Community Volunteers Restore Historic Burger Monument in Kimberley

In a commendable display of local community involvement and heritage conservation, AfriForum’s Kimberley branch recently joined forces with the Rapportryerbeweging, the Voortrekkers, Landsdiens, and active community members to revitalize a historical site in Magersfontein. The Burger monument, a significant marker of Afrikaans history and valor, stood neglected until this coalition of volunteers set out to breathe new life into its existence.

The day saw an enthusiastic team of 28 volunteers rolling up their sleeves to give the monument its much-needed care. The collective effort involved removing litter, cutting back overgrown grass, pruning nearby trees, and extracting pervasive weeds. Their hard work and dedication resulted in six bags of trash being collected and responsibly removed from the monument's vicinity. The mobilization underscored a remarkable dedication to heritage preservation and community responsibility, hallmarks that drive AfriForum's initiatives.

The Burger monument, serving as a mute testament to the courage and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Magersfontein on 11 December 1899, is more than just stone and inscriptions. It stands as a poignant reminder of a crucial chapter in South African history where the Boers secured a significant victory against British forces. This battle resulted in approximately 1,000 British casualties, and the monument ensures that the events and sacrifices of that era are not forgotten. Among those commemorated are Adriaan de la Rey, son of General J.H. de la Rey, a French colonel, Scandinavian volunteers, a lone British soldier, and a nurse named Combrink.

Lize-Mari van der Linden, the Karoo District Coordinator, stressed the importance of such endeavors, pointing out that these initiatives, "not only pay tribute to the past but also serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving Afrikaner heritage." She highlighted the diverse support from different groups and community members, illustrating a unified reverence to the sacrifices of those involved in the Magersfontein battle.

The preservation of the monument is a task that AfriForum’s Kimberley branch has proudly undertaken before, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to heritage conservation. As the district coordinator emphasized, AfriForum is looking forward to continued collaboration with communities to promote the upkeep of historic landmarks and to foster a sense of shared cultural heritage.

Support and appreciation from various quarters have met this collaborative initiative, with many viewing it as a model for other communities to emulate. It is a manifestation of how collective action and volunteerism can effectively play a role in the stewardship of historical sites, and in turn, contribute to their localities' identity and memory.