One of the lesser known monuments to a Voortrekker is located just more than 25 km outside Alexandria in the direction of Gqeberha. The monument was erected in honour of Karel Landman who led 39 families (almost 200 people in all) on a trek to Natal in 1837. The move was prompted by heavy losses suffered during the Sixth Frontier War. Landman settled close to the mouth of the Umgeni River in Port Natal.
Just more than a year after the trek from the Olifantshoef Ward (Eastern part of the current Alexandria District), he was involved in the conflict between the Boers and the Zulus and served as second in command at the Battle of Blood River on the 16 of December 1838. He later served as Chairman of the Volksraad and Landdrost of Pietermaritzburg.
The Monument commemorating his life and contribution to his people consists of a globe as focal point, with the image of an ox wagon and oxen spanning South Africa. The terrain also has an outside display of various young South African heroes and a hall with more information on Landman and relevant historical anecdotes. The terrain also features braai facilities, a kids play area and even a rugby field. It is well worth a visit if you are looking for an interesting half-day trip not too far from Port Alfred.
The coordinates for the Karl Landman Monument is -33.57908931166385, 26.16181779731524, or simply type Karl Landman Monument into your GPS device.
