the Voortrekker Monument

the Voortrekker Monument

Voortrekker Monument

The Voortrekker Monument is a monument that was built in honour of the great Voortrekkers (pioneers) of the Cape colony who left the Cape between 1835 and 1854 in the thousands. The monument was designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk, and was built in Pretoria. The monument can be seen from most of the city, as it is positioned on top of a hill. It was Gerard Moerdijk's ideal to design a "monument that would stand a thousand years to describe the history and the meaning of the Great Trek to its descendants."

When President Paul Kruger of the South Afrian Republic attended the Day of the Covenant on the 16th of Desember 1888 at Bloedrivier in Natal, the idea to build a monument in honour of the Voortrekkers came to discussion. But, the official movement in building the monument started in 1931. This was when the Sentrale Volksmonumentekomitee (SVK) (Central People's Monuments Committee) was formed, and they put the idea into action.

On the 13th of July 1937 the construction of this colossal marble monument started. Advocate E.G. Jansen (chairman of the SVK) performed the sod turning ceremony. The cornerstone was laid by three descendants of three Voortrekker leaders:  Mrs. J.C. Preller (great-granddaughter of Piet Retief), Mrs. K.F. Ackerman (great-granddaughter of Hendrik Potgieter) and Mrs. J.C. Muller (granddaughter of Andries Pretorius) on the 16th December 1938. 

The total cost of the monument was approximately £ 360,000 that was given by the South African government. The monument was inaugurated on the 16th December 1949. The amphitheatre was added to the north east side of the monument in 1949, and can seat 20 000 people.
Two elements make the monument a site worth visiting: the Historical Frieze and the Cenotaph Hall.

The marble Frieze is unique and an important part of the design. It depicts the story of the Great Trek on 27 panels. Work methods, everyday life and religious beliefs of the Voortrekkers are shown on these panels.

The Cenotaph is the central focus point of the Voortrekker monument. On the 16th Desember 12 o'clock each year a ray of sunshine shines through an opening in the arch and onto the Cenotaph. Inscribed on the Cenotaph are the words "Ons vir jou, Zuid Afrika!" (We for you, South Africa!). The light symbolizes God's blessing on the lives, accomplishments and activities of the Voortrekkers.

The main block of the monument is surrounded 64 ox-wagons, and a bronze sculpture of a Voortrekker mother and her children stands at the entrance. The sculpture was created by Anton van Wouw, and was one of the last works of the SoutH African sculptor.

Through this monument up on Monument Hill, the founders of the former South African republic are truly honoured, and are a great reminder of the persistence, courage and determination of the Voortrekkers. The centre focuses on presenting historical accuracy, and has no political angle. It preserves a part of history that is otherwise lost, as that period in time has little left over to show on its own.

http://www.voortrekkermon.org.za/