National Women's Monument

The National Women's Monument is a memorial in Bloemfontein featuring a 37-meter sandstone obelisk with bronze sculptures at its base. The figures depict two women and a dying child as central elements of the composition.

Built in 1913, the monument commemorates approximately 27,000 Boer women and children who died in British concentration camps during the South African War. That conflict, spanning 1899 to 1902, transformed the country and shaped its future political path.

The site carries names and stories of South African communities, serving as a place where families gather to remember past generations. Visitors see flowers, wreaths, and personal objects left behind, showing how people maintain connection with this history.

The site sits roughly 3 kilometers south of central Bloemfontein and shares its grounds with the Anglo-Boer War Museum. Visiting both locations together gives you a fuller understanding of the historical context and events.

The ashes of Emily Hobhouse, a human rights campaigner from the early 1900s, rest at the base of this structure. She advocated for prisoners during the war and is honored as part of the memorial.

Location: Bloemfontein

Inception: December 16, 1913

Architects: Anton van Wouw

Architectural style: Cape Dutch architecture

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: -29.14160,26.20830

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03