The Andries Pretorius Monument at Graaff-Reinet in honour of Pretorius, Gerrit Maritz and the other Voortrekkers from that area was unveiled on 27 November 1943. The monument was sculpted from granite by Coert Steynberg, is approximately 5 m high and initially stood along the main road to Middelburg . To protect it from vandalism, it was moved in 2012 to just inside the boundaries of the Kamdeboo National Park . On the base of the monument is written:
“One day a wheel will roll over our world, which is irreversible for you and me”
Andries Wilhelmus Jacobus Pretorius (27 November 1798 – 23 July 1853) was a leader of the Boers who was instrumental in the creation of the South African Republic, as well as the earlier but short-lived Natalia Republic, in present-day South Africa. The large city of Pretoria, executive capital of South Africa, is named after him.
Gert (Gerrit) Maritz (* 1 March 1797 – † 23 September 1838 ) was a prominent Voortrekker pioneer and leader. Gerrit (also Gert) Maritz was one of the most important leaders of the Great Trek. Gerhardus Marthinus Maritz was born on 1 March 1797 in the Suurveld in the Graaff-Reinet district as one of 7 children.
