Statues of Louis Botha

#15 among destinations in South Africa

Monuments and statues

Gallery (2)

Map

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

The Statues of Louis Botha stand as a testament to South Africa's complex history, serving as monuments to a controversial figure in the nation's past. Louis Botha was the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa and a key military leader during the Second Boer War. His statues are scattered across the country, with notable examples located in Pretoria, the administrative capital, and at the foot of the Union Buildings.

Designed to honor Botha's contributions to the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910, these statues vary in form but often depict him in a dignified pose, reflecting his status as a statesman. The statue in Pretoria, for instance, presents him astride a horse, symbolizing his military background and leadership during the Boer War.

These statues have been the subject of debate and controversy, particularly in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. To some, they represent a painful legacy of colonialism and apartheid, while to others they are important historical markers that reflect a segment of the nation's diverse narrative.

Coordinates: 33°55'40"S, 18°25'10"E

Location

Western CapeSouth Africa

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Day trips

Statues of Louis Botha – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: St. George's Cathedral, Iziko South African National Gallery, Company's Garden, District Six Museum.

~1040 ftN
Church, Sacred and religious sites
St. George's Cathedral, Cape Town
6 min walk • St. George's Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith and history in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. This Anglican cathedral, constructed in the late 19th century, is not only a place of worship but also a site of cultural and political significance.
~770 ftSW
Major museum for African and European art
Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town
4 min walk • The Iziko South African National Gallery stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of Cape Town, showcasing a rich tapestry of art that spans both historical and contemporary works. This premier art museum is not just a repository of artworks but a vibrant space for the...
~730 ftW
Park, Garden
Company's Garden, Cape Town
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, lies the verdant oasis known as the Company's Garden. This historic park, established in the early 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, was originally created as a refreshment station for ships passing the Cape...
~1310 ftE
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
District Six Museum, Cape Town
7 min walk • The District Six Museum is a poignant testament to a turbulent chapter in Cape Town's history, located in the heart of the city. This museum, which serves both as a memorial to the forced displacement of the community during the apartheid era and as a center for...
~710 ftW
Memorial
Cecil John Rhodes Statue, Cape Town
4 min walk • The Cecil John Rhodes Statue is a monument erected at Company's Garden in Cape Town. The statue was erected in 1908. It features a full body replica of Rhodes wearing a three-piece suit, standing with his left hand raised and pointing north.
~1590 ftNE
City hall, Neo-renaissance architecture
City Hall, Cape Town
8 min walk • Cape Town City Hall is a large Edwardian building in Cape Town city centre which was built in 1905. It is located on the Grand Parade to the west of the Castle and is built from honey-coloured oolitic limestone imported from Bath in England.
~1180 ftNE
Square
Church Square, Cape Town
6 min walk • Church Square in Cape Town, South Africa, lies in front of the Groote Kerk at the intersection of Parliament and Spin Streets. It currently features a park. In the middle of the square lies a statue of Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr.
~1430 ftW
Fossils, animals and man-made artifacts
Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town
7 min walk • The Iziko South African Museum is a South African national museum located in Cape Town. The museum was founded in 1825, the first in the country. It has been on its present site in the Company's Garden since 1897. The museum houses important African zoology, palaeontology and archaeology collections.
~1000 ftS
Museum
Rust en Vreugd
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, Rust en Vreugd stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of the region. This elegant Dutch colonial house, built in 1777-1778, was originally the country residence of Willem Cornelis Boers, a high-ranking...
~1040 ftN
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Slave Lodge, Cape Town
6 min walk • The Slave Lodge is a South African social history museum located in Cape Town. It has been on its present site in the Company's Garden.
~1560 ftNE
Historical place, Skyscraper
Mutual Building, Cape Town
8 min walk • The Mutual Building, in Cape Town, South Africa, was built as the headquarters of the South African Mutual Life Assurance Society, now the "Old Mutual" insurance and financial services company.