Prominent statues in Pretoria
Through the ages many leaders have come and gone and all that remain are their statues and legacies. Here we highlight but six statues, standing in the heart of Pretoria, of notable figures that are part and parcel of the history of the city.
By Charl Steenkamp
Nelson Mandela
The first democratic president of South Africa
The Union Buildings have seen a significant increase in visitors since the unveiling of the Mandela statue. In fact, many local and foreign visitors come to the Union Buildings especially for the statue. During most of the day small crowds can be seen at the foot of the statue, with people posing for pictures and paying their respects to Madiba. The inspiring statue takes a central position within the lawns of the Union Buildings and can be seen from far and wide.
Date unveiled: 16 December 2013
Sculptors: André Prinsloo and Ruhan Janse van Vuuren (South Africans)
Location: Union Buildings
Stats: 9-metres high, Bronze
Louis Botha
The first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa
This statue of Botha on horseback takes centre stage on the lawn in front of the Union Buildings. The panels below provide a brief introduction to Louis Botha’s life.
Date unveiled: August 1946
Sculptor: Coert Steynberg (South African)
Location: Union Buildings
Stats: Equestrian statue, Bronze
Paul Kruger
The face of Boer resistance during the Second Boer War
‘Oom Paul’ stands in the centre of Church Square and was commissioned by Sammy Marks. The statue was sculpted in 1896 and was originally planned for Church Square. However, due to various reasons including war, disagreements, etc. it was first installed at Prince’s Park and later moved to Pretoria Station (in 1925). The statue was eventually installed at its rightful place in Church Square in 1954.
Date unveiled: 11 October 1954 (but was sculpted in 1896)
Sculptor: Anton Van Wouw (Dutch-born, South African)
Location: Church Square
Stats: Bronze
Marthinus and Andries Pretorius
The first president of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (Marthinus Pretorius)
Between the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History and the City Hall you will find Pretorius Square. Here are three prominent statues. The first statue is of Marthinus Pretorius, who purchased the farms Elandspoort and Koedoespoort and in 1855 declared the two farms a town which he named ‘Pretoria’ after his father, Andries Pretorius, a prominent Voortrekker leader (seen in top picture, the second statue of a man on a horse).
The third statue is a more recent addition and depicts Chief Tshwane (see below).
Date: 1945
Sculptor: Coert Steynberg (South African)
Location: City Hall
Stats: Bronze
Chief Tshwane
The first known inhabitants of the region
The river valley that flows through Pretoria was occupied by the Ndebele from at least the 1600s. The name Tshwane originates from the Tshwane River (which is called the “Apiesrivier” in Afrikaans). The river is believed to be named after Chief Tshwane, the son of Chief Mushi, who moved from KwaZulu-Natal to settle the area.
Date unveiled: 2006
Sculptor: Angus Taylor
Location: City Hall
Stats: 6.2-metres, Bronze
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