Cruise History: SS Mendi, South Africa’s worst maritime disaster
The story of the SS Mendi is one of profound sacrifice, resilience, and enduring legacy, deeply woven into South Africa’s historical fabric. Originally a modest passenger liner built in 1905 for the West African trade, the SS Mendi was repurposed during the First World War as a troopship, carrying members of the South African Native Labour Corps (SANLC)—Black South African men who volunteered to support the British war effort in non-combatant roles.
Constructed by Alexander Stephen & Sons in Glasgow, the SS Mendi was a relatively small vessel, measuring 370 feet in length and 46 feet in breadth, primarily ferrying passengers, mail, and goods along the West African coast. When World War I erupted, the British Admiralty requisitioned the ship for military use, stripping it of its civilian comforts and adapting it to transport troops and laborers to the European front.
In 1916, the Union of South Africa committed to sending labor support to the Allies. Due to the racial policies of the time, Black South Africans were barred from combat roles and instead served in the SANLC, undertaking essential but unglamorous tasks such as trench digging, unloading supplies, and building infrastructure. Over 20,000 men volunteered, many leaving their rural homes for the first time, driven by hopes of earning wages, seeking adventure, or demonstrating loyalty to the Empire.
On January 16, 1917, more than 800 SANLC members boarded the SS Mendi in Cape Town, destined for the battlefields of Europe. However, tragedy struck on February 21st in the English Channel, south of the Isle of Wight. In dense fog, the SS Mendi was rammed by the much larger British mail steamer Darro, which tore a massive hole in the troopship’s hull. The Mendi sank rapidly, within 20 to 25 minutes, plunging hundreds of men into the icy waters.
What sets the SS Mendi disaster apart is not only the scale of loss—over 600 SANLC members perished—but the remarkable dignity and unity displayed by the men in their final moments. Oral histories recount how Reverend Isaac Dyobha, a chaplain aboard, urged the men to remain calm and face death with courage, famously declaring, “We die like brothers… we are the sons of Africa.” The men stood together on the slanting deck, chanting and stamping their feet in a solemn “death drill,” a powerful testament to their solidarity and bravery.
In stark contrast, the Darro’s captain, Henry Stump, failed to stop and assist survivors, sailing away despite the opportunity to save many lives. An official inquiry later censured him, suspending his master’s certificate for a year, but no further punishment was imposed. This lack of accountability reflected the racial and imperial attitudes of the era, which also contributed to the initial marginalization of the SANLC’s sacrifice in official histories.
For decades, the SS Mendi tragedy remained largely unacknowledged in South Africa’s mainstream narrative, overshadowed by the broader neglect of Black contributions during the war. Yet, within Black communities, the memory was preserved through oral tradition, poetry, and song, becoming a symbol of both loss and resilience.
Since the end of apartheid, the SS Mendi has emerged as a central icon in South Africa’s journey toward reconciliation and inclusive remembrance. The anniversary of the sinking, February 21st, is now observed as Armed Forces Day, with national ceremonies honoring the men who perished. Memorials stand across South Africa—in places like Cape Town, Soweto, and Umtata—as well as internationally in France and the United Kingdom, where the wreck site is protected as a war grave.
The legacy of the SS Mendi extends beyond history into culture and education. The ship’s bell, once lost, was returned to South Africa and now resides at the University of Cape Town, symbolizing the enduring respect for those who served. The story is taught in schools, inspiring new generations to recognize the sacrifices made by Black South Africans during World War I and to appreciate the broader context of colonial subjects’ roles in global conflicts.
For Africa’s travel and heritage sectors, the SS Mendi narrative offers a poignant reminder of the continent’s complex past and the importance of preserving and promoting sites of memory. It highlights opportunities for cultural tourism that honors African contributions to world history, fostering a deeper understanding among visitors and locals alike. As South Africa continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, integrating such powerful stories can enrich the visitor experience and support community engagement.
Ultimately, the SS Mendi stands as a symbol of unity, courage, and the quest for recognition—a maritime tragedy that transformed into a beacon of hope and national pride. Its story challenges the travel industry to embrace Africa’s diverse histories and to champion narratives that celebrate the continent’s resilience and humanity on the global stage.
