Voortrekker Monument “wounded, but will survive” – management
“Some of the short-term steps include various applications for state and other government assistance, calls for donations, postponement of payments and reduction of working hours.”
The Voortrekker Monument will need valuable help from the public if it is to survive after “sweating blood” for the past two months, according to management.
According to the Tshwane Tourism Association website, since the outbreak of Covid-19, visitor numbers declined to the point where the Monument’s income was negligible.
“As part of the lockdown, the Monument closed its doors on Friday 27 March and as a result will not receive any visitor income as long as it remains closed. The effect has already been enormous and will only worsen.”
This has forced management to take “drastic” steps.
“This national heritage asset and iconic Afrikaner monument, like all conservation, tourist and educational institutions, has sweated blood to survive for the past two months,” said Dr Christo Pretorius the board chairman.
“Although the Voortrekker Monument is increasingly dependent on contributions from the public and people joining as Friends of the Monument, other drastic steps have since been taken.”
“After several meetings and consultations with experts, it was realised that the existing business model of the monument, where tourism was one of the core revenue streams, will now have to be drastically adapted.”
Pretorius said an ad-hoc committee had been appointed to begin the restructuring investigation while short-term steps were currently being taken to absorb the immediate impact and mitigate reputational damage.
“Some of the short-term steps include various applications for state and other government assistance, calls for donations, postponement of payments and reduction of working hours,” he said.
“During the restructuring investigation, attention will be given to the core business of the heritage asset in a new era and critical expertise will be utilised accordingly.”
Research into accessibility for local visitors to the heritage site in particular was high on the agenda, according to the Managing Director Cecilia Kruger.
“Collaboration between member organisations of the board to ensure sustainable survival will certainly be part of the planning.”
Kruger urged those who wished to join as Friends of the Monument to text their name and number to 34158.
“Alternatively, they can visit the website at www.vtm.org.za and undertake a virtual tour of the Monument. Contributions can be made by clicking on the blue circles.”
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