihlazo, a driver who died on 21 January 1917.
His nephew Elliot Mlunga Delihalazo said the family was happy to finally know when Delihalazo died, although the question remains unanswered.
And while the serviceman has already been privately honored with a memorial stone at the Delihalazo homestead, his relative said: “It makes us really proud, that finally, we’re one of those families. There may be things that people can talk about in due course.”
