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Soldiers’ sacrifice remembered at Thaba Tshwane Memorial Service.
The vital but often over-looked role of women during wars has been remembered at the annual memorial service in Pretoria.
Speaking at the 106th Remembrance Day Service held at the Thaba Tshwane New Military Cemetery, the Chairperson of the Pretoria Memorial Services Council, Marina Valentine, said while the bravery and heroism of the soldiers during the First and Second world wars was beyond question, the vital role played by women in both these conflicts was equally remarkable.
When World War l broke out in 1914, millions of women entered the workforce in factories, farms and offices to fill essential jobs that were traditionally held by men, who had enlisted. In the munitions factories, women known as ‘munitionettes’ or ‘canary girls’ because of the orange yellow colour of their skin due to exposure to TNT, worked long hours in often hazardous conditions.
Valentine added: “The bravery and sacrifices of women like Edith Cavell, a nurse who famously helped soldiers escape from occupied Belgium, remind us of the courage that exists in dire times.” Cavell was executed by the Germans in October 1915 for personally assisting over 200 soldiers to escape.
During World War II, when the demands on society were even greater, women once again stepped up. This time, they also served in the armed forces in many countries. Their roles ranged from intelligence and communication to direct combat support. They flew planes as part of the Air Transport Auxiliary in Britain.
Valentine spoke of the lasting contribution they made for women’s rights and social justice, saying “let us remember that their legacy is not just one of participation in the war effort, but one of resilience, strength and a relentless pursuit of equality. The efforts of these women have paved the way for future generals and remain a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Courage knows no gender.”
In an effort to hand the baton of remembrance to younger generations, members of the SA Infantry Association visited several schools to educate learners about those who paid the ultimate price in war so that the generations following them could have the possibility to live in peace. For the first time, the service saw a group of eight learners representing three schools – Aspiration Academy, Wagpos High School in Brit in the North West and Danie Malan Primary in Pretoria, lay wreaths.
Maretha Joubert from Wagpos High said attending the service opened her eyes to how the soldiers served and what they did. She encouraged other learners to build on this experience and attend future memorials. “It is important for the youth to come to these things, because in the future we are the ones who are going to organise and plan these and honour those who served us.”
S.W Liebenberg also from Wagpos, said the idea of giving honour to those who had sacrificed their lives impressed him.
He added: “I didn’t even know this place existed until today. I hope to come here in 2025 to honour those who sacrificed their lives for us.”
He had this message for his fellow learners and school mates: “I am going to convince them to honour those that sacrificed their lives for South Africa. They gave their lives up, not to make them be the heroes, but to make us live a better life. I’ll definitely try to convince them to attend some of these to open up their eyes for the future.”
Wreaths were also laid by members of the diplomatic community from Bulgaria, Britain and France, on behalf of the Chief of the South African Air Force and by military veterans organisations such as the Council for Military Veterans Organisations, the South Africa Legion and the Pretoria Regiment Association.
