Pretoria (Tshwane): Voortrekker Monument reopens to the public!

The Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site in Pretoria (Tshwane) reopens to the public today (04 August 2020), following a four month closure (since 27 March 2020) due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Monument is open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 and 15:00. It will be closed on Mondays. The entrance fees have been reduced, so that visitors only have to pay half price until the end of February 2021. Visitors have to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations when visiting, including body temperature checks and the wearing of face masks during the visit. The Voortrekker Monument's library and archive centre is open but only by appointment.

The Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site is situated in a nature reserve just south of Pretoria (Tshwane) in South Africa's Gauteng Province. The unique monument was inaugurated in 1949 and commemorates the pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner. It was  declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resource Agency in July 2011.

Pretoria (Tshwane): Voortrekker Monument goes cashless!

The management of the Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site in Pretoria (Tshwane), including the adjacent restaurant and gift shop, has implemented cashless systems on side. Visitors who only have cash on hand will not be turned away, but it is recommended by the management of the monument that visitors rather consider paying with either a debit or credit card or purchase tickets online prior to their visit. 

The Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site is situated in a nature reserve just south of Pretoria (Tshwane) in South Africa's Gauteng Province. The unique monument was inaugurated in 1949 and commemorates the pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner. It was  declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resource Agency in July 2011.

Fair Trade Tourism certifies the Voortrekker Monument

Fair Trade Tourism's (FTT), a South African NGO that encourages and monitors fair and responsible practises in tourism establishments and activities, recently added the Voortrekker Monument to the family of FTT-certified businesses.

As part of the greening initiatives at the Voortrekker Monument, a recycling project in conjunction with the restaurant on site was recently established.  For recycling at the monument, colour coded bins have been placed in strategic areas to make it easy for international tourists to contribute towards recycling project.
The Voortrekker Monument manages their water source, as well as two dams on site. The water in the dams is used to maintain the beautiful gardens. The Monument is also situated on a declared nature reserve. In addition, the Voortrekker Monument works closely with members of Tshwane Nature Conservation to ensure that the site conforms to standards. (via Fair Trade Tourism)

The monument, located just south of Pretoria in a nature reserve, was designed to commemorate the Voortrekkers by architect Gerard Moerdijk. It was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 and declared a Grade 1 National Heritage Site in July 2011. Today the Voortrekker Monument is the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng and one of the top ten cultural historical visitor attractions in South Africa. The monument is open daily from Mondays to Sundays from 08:00 - 17:00 (May - Aug) or from 08:00 - 18:00 (Sept - April).

Fair Trade Tourism's (FTT) certification programme, which was recently outsourced to FLO-Cert, is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

Video: The Freedom Park in Pretoria

Pretoria, also know as The Jacaranda City, is not as popular with tourist as neighboring Johannesburg, but is definitely worth a visit. Pretoria has over the years had very diverse cultural influences and this is reflected in the architectural styles, the people and the overall atmosphere that can be found and felt in the city. The city's tourist attractions include the Union Buildings, various museums such as the Voortrekker Monument and the Kruger House, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa as well as the Freedom Park, the newest (opened in 2009) of Pretoria's popular tourist attractions. The Freedom Park is a monument to humanity, freedom and heritage reflecting South Africa's pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid and post apartheid experiences. If you are planning to visit Pretoria, make sure that you put the Freedom Park on Salvokop on your list. It is a truely inspiring place you shouldn't miss out.

Pretoria: Freedom Park & Voortrekker Monument to be linked

An access road between the previously divided, but neighbouring, Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria will be opened by President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe on this year's National Reconciliation Day celebration on Friday, 16 Dec 2011.

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Freedom Park was established in 2009 by the South African Department of Arts and Culture. The core function of the park is to provide a pioneering and empowering heritage destination that reflects South Africa's pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid and post apartheid experiences. It is aimed at contributing to mutual understanding and appreciation of various communities and nations.
The Voortrekker Monument, on the other hand, was inaugurated in 1949 as a unique monument which commemorates the pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner.