Plans are under way by the management of the Voortrekker Monument, south of Pretoria, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the laying of the monument’s cornerstone.
“The festival is one of the planned events by the Voortrekker Monument this year... The Voortrekker Monument was declared a Grade 1 National Heritage Site in 2011,” said Cecilia Kruger, Managing Director of the Voortrekker Monument.
The laying of the cornerstone will form part of the SA Heritage and Tourism Festival, which will take place from September 14-16 at the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park sites.
The festival is a joint collaboration by the management of the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park and the Department of Arts and Culture. The Department of Arts and Culture contributes extensively to tourism, especially to heritage sites.
According to Freedom Park CEO, Jane Mufamadi, Freedom Park is the only heritage site that interprets history by storytelling, which connects with its educational programmes.
The SA Heritage and Tourism Festival focuses on heritage, tourism projects, and activities.
”Heritage tourism builds sustainable development and job creation while communities make their surroundings more attractive. The festival would like to create a platform between the tourism industry and heritage sites and, in doing so, conserve the beautiful heritage sites in Tshwane by involving communities in a sustainable manner,” said festival organiser, Margaret Mouton.
The festival will feature a variety of activities, suitable for the whole family.
Those attending can look forward to stalls with crafts and local food, a children’s area, a potjiekos competition, entertainment by various artists, cultural dances and tourism exhibitions.
Visitors can also take part in a 10 kilometre walk or bicycle race. Pre-booked tours for both sites will be presented exclusively on September 14.
The festival’s gates will open at 06h00 on both Saturday and Sunday for the 10 kilometre walk and cycle race.
Visitors must take note that entry to the Voortrekker Monument will only be at the northern gate on the R101.
Tickets are R500 (€32) for VIP tickets, R350 (€22) for adults, R50 (€3) for children and R80 (€5) for pensioners. Tickets can be obtained at Computicket.
For more information, contact Mouton at margaret@sahtfest.co.za.
