Andries Pretorius
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TeamTGF
S 25° 45.186 E 028° 11.281
35J E 619146 N 7151121
Andries Pretoruis Equestrian statue found in Pretorius Square.
Waymark Code: WM1CRM
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Date Posted: 04/07/2007
Views: 73
Andries Pretorius was the leader of the Boers who created the Traansvaal Republic.
On 16 December 1838, Pretorius' force of some 500 men was attacked by over 10,000 Zulus, who were beaten off with an estimated loss of 3,000 men in what became known as the Battle of Blood River. The day was remembered previously as Dingane's Day by Afrikaners until 1910, when it was renamed Day of the Vow and recognised as a public holiday by the first South African government. After the fall of Apartheid in 1994, the day was kept as a public holiday as an act of conciliation to Afrikaners, but renamed Day of Reconciliation. In January 1840, Pretorius, along with a commando of 400 burghers, helped Mpande in his revolt against his half-brother Dingane. He was also the leader of the Natal Boers in their opposition to the British. In 1842, he besieged the small British garrison at Durban, but retreated to Pietermaritzburg on the arrival of reinforcements under Colonel Josias Cloete. Afterwards, he exerted his influence with the Boers in favour of coming to a peaceful solution with the British.
Pretorius died at his home at Magaliesberg in July 1853. In 1855, a new district and a new town were formed out of the Potchefstroom and Rustenburg districts by his son, Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, and named Pretoria in honour of the late commandant-general. Marthinus Wessel Pretorius was also the first President of the Transvaal Republic.
Today this Statue of him can be found outside the City Hall of the city that is named after him.
Identity of Rider: Andries Pretoruis
Identity of Horse: Unknown
Name of artist: Unknown
Date of Dedication: Unknown
Material: Other
Unusual Features: The horse looks rather small
Position: One Hoof Raised
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