Ernst van Biljon (13), Welmari Ostler (11) and Lee-Anne Kotze (13) used their own pocket money to buy cement which they donated to the VTM.
Three young people from Pretoria put their hands deep into their own pockets this week with one goal in mind: the construction and expansion of the Voortrekker Monument (VTM).
Ernst van Biljon (13), Welmari Ostler (11) and Lee-Anne Kotze (13) from Wonderboom-Suid Primary School decided this week to take their own hard-earned pocket money, go to the hardware store and buy bags full of cement to give to the VTM to donate.
These three donated 150 kg of cement to the monument.
Dr. Danie Langner, managing director of the Voortrekker Monument, said at the time the VTM was built brick by brick with the help of the community and churches from all over the country who undertook fundraising initiatives. “Today, the VTM once again depends on the community for our continued existence and the group of young people’s example completed the proverbial circle when they began to lay the first bricks for the road that we will take into the future.”
“When we saw on the VTM’s social media that they were looking for donations, we immediately decided we would like to help,” said an excited Lee-Anne.
“My family and I come to the Voortrekker Monument an awful lot, so I didn’t think twice about getting involved, because it’s important to us – not only for our history, but also for us personally. The Voortrekker Monument has had a big place in our hearts for years,” she elaborated.
“This is our monument.”
For Ernst, it was also important to get involved, because he believes that it is their duty to help build a future for the VTM.
“It is important to give something back, especially to one of our country’s greatest historical landmarks. I am very glad I helped,” he said.
Welmari, the youngest of the group of children, said in her turn that she would one day like to know that she helped build the Voortrekker Monument and that is why this donation was so special to her.
“Our ancestors built this monument for us and now we also have to help build a future for the monument. One day we can tell our grandchildren that we helped.”
Dr. Langner himself stopped by to personally thank each of the young people for their donation.
“I am very impressed with you,” he told them proudly.
Langner concluded by saying that these young people are a true example for not only their peers, but for all South Africans.
“I am really proud to have been able to meet you and to see that there are young people who themselves are stepping in to protect their cultural heritage.”
Ernst, Welmari and Lee-Anne would very much like to challenge their friends to follow their example, roll up their sleeves and do their part to help the monument continue to exist.
These three young people are truly heritage builders and this donation is a clear challenge for the rest of the community to write a new chapter in the VTM’s history.
