VTM Newsletter February 2018
Debit Order System: Supporters of Heritage Preservation
The Board of Directors of the Voortrekker Monument and the Heritage Foundation launched the debit order system to ensure that we generate sustainable funds to preserve endangered heritage resources for future generations. This also includes the maintenance of the Voortrekker Monument and other heritage sites under the management of and in possession of the Heritage Foundation. The Voortrekker Monument and the Heritage Foundation are both non-profit companies (Article 21) and therefore it is imperative that we generate our own funds. With the permission of the Board of Directors we are therefore approaching the public to help with this very important task.
The Voortrekker Monument was declared a national heritage site in 2011 and turns 80 years old this year. It was designed by architect Gerard Leendert Moerdijk as a tribute to the Voortrekkers who took part in the Great Trek between 1835 and 1854. Several other monuments, statues and historical buildings are also on site which should be preserved as part of our heritage.
The Heritage Foundation (HF) was founded in 2002 and is housed on the site of the Voortrekker Monument. The HF manages and preserves several endangered heritage sites across the country. The personnel consists of a team of specialists who specialize in the preservation of historical buildings, heritage impact studies, museology, archeology, archival methods and cultural and historical research.
As a supporter of heritage preservation you can become involved in the protection of these heritage sites by signing a debit order for a time period and an amount that suits your pocket.
Your contribution makes a difference!! Please contact Marelize Swanepoel at finhoof@vtm.org.za / 012 326 6770.
News
Saturday, 10 February, was world Hug-a-Tourist day.
Three of our ladies dressed in Voortrekker clothing welcomed visitors with a hug.
The tourists queued to take photos.
Guide Training
This year the Voortrekker Monument started a series of refresher courses for tour guides who visit the Monument. The first of these courses took place in February. We would like to thank the training institutions and role players in the tourism industry who support this initiative. Guides who have completed the course successfully will receive a special Monument guide badge.
CHOC
The Monument was lit up with blue lights on 15 February in support of children with cancer and international children’s cancer day.
The organization Have a Heart for Children with Cancer asked us to do the same thing last year.
Free Visit
A group of boys from Eersterust visited the Monument on Saturday, 24 February 2018. The project leader of Grooming Boys, Mr Eddie Smith, said that the aim of the project was to instill positive values in young boys. The Monument granted them free access.
Events
The first of our antique markets in 2018 will take place on 21 March from 09:00 to 15:00.
We request that you please leave your pets at home.
Entrance to the market is still only R 30 per vehicle and there is parking for disabled people in wheel chairs.
Events this year
If you are interested in our events relating to VTM-80 this year, please click on the following: EVENTS
Education Centre
We will open our new multi-cultural education centre in June.
Please help us choose a name for the centre.
Send your suggestions to marketing@vtm.org.za.