While many sectors have been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, one sector, in particular, has hit close to home with visitor numbers down at the Voortrekker Monument.
Statistics SA released a report in April which described how badly the tourism sector has been affected by the pandemic.
In 2020, the volume of tourists decreased by 72,6% from 10,2 million in 2019 to 2,8 million in 2020.
Project10Thousand is a campaign that was started in April with the hopes of getting people to help keep the monument open.
“How this initiative works is that people can decide how much they can afford a month and then donate it to us monthly,” said Gerhard Pretorius, spokesperson at the monument.
“This project was launched so that people can join as friends of the Voortrekker Monument.”
The monument has managed to receive 1 556 signatures thus far. The more people get involved, the more donations can be made to help prevent the monument from closing.
The monument will also be hosting more initiatives to help small businesses and create revenue.
“We also have a drive for local businesses to engage with the monument so that we can collaborate in various ventures to create sustainable revenue,” said Pretorius.
Here are what some of the residents had to say:
– Maria Do Nascimento (30): “I do not think the monument should close down. It is a vital part of history but I do believe other parts of South African history can be more highlighted than the [Voortrekker] monument.”
– Jacque Pierre de Villiers: “It is a heritage site. We are quite diverse in our country with various heritage sites. I think if they close it then that would be quite sad. I would definitely sign all the petitions and be involved in all the measures that are in place to save it.”
– JS Dafel: “It is my history and my forefathers’ history. I would be glad if it can stay open and the history preserved.”
– Rulani Sitheli (22): “I think it is a good idea to keep the monument open. I am not a fan of it personally, but it is a good cause as it is a historic place. We use history for reference and the monument is a good representation of our history.”
– Javier Mienie (16), Julean Eybers (17): “We do not think it is right if they close it down. The monument is our history and our pride.”
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