Wamkelekile, Welkom
SS Mendi memorial
23 February 2018 | Story Pete van der Woude. Photo Michael Hammond.
On 21 February 1917, the sinking of the SS Mendi claimed the lives of 616 men from the South African Native Labour Corps, who boarded the ship to lend support to the war effort in Europe.
The Mendi Memorial on Cecil Road on UCT’s lower campus was created by artist Madi Phala on the site of the tented barracks where the Mendi dead spent their last night on South African soil.
The South African Gunner Association (ex UCT Regiment) will hold its annual SS Mendi commemoration parade at the Mendi Memorial on Sunday, 25 February 2018, from 10:00 to 13:00.
The South African Army band will be in attendance, with the Cape Town Highlanders as the guard of honour and participation from the South African Navy, Army, Airforce and the South African Military Health Service.
Students and staff are invited to attend the event, and there will be an opportunity for members of the public to lay flowers after the wreaths are laid.
The residences in the area may be affected by congestion on the surrounding roads. Your patience in this regard is appreciated.
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