Arts, Culture & Heritage
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Blue Plaque Sites

War on War League

Table of Contents

About War on War League

Developed by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation in consultation with the City of Joburg

Address

Constitution Hill, outside Number 2 Block
April 2018

Inscription

THE WAR ON WAR LEAGUE 1914-1915 In 1914 Colin Wade, R.B. Waterson and 8 other trade union leaders were held here for 3 weeks without charge in terms of the Peace ordinance first introduced by lord Milner. Several were members of the War on War League which opposed sending South Africans to fight abroad. Many had seen service in the Anglo-Boer War, so their pacifism was based on a loathing for the devastation and horrors of war. Wade was released and never charged, eight others were kidnapped and deported by their own government, causing an international outcry.

Photo courtesy: Kabelo Mokoena (Sunday Times)

Explore Joburg

A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.

Among the many heritage sites featured is Chancellor House, the downtown offices of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. After having been vacant and shuttered for more than a decade, this iconic building is being revived and brought to life once again as offices for the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Services.

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