Our long wait on the bus while we rode all the way to
Pretoria was worthwhile,because once we reached the Voortrekker Monument,we
forgot all the tiredness of last week’s exam and the tedious two-hour ride from
Johannesburg to Pretoria.Tall and imposing stood the grand Voortrekker Monument
far above us as we gazed in awe up at the ancient structure.
Our guide gave us an amazing tour around the fascinating
Monument that left us all with a thorough understanding of how the Voortrekkers
left the Cape Colony to find new land
for themselves,away from British rule and,unknowingly ,start South Africa’s
long,epic struggle to become an
independent republic.
First,our guides explained to us that some of the Monument’s
feature were not only there to enhance the already splendid grandeur of the
wondrous structure,but also to represent a memory of the past.For example,the
iron gate around the Monument symbolising the gate that the Zulus used for
protection in the time that the monument was built.
Inside,we were awestruck by the intricate friezes that
surrounded the interior of the Monument,depicting the story of the Voortrekker’s
trek across difficult terrain,facing insurmountable odds.The tenacity by which
these people faced this great challenge,served as a humble reminder of the
hardships that had to be overcome.
FREEDOM PARK
While we waited for the third group( which had mysteriously
gone missing),we had an impromptu picnic on the Monument steps,enjoying our
packed provisions and discussing different facts we had learned.When the third
group finally turned up,we set off to explore the wondrous Freedom Park.
The very first thing we noticed about the modern structure
was its walls that seemed to reach up to the ( thankfully)blue skies far above
us.When we entered the buildings,we were led into a large room that had one
glass wall that looked upon the shallow lake and the large hill that had several
benches that served as the audiences’
seats when there was an event.In particular,we were drawn to the Eternal
Flame,that is always kept burning,in remembrance for all those who fought
during the struggle .Our guide told us that when there was an event,the water
from the lake was drained and a stage
could be constructed over the lake.We then ran to the top of the hill , where
the guide pointed out a terrific view to the Union Buildings.
We then progressed further don where we saw the walls that
bore the names of the South African who ha perished in any war they fought
in.We spent some time looking at the endless rows of names and it is
unfathomable to think that so many lives had been lost due to war.We moved onto
the Gallery of Leaders,where we could gaze upon some of the most prominent and
celebrated men and women that helped in the struggle for humanity,human rights
and freedom of mankind.
After that,we had to endure a struggle of our own: getting
back onto the busses,sitting through traffic and returning home!
The trip was an uplifting and inspiring experience that not
only taught us about the people that shapped South Africa to become a free
country where we can all live in peace and harmony,but also a lot about ourselves and what we are capable of,if only we try.
( This was published
in Crawford 2013 magazine )
