The Volunteer War Memorial

Volunteer War Memorial Cape Town: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Volunteer War Memorial, also called the Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial, stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, reconciliation, and historical justice in Cape Town, South Africa. Located in the historic Company’s Garden and the Foreshore district, this memorial pays tribute to over 1,700 predominantly Black South African servicemen who served in non-combatant but dangerous roles during World War I—a contribution that went largely unrecognized for decades due to systemic racial discrimination. Unveiled in 2023 after years of advocacy by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and descendants of the fallen, the memorial provides a dignified, individualized remembrance through engraved African iroko hardwood posts. Its presence, along with the nearby Artillery Memorial and Cape Town Cenotaph, enriches Cape Town’s commemorative landscape and connects visitors to the city’s multifaceted wartime history (CWGC, Cape Town Tourism).

This guide covers the Volunteer War Memorial’s historical context, design, visiting information, travel tips, nearby attractions, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a descendant seeking a personal connection, or a cultural traveler, this resource will help you appreciate and respectfully engage with these important heritage sites.

Historical Background
Early Origins of War Memorials in Cape Town
The Volunteer Tradition and the South African Artillery
The Labour Corps Memorial: Addressing Historical Injustice
Design and Symbolism
Visiting Information
Location
Visiting Hours
Ticketing
Accessibility
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
Guided Tours and Community Engagement
Visuals and Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
References

Historical Background

Early Origins of War Memorials in Cape Town

Cape Town’s tradition of war memorials began with monuments celebrating military leaders and victories but shifted after the Boer War to commemorate ordinary soldiers and volunteers. The Company’s Garden, established in the 17th century, was chosen as the setting for several key memorials due to its historical significance and central location.

The Volunteer Tradition and the South African Artillery

Volunteer artillery units have deep roots in Cape Town, beginning in 1885 and later formalized by the South African Defence Act of 1912. Despite legal and resource limitations, these units played an essential role in World War I campaigns, especially at the Battle of Delville Wood, and are commemorated in the Artillery Memorial.

The Labour Corps Memorial: Addressing Historical Injustice

For over a century, the contributions of more than 1,700 Black South African servicemen in the Military Labour Corps—who served as porters, wagon drivers, and railway workers in the East African campaign—were overlooked. Their support roles were hazardous, exposing them to disease, harsh conditions, and logistical dangers. The unveiling of the Labour Corps Memorial in January 2025 finally recognized these men, each honored with an individually engraved iroko hardwood post (BBC News).

The memorial also responds to a 2021 UK apology after a report revealed systemic failures in commemorating Black and Asian troops who died for the British Empire (BBC News). The Labour Corps Memorial is a corrective step in South Africa’s ongoing journey toward historical justice.

Design and Symbolism

The Volunteer War Memorial’s design was selected through a national competition, with the winning concept—“The Last Post”—crafted by Dean Jay Architects of Durban. Each of the 1,700+ servicemen is represented by an individually named post made from African Iroko hardwood, standing on a base of South African Rustenburg granite (allafrica.com). This combination of materials reflects both resilience and local heritage.

The arrangement of posts creates a contemplative space, inviting visitors to walk among them and experience a personal connection to the individuals commemorated. The living material of wood symbolizes endurance and vulnerability, while the granite base grounds the memorial in the South African landscape. The names and dates inscribed on each post restore identity and dignity to those previously unacknowledged (cwgc.org).

Community involvement was central throughout the memorial’s development, ensuring inclusivity and adherence to the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA) (chand.co.za).

Visiting Information

Location

Company’s Garden Memorial: North-western quadrant of the Delville Wood Memorial Garden, within the historic Company’s Garden, bounded by Queen Victoria Street and Government Avenue in central Cape Town.
Foreshore Memorial: Heerengracht Street near building 31, in the Foreshore district (Landmark Scout).

Visiting Hours

Company’s Garden & Memorial: Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Foreshore Memorial: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Ticketing

Admission: Free entry for all visitors; no tickets required.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible paved pathways throughout the garden and memorial sites.
Benches and shaded spots for rest and reflection.
Accessible restrooms near the main entrance.

Best Time to Visit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer cooler temperatures, softer lighting, and fewer crowds.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
Layer clothing to accommodate changing weather.
Bring bottled water, especially in summer.
Use public transport (MyCiTi bus, Uber) or pay-and-display parking nearby.
Be cautious of “load shedding” (scheduled power outages) which may affect surrounding facilities.

Nearby Attractions

Iziko South African National Gallery: Premier collection of South African and international art.
Slave Lodge Museum: Powerful exhibitions on slavery and human rights.
St. George’s Cathedral: Historic site in anti-apartheid history.
Cape Town Cenotaph: War memorial honoring South African soldiers from both world wars and the Korean War (en.wikipedia.org).
Company’s Garden Café: Ideal for refreshments within the gardens.

Guided Tours and Community Engagement

The memorial is regularly included in self-guided and organized walking tours available through Cape Town tourism offices.
Guided heritage tours provide deeper context on Cape Town’s military history and the evolution of commemorative practices.

Visuals and Media

Official photographs and virtual tours are available on the CWGC website and Cape Town tourism platforms (CWGC).
Images feature the individually engraved timber posts, granite bases, and tranquil garden setting.
Alt text example: “Volunteer War Memorial Cape Town engraved iroko hardwood posts commemorating Black South African WWI servicemen.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the Volunteer War Memorial’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, entry is free.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with paved pathways and accessible restrooms.

Q: Where is the memorial located?
A: In the north-western quadrant of the Delville Wood Memorial Garden (Company’s Garden), and at Heerengracht Street (Foreshore).

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Included in several city walking tours and available through local operators or the tourism office.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, respectful photography is encouraged.

Q: Are there commemorative events?
A: Yes, especially on Remembrance Day and other significant dates.

Q: Are there COVID-19 restrictions?
A: Follow current local health guidelines.

Conclusion

The Volunteer War Memorial in Cape Town is a landmark of remembrance and reconciliation, offering a deeply personal and immersive experience for visitors. Its thoughtful design, central location, and free public access make it a must-see for anyone interested in South Africa’s history and the ongoing process of historical justice. By exploring this and nearby memorials, visitors contribute to the acknowledgment and healing of the nation’s past. Enhance your experience with guided tours or digital resources like the Audiala app, and stay informed by following official heritage and tourism organizations.