Heroes and heroines buried at the Memorial

The first important ceremony that took place at the memorial after its unveiling was the state funeral of President Steyn, who had suddenly passed away on 28 November 1916. He was buried at the foot of the memorial on 3 December 1916. General C.R. de Wet passed away on 3 February 1922. In the presence of thousands of his former comrades-in-arms and admirers he was laid to rest on 8 February 1922. A moving request from Mrs. Steyn that the ashes of Emily Hobhouse, who had died in England in June 1926, be placed in a niche at the base of the obelisk was granted with complete unanimity by the National Women's Memorial Commission. This memorable and moving ceremony took place on 27 October. On 9 February 1941 Reverend J.D. Kestell passed away. As had been the case with President Steyn and General De Wet, the Reverand Kestell's funeral service was held in the "Tweetoring" Church and he was buried at the foot of the memorial. In 1955 Mrs. Tibbie Steyn was laid to rest in the same grave next to her husband.

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