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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Voortrekker Monument heritage site: a new statement of significance
Authors:Kruger, Cecilia
Van Heerden, Marié
Year:2005
Periodical:Historia: amptelike orgaan
Volume:50
Issue:2
Pages:237-260
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:monuments
cultural heritage
Abstract:The Voortrekker Monument, situated south of Pretoria, South Africa, was constructed to mark an historic event, namely the Great Trek of 1835 to 1852. At the same time it commemorates the people who participated in this migration, which was a successful rebellion against British rule. The Monument was inaugurated in December 1949, barely a year after the Nationalist Party came to power. The Voortrekker Monument's significance has basically been associative or symbolic and ranges from 'holy ground' and symbol of Afrikaner nationalism for many, to an obsolete, monolithic monument for many others. For certain groups within the Afrikaner culture, the entire Monument is symbol of independence and achievement. Many other South African cultural groups have, until recently, seen it as a symbol of oppression and denial during the apartheid years. In the 21st century, however, more and more South Africans from different cultural backgrounds seem to accept the Monument as part of their common heritage. The time has come for the Voortrekker Monument to reassess its significance based on the criteria of the South African National Heritage Resources Act, no. 25 of 1999. Notes, ref., sum. in English and Afrikaans. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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