- Lucas Majozi: A Zulu from Zastron, Orange Free State, who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery during the battle of El Alamein in World War Two, not World War One, but his story highlights the contributions of black South Africans in military conflicts. In WWI, he served as a stretcher-bearer and showed remarkable courage.
- Job Hlakula: An ox driver who died on his way home from East Africa on 1 April 1917. His great-grandson, Zweletu Hlakula, was proud of the family's sacrifice and the recognition they finally received.
- Zulu Madhliwa: A boatman who drowned in the Orange River in 1915 while ferrying supplies for the Union of South Africa forces.
Additionally, the South African Native Labour Contingent (SANLC) played a significant role, with approximately 83 000 black Africans serving in non-combatant roles, such as laborers and stretcher-bearers. Tragically, 607 black servicemen died when the SS Mendi sank in the English Channel in 1917.
The contributions of these individuals and many others were largely overlooked historically, but efforts have been made to recognize their sacrifices, including a memorial in Cape Town honoring 1772 black South African laborers who died in Africa during World War One.
Some notable black South Africans who fought in World War Two include:
- Job Maseko: A member of the Native Military Corps (NMC), Maseko was taken prisoner by the Germans during the Fall of Tobruk. He managed to sink a German ship using a homemade bomb, showcasing extraordinary bravery.
- Lucas Majozi: As an unarmed medic, Majozi repeatedly exposed himself to danger to rescue wounded soldiers during battles like El Alamein, earning the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
- Sergeant Petrus Dlamini: Dlamini served with the NMC and fought in North Africa, recalling the battles at Sidi Rezegh, Mersa Matruh, and El Alamein. He noted the unity between black and white soldiers during the war.
- Maleho Zachariah Setlhare: A veteran from Thaba Nchu who fought in the war, though details about his service are scarce.
- Mapalakanye Thobane: Recruited from Sekhukhuneland, Thobane's story is being traced by descendants seeking to honor his memory.
Approximately 77 000 black South Africans served in the Union Defence Force during World War Two, with around 1 655 NMC members losing their lives. These soldiers played crucial roles in various campaigns, from East Africa to Italy, often facing discrimination despite their significant contributions.
Job Maseko
Job Maseko, a World War Two hero, sank a Nazi ship with a bomb made from a tin can with condensed milk. He was denied the highest military decoration, due to his race. Maseko was working as a delivery driver when he volunteered for service in the South African Native Military Corps (NMC) during World War Two. Later he was sent to the 2nd South African Infantry Division after finishing basic training in North Africa. Due to South African race regulations at the time, they were unable to carry firearms. They were only allowed traditional weapons such as spears for guard and ceremonial duty. Maseko served as a stretcher carrier for the allied forces in North Africa, providing medical assistance to the wounded. When his commander surrendered to the Germans at Tobruk in June 1942, he became a prisoner of war. He was forced to work on the ports at Tobruk. Being a former miner, he made an astonishing bomb on 21 July using condensed milk tin, cordite & a long fuse. He loaded the little tin with gunpowder and placed it in the hold of a German ship near some petrol drums. He planted his bomb deep in the hold on 21 June 1942, just before they were set to leave the already overloaded ship. He lighted the fuse and dashed to the dock. An enormous explosion erupted sinking the ship instantly. He eventually escaped from the prisoner of war camp and rise to the rank of lance corporal. He was supposed to get the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious millitary award but instead received a mere Military Medal.
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