Voortrekker Monument receives oxwagon from school
“The wagon was bought in 1917 in the Paarl by a Mrs MJA Engelbrecht, as a present for her son, JJH Engelbrecht.”
Laerskool Eugène N Marais in Mookgophong, previously Naboomspruit, decided recently to donate their “kakebeenwa” to the Voortrekker Monument (VTM).
Gerhard Pretorius, communication manager of the VTM, said after many years this ox wagon returns south.
“The principal, Marina Gravett, and body corporate of the school has decided recently to donate the ox wagon to the VTM.”
According to Gravett, the history of the wagon could be traced by a member of their community.
“The wagon was bought in 1917 in the Paarl by a Mrs MJA Engelbrecht as a present for her son, JJH Engelbrecht.”
“Mrs Engelbrecht bought it from Stark&Co and apparently the expenses to transport the wagon to Naboomspruit was 99 pounds, 19-shilings and 9 pennies.”
She said the wagon was also used during the 150-year commemoration of the Great Trek in 1988.
“Our school’s body corporate thought it a good idea to donate the wagon to the monument so that more people can benefit by it.
“This kind of heritage doesn’t only belong to us. We need to share it with others as well.”
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She said the wagon was a source of great excitement among the school’s grade 4 to 7 learners.
“They have come to Pretoria to see for themselves where the wagon will be exhibited as part of the monument’s exhibition.”
Jaco Cilliers, manager of heritage conservation, addressed the learners and invited them to visit the monument.
“Heritage conservation is not only about looking after old objects, however that is part of it, but it is important to make the younger generation aware of heritage,” said Cilliers.
Cilliers said it is the youth’s passion for the past, history, and heritage, that would ensure that museums such as the Voortrekker monument and other heritage sites, have a future in our country.
He also encouraged community members to visit the museum to have a look at all the precious items that have been collected over the years.
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