Women’s Memorial is unveiled in Bloemfontein

The Women's Memorial was unveiled in Bloemfontein, on the same day as the celebration of Dingaan's Day upon which the Voortrekker victory over the Zulu at Bloodriver (Ncombe) was celebrated. The ceremony, which was attended by 20 000 people from all over the country, was to commemorate 26 251 women and children who died during the Anglo-Boer War 2, mainly in British concentration camps. Many politicians were impressed by the speech of the former Orange Free State president, Mr M.T. Steyn, who was absent from the commemoration due to ill health. The speech was read out to the public by his aide. In his speech Steyn emphasised that the memorial has not been erected here in order to cause pain to any one, or to be an eternal reproach; but it is placed here out of simple piety.