The Odyssey of the Paul Kruger Statue: A Monumental Tale of Resilience and Legacy

Church Square in Pretoria is home to a statue that has undergone an eventful journey and witnessed significant historical moments. The statue of Paul Kruger and his four Boer guards is a symbol of resistance, heritage, and the indomitable spirit of the Afrikaner people.

In 1896, the prominent businessman, Sammy Marks, decided to commission a statue in honor of Paul Kruger, the president of the old Transvaal Republic. To bring this vision to life, Marks collaborated with the renowned artist, Anton van Wouw. The finished creation was a magnificent representation, cast in Rome.

But the timing proved to be unfortunate. Completed just before the onset of the war in October 1899, the statue and its guards found themselves in limbo, stranded in the port of Delagoa Bay. The following events saw Lord Kitchener, the British Field Marshal, obtain the four statues of the Boer guards, which were then erected in Britain. They changed locations multiple times, moving between the Woolwich and Sandhurst Military College, Chatham's School of Military Engineering, and Kitchener's estate at Broome Park.

While this was happening in Britain, back in South Africa, the original pedestal meant for Kruger's statue was dismantled. However, the pedestal found a new home in Prinsepark by 1905. It was here that the Kruger statue was first erected in 1913, albeit without his four guards.

The four guards' journey to reunite with Kruger is a testament to South Africa's tenacity and diplomacy. Thanks to the efforts of General Jan Smuts, the then Prime Minister of South Africa, and following numerous pleas, Britain finally agreed to return all four statues in 1921. Upon their return, Kruger and his guards found themselves moved to the station square.

However, the statue's journey didn't end there. Almost 30 years later, driven by the dedication of the Krugergenootskap and others, the statue was finally placed in its intended location: Church Square. In 1954, Sammy Marks' vision was fulfilled when the statue, complete with its four guards, stood in its intended glory, almost 60 years after the initial commission.

The statue today serves as a remarkable centerpiece in Church Square. It depicts Paul Kruger, also fondly known as "Oom Paul" or Uncle Paul, a seminal figure in Afrikaner history, who stood firm against British domination. In the statue, Kruger, dressed in ceremonial attire, complete with a sash, top hat, tails, and cane, looks regally towards the Palace of Justice. Guarding him are the four Boers, a symbol of the undying spirit and resilience of the people.