A captivating presentation & talk by chairperson of the Heritage Association of South Africa and Honorary Professor of the School of Architecture and Planning at Wits University, Kathy Munro
- Where: Modderfontein Reserve Education Centre
- When: 14:00 on Saturday 23 March 2024
- Cost: (Cash only) Members R20, Visitors R30, Scholars free
- Info: Alison Coppin: 083 292 5406
- To get to the Education Centre, enter through the Ardeer Road approach to the Modderfontein Reserve and keep left at all intersections.
In February 1917 the troop ship SS Mendi transporting SA Labour Corp men to France sank in the English channel. Over 600 men were lost. “It was a tragedy for our nation and over time has been compared to the losses of the SA forces on the Western Front in France at the Battle of Delville Wood in 1916,” says Kathy.
Today the Order of the Mendi is a South African award for extraordinary heroism and courage granted by the State President.
“This talk explores the event, why it happened and what were the consequences,” says Kathy. “I cover the tragedy in the context of the turmoil of the First World War, the contribution of the South African Native Labour Corp and why it is a part of South Africa’s story that should be remembered in the annals of military and social history.”
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