Dealing with my Afrikaans roots: Voortrekker Monumnet

I don't sokkie, don't listen to RSG, I don't have a Kurt Darren CD, I don't even like koeksisters for crying out loud!

So you'd understand my blogging block when it comes to writing something remotely entertaining about the Voortrekker Monument, a proud symbol of the Afrikaans people.

I love being Afrikaans don't get me wrong but being Afrikaans leaves one with a few awkward subjects at times. We're the group that gave the world these words: Aardvark and Apartheid... both rather tricky to explain.

However, when I lived in Hanoi I hardly knew any other South Africans let alone Afrikaans speakers, so when I did find the random boertjie I'd talk just for the sake of talking. Speaking Afrikaans then was like hugging the other person with your words.

Well cultural identity crisis aside here is what I can say about the Voortrekker Monument, because I was rather excited to go.

If you'd like to go there yourself make sure you have something like this:Commonly known as a woman, friend, tour guide... Let's call this one Lallie. She's awesome, she actually paid attention in Primary school history, so she could explain basically what the whole monument was about. Well that and she's actually been to the location of the Battle of Blood River, which is the primary reason for the monuments existence.

What also adds to getting a clue about what this history is about it the useful sculptures that can be found within. Talk about a 3D experience, am I right? 20 min of walking about plus a Lallie equals for an instant history buff. This is my favourite part of the wall: women encourage the men not to give up hope. Girl power!

If that's not enough then there's always the embroidery wall on the lower level of the monument, illustrating daily life and historical events of the Voortrekkers. O look the Voortrekkers setting up camp:O yes and that dragon they fought...WTF?? Don't recall that part.

A highlight of the monument is to go to the top, by stairs or lift. For a stunning view of Pretoria (yes Jozi Tourist is out of her depth here). And a bit of an adrenaline rush view of the inside. What you see at the very bottom level is this: Which translates into "We're for you South Africa". Strangely reading this instantly got "De La Rey" by Bok van Blerk stuck in my head as opposed to our National Anthem (old or new)...Odd.

I didn't go to the museum on the property so don't have much to say about that. The lower levels have some old historical significant stuff, that would interest the history nerd. It at least seemed to interest the couple of Taiwanese tourist there, attentively listening to their tour guide.

In closing: I found the monument interesting, I'm not sure if you'll feel the same way if you're not Afrikaans or Taiwanese. I'd give about 1 to 2 hours to experience the place, that's without the museum also on the property. I'd be really nervous taking small kids up to the top for that inside view, but it is super cool. Entrance R45.

Constitution Hill, tourist on a mission

Even though Constitution Hill is supposedly one of the more famous historical sights to visit in Johannesburg I wasn't quite sure what to expect or what it was all about.

If you're like me and you're not sure either I'd recommend just a little bit of reading before hand (as in google it on your iphone on your way there), and be sure not to miss the 10 min orientation movie at the start of the tour. Here is the website

There were a few reasons why I wanted to go there at the start of my tourist challenge:
-It's old... I'm sure there is some explanation for a person like me simply loving old buildings and peeling paint, but that's one reason
-It has historical significance and I'm significantly fond of history, especially South African history.
-I read that it's free entry on Tuesdays... this was in fact not true anymore and was stopped just before the 2010 World Cup... clever. (Wow I'm getting really good this whole useful tips thing)
-It fits perfectly into an afternoon, give about 2 hours for the whole experience.
-and as mentioned, I didn't really know what it was all about so was curious to check it out.
What I loved about the complex is that you're pretty free to just walk around and do as you please, even though you can hire a personal tour guide. I loved that it was so empty, given that we went on a Tuesday afternoon, but I feel like that added to the eerie coolness of the whole experience.

I loved the mix of old original buildings that give you the creeps, to the newer buildings trying to incorporate historical significance and stylish African architecture. O and of course the art!

What I also loved, and this is important fellow Joburgers, is how safe I felt there, even though you're right next to Hillbrow. I think that's why most of us don't even think of going to these cool city places, because of the violent reputation. Honestly it felt safer parking my car there than at Cresta Mall.

Don't let the crime be the one thing stopping you from going.

The not so great part was that it didn't feel very user friendly, I would love to see a bit more organisation to the complex. I often had no idea where I was going, the maps and arrows around aren't wonderful.

Secondly there's a whole lot of restoration going on at the moment so I feel like I missed a good 40% of it all.
Parking also seemed like it could be a problem when there's more tourists around.

Do keep in mind when you come visit that it isn't exactly about rainbows and butterflies, it showcases a very tough and sad part of our history, so it's best to prepare to be a little depressed for a while. You'll read stories that will raise the hair on the back of your neck.
People being kept like animals in cells for not having a pass: Sucks!
Constitutional freedom in SA for over 17 years...: Rocks! Viva Democracy...


this is the entrance area (I think) this is also where the car was parked (safely!)

The doors to the constitutional court with the 27 basic constitutional rights for every South African and in every official language including sign language.
the law
an entire section is filled with art inspired by all things constitutional and unconstitutional

In one of the old cells with pictures and information of some of the former inmates. Ghandi being one of themThey make a pretty big deal about the fact that Ghandi used to stay here. Has it's own exhibition section
my attempt at taking an arty picture at a prison

The verdict: I'd recommend going, I suspect history nerds might enjoy it more, but it's worth a visit even if you're not. When: During the early afternoon (so that you miss crazy city traffic out). How much: R 30 per person. Getting there: Get onto Empire and keep going till you see the signs. eh easy enough.