South African government neglects Armistice Day commemoration, breaking 102-year long tradition

South Africa witnessed a significant departure from its 102-year-old Remembrance Day tradition, commemorating those who served the nation. Typically held at the Cenotaph in Central Johannesburg, the 103rd National Civic Remembrance service took an unexpected turn this year as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was notably absent, and Johannesburg City Council members stayed away due to “budget constraints”.

In response to the city council’s announcement of its choice not to contribute to the memorial, the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHs) took the lead in organizing a service at the Anglo Boer War Memorial, adjacent to the Ditsong National Military History Museum. The event saw the participation of various military veterans’ organizations, diplomats from France, Germany, Argentina, Belgium, and Bulgaria, as well as civic groups such as the Girls’ Brigade and Pathfinders.

The ceremony, marked by a Marching Column of Veterans led by the SA Irish Regimental Association’s Pipes and Drums, featured a prayer and a sermon delivered by SA Air Force veteran Reverend Trevor Slade. Notably, the SA Irish Regiment, disbanded and reestablished through the world wars, was renamed the Andrew Mlangeni Regiment in 2019.

Reverend Slade drew inspiration from the Book of Isaiah, emphasizing the hope for global peace:

“He will settle disputes among great nations. They will hammer their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again go to war, never prepare for battle again.”

This sentiment resonated with the World Veterans’ Federation Credo, advocating for peace through the voices of those who have experienced war.

The ceremony observed the distinctive South African contribution to Commonwealth Remembrance Days, including a two-minute silence, with the first minute dedicated to gratitude for returning soldiers and the second for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Parades were also held in Pretoria, Cape Town, and various cities and schools across the nation.

This reflects similar transformations and reductions in the recognition of South Africa’s contributions to the World Wars, including the retraction of maintenance funding for the memorial at Delville Wood, near Longueval in the Somme, as well as theft of funds from the SA Heritage Resources Agency.