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Figure 3.25: Cenotaph inscribed in 11 languages
Consideration A
As the sun rays fall, they illuminate the words “Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika” on the red granite Cenotaph. The language of the inscription was relevant during the colonial era and in upholding the Afrikaner ideologies. With the coming of democracy in the Republic, this study proposes that the Cenotaph be inscribed not only in Afrikaans and in the other official languages of South Africa as indicated on Figure 3.25 (Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, and isiZulu).
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Figure 3.25: Cenotaph inscribed in 11 languages
Source: Author (2021).
By bringing in the other languages, it interferes with the ideology that only the Voortrekkers sacrificed for the birth of the nation. In some sense, this acknowledges both the victors and the victims from the battles and conflicts fought and won. All the
ethnic groups represented by the languages will receive the blessings of the Almighty in their endeavours and aspirations in like manner.
The order of the inscription is in alphabetical order and on no preferential basis of the languages or cultural groups represented. The translations were gathered from colleagues and friends and might differ in their understanding of the phrase. Below are the gathered translations that are subject to corrections.
1. Afrikaans 2. English 3. IsiNdebele 4. IsiXhosa 5. IsiZulu 6. Sepedi 7. Sesotho 8. Setswana 9. SiSwati 10. Tshivenda 11. Xitsonga - Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika - We for thee, South Africa - Sikwenzela wena Mzantsi Afrika - Sikwenzela wena Mzantsi Afrika - Singabakho Mzansi Afrika - Rena go lena Ma-Afrika Borwa - Re ba Afrika Borwa - Re ema le Afrika Borwa - Sibase ningizimu Afrika - Ri vha a Afrika Tshipembe - Ri vo nwino Afrika dzonga.
Consideration B
Apart from covering the Cenotaph with inscriptions in other languages of the Republic, another grave can be added next to the existing one.
This has the effect of creating a balance in the lack of consistency in the narrative of the establishment of the Republic of South Africa. It can symbolically mean that Voortrekkers and Africans (black and coloured) sacrificed for the nation. Attention is given to the detail of the proposed finish as black granite compared to the existing red granite.
Figure 3.26 illustrates the concept presented above.
