National Women's Memorial | Bloemfontein

Information

Landmark: National Women's Memorial
City: Bloemfontein
Country: South Africa
Continent: Africa

National Women's Memorial, Bloemfontein, South Africa, Africa

The National Women's Memorial is a monument located in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It commemorates the women and children who died in concentration camps during the Second Boer War.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial is constructed from sandstone. It features a central obelisk, approximately 35 meters in height, topped with a bronze statue of a mother and child. The base of the obelisk is surrounded by a semi-circular wall containing the names of over 26,000 women and children. The architectural style is Neoclassical.

Location & Access Logistics

The memorial is situated on a hill approximately 3 kilometers south of Bloemfontein's city center. Access is via Monument Road, which branches off the N1 highway. Ample paved parking is available at the site. No public transport directly serves the memorial; private vehicles are the primary mode of access.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the National Women's Memorial began in 1910 and was completed in 1913. The architect was Sir Herbert Baker, and the sculptor was Anton van Wouw. Its original purpose was to honor the victims of the concentration camps established by the British during the Second Boer War (1899-1902).

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk around the memorial and read the inscribed names. The museum located at the base of the monument provides historical context. Photography of the obelisk and surrounding grounds is permitted. The site offers panoramic views of Bloemfontein.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum building. Shaded seating areas are provided around the memorial. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally good at this location. No food vendors are present on-site; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting conditions for photography, the late afternoon (approximately 3 PM to 5 PM) provides softer shadows. The most favorable months for visiting are from March to May and September to November, offering mild temperatures. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical detail is that Emily Hobhouse, a British humanitarian who campaigned against the conditions in the concentration camps, laid the foundation stone for the memorial. A local anecdote suggests that on clear evenings, the silhouette of the mother and child statue appears to watch over the city.