AfriForum’s Pretoria neighbourhood teams join forces to spruce up the White Cross Monument.
AfriForum’s Moot and Pretoria East neighbourhood teams cleaned and refurbished the White Cross Monument between Potgietersrus and Pietersburg on 28 and 29 August in preparation for the annual cross-planting ceremony taking place on 19 September.
Stakeholders associated with the White Cross Monument witnessed the immense difference AfriForum’s neighbourhood teams are making in Pretoria and consequently contacted the organization to assist with cleaning up and refurbishing the site. AfriForum’s neighbourhood teams have already achieved numerous successes in repairing potholes, refurbishing parks and green belts, and performing various other municipal functions.
AfriForum dispatched a formidable team from Pretoria – led by Andries Opperman, the manager of AfriForum’s Moot and Pretoria East neighbourhood teams – to tackle this large-scale task alongside AfriForum’s Pietersburg branch, the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), and various other stakeholders.
The grass between and around the approximately 3 000 crosses was cut, fallen crosses were picked up and replanted upright, and the teams also carried out general refurbishment and cleaning work.
The White Cross Monument depicts the reality of farm murders in South Africa and commemorates the victims of this gruesome crime. The monument consists of approximately 3 000 crosses representing victims of farm murders and serves as a powerful reminder of the lives affected and destroyed by this violence.
“It is now more important than ever for communities to get involved themselves in combating issues that threaten our heritage. The responsibility for preserving our monuments for our children lies primarily with us. Furthermore, it is also important that we ensure the truth about our history reaches the outside world,” says Maree van den Berg, spokesperson for AfriForum.
This initiative is not merely a cleanup operation, but a clear indication of self-reliant communities taking the preservation of their heritage into their own hands.
“Through its branch structures and neighborhood teams, AfriForum aims to help make a difference in communities and demonstrate that we are not resting on our laurels while waiting for someone else to take action. The stakeholders at the White Cross Monument capitalized on this willingness, and together we were able to roll up our sleeves and make a massive difference in a short space of time,” concludes Van den Berg.
Communities wishing to tackle challenges in their area can visit www.buurtspanne.co.za to book AfriForum’s neighbourhood teams.
