The South African National Museum of Military History in
Johannesburg was officially opened by Prime Minister
Jan Smuts on 29 August 1947 to preserve the history of South Africa's involvement in the
Second World War. In 1975, the museum was renamed from the South African National War Museum and its function changed to include
all conflicts that South Africa has been involved in.[1] In 1999 it was amalgamated with the Pretoria-based
Transvaal Museum and
National Cultural History Museum to form the Northern Flagship Institution. In April 2010 Ditsong was officially renamed
Ditsong Museums of South Africa and the SANMMH was renamed the Ditsong National Museum of Military History.
Originally called the Rand Regiments Memorial and dedicated to British soldiers that lost their lives during the
Second Boer War, it was rededicated on 10 October 1999 to all people who died during the
Second Boer War and renamed the Boer War Memorial.[3]
An exhibit honouring members of the
Native Military Corps (1940–50), Indian Service Corps (1940–42) and the
Cape Corps (1940–50)
An exhibit detailing major events in South African history between the
Boer Wars and the
1994 South African general elections. Events covered include the political divisions in the country during the First and Second World Wars, the
Rand Rebellion (1921-1922), the sabotage campaign of the
Ossewabrandwag during the Second World War and South Africa's involvement in the
Angolan Civil War.
Exhibits detailing South Africa's involvement in
World War II, including artefacts such as uniforms, firearms, helmets, and flags from various countries