Commemoration ceremony for sinking of SS Mendi
15 February 2016
Early on the morning of 21 February 1917 over 600 men of the South African
Native Labour Corps were drowned after their vessel the SS Mendi was rammed in
the English Channel close to the Isle of Wight.
They were the last group of the SANLC raised in South Africa to support the
war effort in Europe at the request of the British Army. They were billeted at
the show grounds in Rosebank and their voyage to Le Havre lasted a month.
The extraordinary bravery of the men has become an exemplar in South African
history and the Mendi Medal is now one of the national honours.
The site is today on the lower campus of UCT where a monument was erected to
mark major news events covered by the Sunday Times to mark its centenary in
2006.
There is an annual military parade and wreath laying on the Sunday
nearest 21 February. This year, due to the unrest on the UCT campus,
the memorial service has been moved to the front courtyard of the
Castle. Parking is available on the Grand Parade and guests should be seated
by 10:45. The public is welcome to attend the event.
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