Elliot Malunga Delihlazo's family learns of their great uncle Bhesengile's death from malaria during WWI, without a grave to memorialize. This revelation reflects broader issues of racial inequality, as the CWGC acknowledges that many black and Asian service members were unhonored after the war due to systemic racism. A new memorial in Cape Town honors 1,700 black South African soldiers, marking a significant step towards rectifying historical oversights in military commemoration.
The pain of not finding remains is palpable, yet knowing Bhesengile's name and fate brings closure to the family, reflecting the long-overdue recognition for black South African soldiers.
David McDonald emphasized that the lack of commemoration for black South Africans echoes the enduring impacts of systemic racism that persisted even after the war.
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