The Cenotaph

The Cenotaph is a war memorial in Durban with a central white granite column reaching approximately 8 meters high, bearing inscriptions honoring military personnel from both World Wars. The structure serves as the focal point for annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, where visitors lay wreaths and observe moments of silence.

The monument was constructed and officially unveiled in 1926 to honor South African soldiers who lost their lives in major armed conflicts. Its establishment came during a period when many nations were creating similar memorials to recognize their military service members.

The memorial displays inscriptions in both English and Afrikaans, reflecting the linguistic diversity of South Africa in the early 20th century. These two languages side by side show how different communities were remembered together at that time.

The memorial is located in a public area of Durban and is easily accessible on foot when visiting central sites. Visitors should know that larger ceremonies take place on certain days of the year, particularly around November 11, which affects the location.

The memorial contains detailed inscriptions with names from the local region, creating a lasting record of individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. These personal names make the monument more than just a general tribute, but a place of individual recognition.