Veterans, community members, political representatives and local organisations gathered at the Heidelberg Concentration Camp Memorial on June 16 for a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating Concentration Camp Day and Youth Day.

Hosted by the Suid-Afrikaanse Weermagvereniging Suikerbos Unit, the ceremony paid tribute to the thousands of women, children and black South Africans who died in concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War.

The programme opened with a prayer by Chaplain Gert van Rooyen, followed by a welcome address from SAWV Suikerbos Unit chairperson Frik van Niekerk.

Addressing those in attendance, Van Niekerk stressed the importance of preserving the memory of those who suffered during the war.

“Today we gathered not only to remember those who suffered and died in the concentration camps, but also to ensure that their stories are never forgotten. By honouring their memory, we help future generations understand the sacrifices of the past and the importance of building a united future,” he said.

Ward councillor Yvonne van Combrinck delivered a presentation on the history of the Heidelberg concentration camps and their significance to the town’s heritage.

“The Heidelberg concentration camps form an important part of our local history. It is our responsibility to remember all those who suffered and died here, and to ensure that these lessons from the past continue to promote understanding, compassion and reconciliation,” she said.

The ceremony continued with the sounding of the Last Post, followed by two minutes of silence and the Reveille, allowing attendees a moment of reflection in honour of those who lost their lives. Members of the public and representatives of various organisations then laid wreaths and flowers at the memorial.

Tristan Freeborn laid a wreath in memory of the children who died in the concentration camps, while Susan Smit of the Rensburg Women’s Agricultural Union paid tribute to the women who lost their lives during the conflict.

Heidelberg Nigel Heraut journalist Esau Dlamini laid flowers in memory of the Black South Africans who died in the concentration camps, recognising a group whose suffering has historically received less attention.

Sandra Taljaard represented the ATKV, Marty Jerling laid a wreath on behalf of Solidariteit Helpende Hand, while Willem Pretorius represented Life Ministries Christian School.

Councillor Yvonne Combrinck also laid a wreath on behalf of the Democratic Alliance. Jackie Janse van Rensburg and Nathan Pistorius represented MOTHS, Willem Pretorius represented SAWV Suikerbos Unit, and Frik van Niekerk laid a wreath on behalf of SAWV Wilger Sector.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the South African National Anthem and Die Lied van Jong Suid-Afrika.

Van Niekerk thanked all those who attended and participated in the event, noting that remembrance ceremonies help preserve history while fostering unity and understanding among future generations.

The annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering all those who suffered and died during one of South Africa’s most difficult chapters in history.