SS Mendi: A 100-year Voyage To Peace

One hundred years and the deepest recesses of the coldest sea could not bury the spirits of the valiant troops who lost their lives when the SS Mendi sank not far from the Isle of Wight in the midst of the First World War. On 21 February, South Africa marked the 100 th anniversary of what has been described as one of the 20 th century's worst maritime disasters in UK waters. 

On 21 February 1917, a large cargo steamship, Darro, collided with the SS Mendi in the English Channel, south of the Isle of Wight. The SS Mendi sank killing 646 people, most of whom were black South African troops.

About 616 South Africans, 607 of which were black troops plus 30 crew members, mostly from Britain, died in the tragedy. One hundred and thirty-nine of the soldiers who died were from the Eastern Cape. 

The SS Mendi was chartered by the British government as a troop carrier to serve in World War 1, carrying 823 members of the fifth battalion. They had completed 34 days of the voyage from Cape Town to England, and were on their way to France to the war when tragedy struck in the English Channel.

Paying homage to the fallen

South Africa marked the tragedy during Armed Forces Day, which is held annually to display the country’s military prowess. It was a fitting tribute to the troops whose lives were lost in pursuit of a better world at peace. 

The day was accompanied by a regal military parade from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), in honour of the SS Mendi troops. 

Addressing the crowds at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, President Jacob Zuma paid homage to the troops who lost their lives a century ago. 

“Black people had volunteered to join the First World War in order to fight against fascism. They were ahead of their time. They were internationalists who loved peace and justice.