Voortrekker / Msunduzi Museum (Incorporating the Voortrekker Complex)

Research, Information and Collection

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:36:38 +0000

The Research, Information and Collection Department (RIC) is responsible for:

Researching and collecting various aspects of South African heritage and culture in order to promote a balanced and holistic view of South African history.
Our research collection of library material and display items are premised on the concepts of nation building and social cohesion.

The Chair of King Dingane

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:05:46 +0000

On display in the E G Jansen Extension is a replica of the chair of King Dingane, one of two made from the original, which is also in the museum’s collection. The chair was reputedly found at Umgungundhlovu after the Battle of Bloodriver/ Ncome.

The Exhibition Department

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:58:23 +0000

In the main exhibition area, the exhibition department is responsible for displaying South Africa’s diverse culture with its many indigenous and unique artifacts, in both an educational and interactive format that satisfies the needs of visitors interested specifically in the peoples of the KwaZulu-Natal region.

In the Church of the Vow Complex, emphasis is placed on Voortrekker culture, and the displays incorporate many valuable and important historic items dating back to 1838. These include rare wagons, coins, clothing and important artwork.

Education, Marketing and Outreach

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:47:59 +0000

Your partner in Education!

The Education, Marketing and Outreach department is responsible for all educational programmes, heritage events, media and marketing, craft workshops and outreach to the community. Enquiries can be addressed to the following people:

Senior Management and Administration

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:06:33 +0000

Tapestry of Cultures

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:57:19 +0000

A few rooms on the mezzanine floor of the Main Building are dedicated to the cultural heritage of the main groups living in Pietermaritzburg and KwaZulu-Natal. The research for these displays was done in cooperation with members of the local community, which gives it a more personal and local atmosphere.

At present the Tapestry of Cultures Display is being upgraded to add several new features, including touch screens and other inter-active elements. Visitors will for example soon be able to listen to the sounds of traditional musical instruments, and learn more about the role that cattle play in different cultures.

The History of Pietermaritzburg

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:52:35 +0000

On display in the Main Hall of the Museum Main Building, the exhibition portrays some aspects of the history of Pietermaritzburg. It explains why there are different names for the city, gives an overview of the buildings, military history, healthcare, different religious groups etc.

Old wagons and other historical vehicles have pride of place, and a small room is dedicated to the ‘Seven days’ War of the early 1990’s.

Birth of Democracy Display

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:45:34 +0000

OUR OWN ‘LONG WALK TO FREEDOM’

The Birth of Democracy Dislay is housed in a separate room in the Museum’s Main Building. It highlights the struggle for freedom in South Africa. There is a number of photographs depicting the apartheid rule (pre and post 1948), the strikes and the struggles of the Black South Africans fighting against apartheid, the formation of the Congress Youth League in 1944 and the South African Students’ Organization (SASO) and their Black Consciousness Movement in 1969 with their leaders, various state leaders (between apartheid and democracy eras), the Soweto Uprising, the Sophiatown Removals, the Sharpeville Massacre, exiles and sanctions, changes in South Africa, Mandela’s release, etc.

Church of the Vow

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:32:52 +0000

The Church of the Vow is the original part of the museum, and houses exhibitions dealing with the history of the Church, the Vow the Voortrekker made before the Battle of Bloodriver/ Ncome, and the lifestyle of the Voortrekkers. The original pulpit, made by 2 German Craftsmen in 1840, is still on display.

Andries Pretorius House

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:24:39 +0000

The Pretorius House was awarded the Master Builders of SA Award for Historical Buildings in 2008, and is supposedly the first double-storied farmhouse that was built in Natal. It is furnished with items and furniture from the 1850’s, most of which belonged to Voortrekkers who settled in Natal.