The Voortrekker Monument is situated in a nature reserve and is a unique Monument which commemorates the Voortrekker (pioneer) history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner.

The Cenotaph is the central focus point of the Monument. The word cenotaph means "empty tomb" and is the symbolic resting place of Piet Retief and all the other Voortrekkers who died during the Great Trek (14000 pioneers travelled from the Cape to the area of modern Gauteng province).

Once a year, on 16 December, the sun shines through an opening in the dome roof of the Monument onto the middle of the Cenotaph.

The sunlight shines on the words "Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika", literally translated: "We for thee South Africa." The architect, Gerard Moerdijk, planned this specifically because the ray of sunlight symbolizes God's blessing on the life and work of the Voortrekkers.

Full Virtual Tour of the Voortrekker Monument.