War centenary to be commemorated at Joburg Parade

The commemoration in Johannesburg is the largest of its kind in South Africa, and links with Remembrance Day events held in many cities around the world.

Each year a different theme is highlighted for the National Remembrance Sunday Service.

This year marks the hundredth anniversary of the start of World War 1 (1914-1918), a tragic event which affected people across the world and throughout South Africa.

Taking up the theme of the centenary of World War 1, the City of Johannesburg will recognise the sacrifices of South African soldiers, both black and white, who took part in campaigns across Africa and in Europe.

The National Remembrance service honours all South Africans who made the supreme sacrifice for their country in all wars and conflicts, including the struggle for democracy.

In support of the overall message of Unification and Nation-Building, the event honours military veterans representing all communities in South Africa.

The event will open with a march past the Cenotaph in Harrison Street, and will feature military veterans’ organisations and military bands supported by the South African National Defence Force, together with hundreds of civic marchers in the parade.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Parks Tau, will lead the wreath-laying ceremony by laying the first wreath on behalf of the citizens of Johannesburg.

Wreaths will be laid by senior South African National Defence Force officers, diplomats, civic dignitaries, a large variety of military veteran organisations, and youth groups.

An inter-faith religious service will be led by Rev. Dr. Mongenzi Guma, Special Advisor to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. From 2004-2008, Dr Guma served as Chairperson of the Commission for Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights of Communities.

The event will start at 2.30pm and is open to members of the media and the community at large.