What happens when people’s histories are silenced? In this dialogue, we revisit the history of the South African Cape Coloured Corps, “The Forgotten Ones”. An often silenced and marginalised aspect of South African military history that has not received the recognition or honour earned by war veterans. This dialogue serves to raise a consciousness of the suppressed history and how this historical violence continues to ripple into the future. This sheds a light on the current impact of transgenerational trauma as the scars of the past echo into the future, leaving dependants and family members wounded. We grapple with the marginalising of their history and how reparative justice may begin to facilitate a recognition of that which is lost and may never return. We revisit this history to restore dignity and create an awareness of the afterlife of violence and why repair is an imperative for social justice.

The Cape Corps: History and afterlife

The presentation will focus on the Cape Corps during the First World War (1914-1918) and the way the corps was remembered later in the 20^th century. As far as the First World War is concerned, issues such as the nature of participation, recruitment, vicissitudes of war service and demobilization will be touched upon. In terms of the longer history and memory, attention will be paid to post war expectations and the subsequent convoluted developments pertaining to the corps, especially after the National Party electoral victory of 1948.

This dialogue will be an excellent opportunity to learn about the Coloured soldiers that offered their lives in service of a country that had not yet freed them from segregation. Prof Grundlingh will deliver the keynote address with various other members like Mr Henry August, the chairperson of the South African Cape Corps Ex Servicemen Legion as well as the sharing of personal narratives by dependants/family members of the South African Cape Coloured Corps soldiers.

Programme

11:00 Exhibition walk through with Welcome drinks and snacks
11:20 Welcome Music
11:25 Lighting of candle on old battle helmet: Ms Iris Hermanus
11:30 Welcome and General Information: Dr Bester
11:35 The Reading of Ms Murphy history: Ms Samantha Davids
11:40 Chairperson welcome and the current state of affairs: Mr Henry August
11:55 Keynote speaker: Prof Albert Grundlingh – The Cape Corps: History and Afterlife

12:30 Comfort break

12:50 Sharing of narratives: Mr Abdul Waggie, Ms Lilian Primo and Ms Patricia Debba: facilitated by Dr Bester
13:40 Discussion with Mr Henry August, Prof Grundlingh, Mr Abdul Waggie, Ms Patricia Debba and Mr Wilson Price – facilitated by Dr Bester
13:55 Open for questions and comments from the audience: facilitated by Dr Bester
14:05 Closing and Vote of Thanks

14:10 Reception

In-person Event Only

Click HERE to register