The Voortrekker Monument is a glimpse of SA's rich history
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Pretoria is a city in Gauteng that enjoys the fruits of South Africa's young democracy. With many sites dedicated to commemorating the freedom fight of the many struggle heroes our country produced, this city is a historian's dream. Locals and tourists alike flock to Pretoria to visit these places and among the most popular is the Voortrekker Monument.
Home of the Afrikaner culture
The Voortrekker Monument has been given the status of a national heritage site by the South African government. This is a great acknowledgement of the contributions the Afrikaners made towards building South Africa. Many of us remember learning about the Anglo-Boer War and the great trek in history class. At the Voortrekker Monument, you can discover the true meaning of what it meant to be an Afrikaner in the days of the struggle and celebrate how far our nation has come.
Afrikaner culture is welcoming and warm, with a good measure of wholesome fun thrown in for good measure. It makes sense that at the Voortrekker Monument, you can take the time to relax and enjoy a picnic, participate in planned activities and explore the nature reserve's grounds.
Significance of the Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument was erected in honour of the Great Trek. The architect Gerard Moerdijk intended the monument to be standing for a thousand years and longer. It is made of granite and cuts an imposing figure to all those who stand before it. Construction began on 13 July 1937 with the total completion date believed to be when it was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, DF Malan on 16 December 1949. Statues of a woman and child designed by sculptor Anton van Wouw are thought to pay tribute to the women and children Voortrekkers. The monument is also surrounded by a wall of engravings depicting ox and 64 wagons and is meant to serve as a badge of protection for the monument.
The Voortrekker Monument can be viewed from the Hall of Heroes with particular emphasis placed on the cenotaph which is the centre of the monument. Through an opening from the dome of the building, sunlight shines directly onto the centre of the cenotaph on 16 December every year at midday. It is believed this happens by design to symbolise the blessing of those who embarked on the Great Trek and their lives.
Experience a day at the Voortrekker Monument
When visiting this important site, plan to make a day of it with your friends and family. There are many statues to learn about, forts to investigate and memorials to pay respect to. For art enthusiasts, the tapestries in the monument will be particularly pleasing to see. A total of 9 women took 8 years to complete the panels that make up the tapestries. With 130 colours of wool and 3 353 600 sewing stitches, it is a feast for the eyes. The tale of the tapestries focuses on women in the trek and the role they played in assisting the lifestyle of all Voortrekkers while raising families.
You can also experience an original ox wagon that has been meticulously preserved from the Great Trek. It is the second oldest wagon in the country and belonged to Andries Marthinus Laas and his wife, It was used in the Great Trek and is one of the 64 wagons engraved on the wall surrounding the monument.
Imagine what it was like to live in the Zulu kingdom by visiting the recreated huts of King Dingane. These beehive huts are a must-see and feature authentic thatch roofs and clay floors. The nature reserve spans 341 hectares around the monument and you can enjoy spotting animals like zebras and a variety of buck in their leafy surroundings.
By picking a property in Pretoria, you are choosing to live in a well-rounded city that has deep roots. Contact one of our trusted property practitioners and start envisioning your dream life here today.
Author: Seeff Property Group
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