The Voortrekker Monument, stands in Pretoria, South Africa. It is a massive granite monument that can be seen from almost any great location in the city.
The monument, built in honour of the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in their thousands between 1835 and 1854, was designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk.
The two main points of interest in the building are the Historical Frieze and the Cenotaph Hall.
The unique marble Historical Frieze is an intrinsic part of the design of the monument and is situated in the 'Hall of Heroes'. Its 27 bas-relief panels depicts the story of the Great Trek that took place from 1835 to 1852. In addition to showing the history of the Great Trek it also depicts the every day life, work methods, religious beliefs and way of life of the Voortrekkers.
The focus point of the monument is the cenotaph. On top of the Hall of Heroes is a dome from where one can view the interior of the monument. It is through an opening in this dome that the sun shines at twelve o'clock on 16 December each year onto the middle of the cenotaph and the words 'Ons vir Jou, Suid-Afrika' (Afrikaans for 'We for Thee, South Africa'). The ray of sunshine symbolises God's blessing on the lives and endeavours of the Voortrekkers.
(December 16 was chosen as it was on this day in 1838 that the battle of Blood River was fought.)