Krugerdagvieringe nog relevant, glo genootskap

Commemoration of Paul Kruger Draws Over 25 Organizations and Families

More than 25 organizations, institutions, and families gathered to commemorate the ZAR leader, Paul Kruger, by laying wreaths at his gravesite in the Helder Cemetery in Pretoria West.

120th Anniversary of Paul Kruger’s Passing

Paul Kruger, born on October 10, 1825, passed away 120 years ago on July 14, 1904.

Event Details

• The wreath-laying ceremony was part of the Federation of Cultural Organizations (FAK) Kruger Day celebrations.
• A church service was held at the Paul Kruger Church in Kerkstraat, followed by a festival address themed “70 years standing the Kruger statue on Church Square, where does the Afrikaner stand?”

Participants and Tributes

Among the group of wreath-layers were organizations such as Solidarity, Helpende Hand, the Marico Engelbrecht Family Association, the Opperman family, FAK, the Society for the Preservation of Afrikaans, and the SA Military Association.

Individuals also laid flowers on the graves of family members in the heroes’ cemetery and on the graves of poets like Jan F. E. Cilliers and Eugene N. Marais.

Widespread Commemoration

Hannes Noëth, chairperson of the Kruger Society, mentioned that various CVO schools nationwide, including those in Bloemfontein and Kareedouw, commemorated the day with wreath-laying ceremonies.

Noëth emphasized the continued relevance of such celebrations, noting the increasing involvement of organizations each year.

Continued Relevance and Significance

“The growing engagement and presence are evidence that the celebrations surrounding former President Kruger’s birthday remain relevant,” he stated.

He highlighted that on the same day as the Kruger commemorations, a crisis meeting concerning the Bela legislation in education, which threatens language rights of Afrikaans-speaking schoolchildren, was also held.

Now in its 85th year, the commemorations and remembrances have taken place continuously. Even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the wreath-laying and church service continued.

Source: The Citizen