Voortrekker Monument Newsletter – January 2020
News
An estimated 8 000 visitors attended the service on 16 December 2019. However, some people were of the opinion that the number was much higher. The Monument was packed and it was heartening to see so many young people on the day. The photos below provide a glimpse of the numbers on site.
16 December – Blood River
The program at Blood River was also attended well, with a packed camping site where some of the visitors had already arrived on 9 December. Although the heat was unbearable, an estimated 1 700 people attended the church service. The representation of the different historical flags solicited much interest.
Waterproofing Projects
Possible original design problems and decaying construction materials in the 81-year-old Monument, has resulted in the urgency to undertake necessary repairs to the building.
Since its inauguration the Monument has been prone to rainwater infiltration resulting in moisture penetrating the concrete dome, walls and walkways resulting in deteriorating steel reinforcing, discolouration of internal paintwork and blistering and subsequent falling of plaster from arches. Numerous previous waterproofing attempts have had but limited effect.
Serious concern about both the effect on the cultural significance of the Monument as well as visitor and staff safety, finally convinced Management of the necessity to intervene in order to safeguard the integrity of the Monument. An application was made and in 2019 the Monument received funding from the Rupert Historical Houses Foundation to investigate long-term, permanent waterproofing measures to address these problems and requested the Heritage Foundation to manage this project.
A company specialising in water-related engineering has subsequently been appointed to conduct the investigation which requires analytical testing of a small section, approximately 2 X 8 m, of the upper walkway on the southern side of the Monument.). The test will inform the final engineer design, which will form the basis of the permit application to the SA Heritage Resources Agency to intervene.
The area under consideration is contained and not accessible to the Public. The analysis will commence in February 2020 and although it will take place during normal operating hours, little to no inconvenience to visitors is anticipated.
Any queries regarding this process may be directed to Cecilia Kruger (Managing Director) or Johan Nel (Head: Heritage Resources Management).
New Tenants
Most of you know by now that we have a new tenant who has taken over the kiosk, Blikkantien and the Monument Restaurant. In future the kiosk will be known as Oom Paul’s Deli and the Blikkantien will change to the Farm Kitchen. We are currently busy with very necessary renovations of these facilities and the new tenant will take over on 6 February. Currently, we have very limited food and drink facilities on site. Thank you very much for your patience and support during this transitional period.
Donation
Once again our thanks to Johnson Tiles for another huge donation of tiles.
The tiles will be used to renovate the toilets at Fort Schanskop.
Hugs for Tourists
It was world Hug-a-Tourist Day on 21 January.
Some of our personnel dressed in Voortrekker and traditional clothing welcomed visitors with a hug.
Dendrology Outing
Dr Theunis Morgenthal of the Department Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries presented a dendrology outing in January. He is busy compiling a list of trees on the site that we want to tag. Unfortunately the Henkel yellow wood trees on the site are all dying.
Dr Morgenthal en his colleagues are looking for the cause and they will try to see if something can be done about the situation.
Events
Night Tour
The first night tour of 2020 takes place on 27 February.
The tour will be presented in English and will start at 18:00.
Tickets are R200 per person, which includes light snacks and juice/water.
Only 35 persons per tour are accepted and please, no children under 12.
It is imperative to book in advance.