South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute on Sunday to the thousands of South African soldiers who fought and died during World War One, laying a wreath at the Delville Wood Memorial in northern France as part of a ceremony marking the enduring ties between South Africa and France.
Ramaphosa led a delegation of government officials, military representatives and veterans to the memorial, which commemorates the sacrifice of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade during the Battle of Delville Wood in 1916, one of the bloodiest engagements involving South African forces during the war.
Standing before the memorial, the president observed a moment of silence before laying a wreath in honour of the fallen. A military guard of honour, the sounding of the Last Post and the national anthems of South Africa and France formed part of the commemorative ceremony.
“The courage and sacrifice of those who served here remain an enduring reminder of the cost of war and the value of peace,” Ramaphosa said. “Their legacy calls on us to continue building a world founded on reconciliation, cooperation and respect for human dignity.”
The Battle of Delville Wood, fought between July 15 and July 20, 1916, became a defining chapter in South Africa’s military history. Of the more than 3,000 members of the South African brigade who entered the forest to hold their position against repeated German attacks, only a small fraction emerged unscathed after six days of intense fighting.
The memorial, maintained by South Africa, has become a symbol of remembrance for the country’s soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. It also honours the contributions of South Africans from diverse backgrounds who served in the conflict.
French officials attending the ceremony thanked South Africa for preserving the memory of those who fought alongside Allied forces on French soil, describing the memorial as a lasting testament to the friendship between the two nations.
Ramaphosa’s visit comes as France continues commemorations marking more than a century since the First World War, with leaders from several countries paying tribute to the soldiers whose sacrifices shaped modern Europe.
The South African president said remembering the fallen was not only about honouring history but also about reinforcing a shared commitment to preventing future conflicts through diplomacy, international cooperation and peaceful dialogue.
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