Dr Danie Langner, executive head of the FAK, during his speech on October 10.
Speakers throughout the day underscored Kruger's profound symbolic resonance in Orania, a town founded on principles of Afrikaner self-determination. Langner opened the handover with poignant words: "We stand today at Kruger as the symbol of a new beginning." He reflected on the statue's symbolic journey from the Voortrekker Monument through various towns to Orania, a pilgrimage that has "opened a new path in the hearts of Afrikaners" by reuniting the people around Kruger's enduring message.
The programme wove in insightful discussions on Orania's growth and broader revival. Frans de Klerk, executive head of the Orania Development Company, outlined plans for the revitalised town centre, with Kruger at its heart. "This is about revival, not just of the Kruger monument, but of the Afrikaner people," De Klerk remarked.
Hannes Noëth, executive head of Solidariteit Helpende Hand, delivered a greeting on behalf of the Kruger Society, emphasising forward momentum: "The powerful message is onward in our striving for freedom."
Funding the monument was a nationwide effort by Afrikaners, achieved through the sale of symbolic stones, each engraved with the buyer's name for posterity. Dr John Strydom, chairperson of the Orania Movement, presented the collected funds to the town's City Building Fund, highlighting the grassroots spirit of the project.
Joost Strydom, executive head of the Orania Movement, captured the event's deeper significance: "For the Orania Movement, the relocation of the Kruger monument to Orania is symbolically very important, firstly, because Uncle Paul stands among his people again, and secondly, because Orania supporters and contributors made it possible to erect the monument. The project came from the people, the nation, and everyone who contributed. Heartfelt welcome to Uncle Paul and to every person who today is also an Oranian at heart."