Change text size here:

The Dream is Realized

The dreams of all those Voortrekkers who had crossed Orange River all those years before in February 1836 had now been realized. They were masters of two independent and recognized republics, the two greatest African nations had been defeated, the veld was finally quiet and the paroxysms of 1880, 1899 and the late 20th century were a long way away.

The Great Trek was not merely a mass migration but has taken on the gravity of an ordained chapter in Afrikaner history. The treachery of Dingane, the ferocity of Mzilikazi, the bluff, bluster and vacillations of the British Government are all colourful tableaux that decorate this part of the history of South Africa.

Consequences . . .

The memories of Maritz, Retief, Pretorius and Potgieter are as vivid today as they were 150 years ago. The events at Vegkop, Bloukrans, Blood River and dozens of other sites have burned into the consciousness of the Afrikaner people and the emotions they stirred were to have longlasting consequences.

The Photographs

Photograph below is of the monument to the Voortrekkers, Pretoria. Photograph above right shows the image of the sun moving to the plinth over 'Ons vir jou, Suid Afrika' ('We are for you, South Africa') on December the 16th every year, the anniversary of the battle of Blood River.

For a chronology of the Great Trek, go here.