This site is now part of the experimental farm of the University of Pretoria. On 17 March 1920 it was the first landing place in the Union of South Africa for the aircraft Voortrekker, whose epic flight from London to Cape Town, piloted by Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre van Ryneveld and Flight Lieutenant Quintin Brand, took 46 days to complete. Both van Ryneveld and Brand were subsequently knighted for their contribution to aviation. It was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 29 August 1980.
References
www.sahra.org.za/sahris/sites/922580066
Further Reading
www.sahistory.org.za/.../south-african-air-force-established-first- commonwealth-air-forces-lt-col-pierre-van-ryne
www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/south-african-air-force-established
www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/first-air-flight-london-south-africa