Locals from the capital city can start preparing their heritage attire with plans underway by the management of the Voortrekker Monument to celebrate the 80th year of the laying the cornerstone of the monument.
“The festival is one of the planned events by the Voortrekker Monument this year to commemorate the 80th year of laying the cornerstone of the monument. The Voortrekker Monument was declared a Grade 1 National Heritage Site in 2011,” said Managing Director of the Voortrekker Monument Cecilia Kruger.
The laying of the cornerstone will form part of the SA Heritage en Tourism Festival which will take place from 14-16 September at the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park sites.
The festival is a joint collaboration by the management of the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park and the Department of Arts and Culture. The Department of Arts and Culture contributes extensively to tourism, especially to heritage sites.
According to Freedom Park CEO Jane Mufamadi, Freedom Park is the only heritage site which interprets history by storytelling which connects with their educational programmes.
The SA Heritage en Tourism Festival is aimed at heritage and tourism projects and activities.
”Heritage tourism builds sustainable development and job creation while communities make their surroundings more attractive. The festival would like to create a platform between the tourism industry and heritage sites and in doing so, conserve the beautiful heritage sites in Tshwane by involving communities in a sustainable manner,” said festival organiser Margaret Mouton.
The festival will feature a variety of activities for the whole family.
Those attending the event can look forward to stalls with crafts and indigenous food, a children’s area, entertainment by various artists, cultural dances and tourism exhibitions. For those who fancy themselves chefs there will be a potjiekos competition.
Visitors can also take part in a 10km walk or a bicycle race. Pre-booked tours for both sites will be presented exclusively on 14 September.
There will be three days packed with entertainment, knowledge and history.
Get your festival tickets
The festival’s gates will open at 6am on both Saturday and Sunday for the 10km walk and cycle race.
Tickets are R500 for VIP tickets, R350 for adults, R50 for children and R80 for pensioners. Tickets can be obtained at Computicket.
Visitors must please note that entry to the Voortrekker Monument will only be at the northern gate on the R101.
For more information, visitors can contact Margaret Mouton at margaret@sahtfest.co.za or on 060 579 5154. –SAnews.gov.za
