The term "Voortrekkers" refers to a group of Dutch-speaking settlers, primarily of Afrikaner descent, who migrated from the Cape Colony into the interior of what is now South Africa during the 1830s and 1840s. This movement, known as the Great Trek, was driven by a desire for land and independence from British colonial rule. The Voortrekkers traveled in covered wagons, facing numerous challenges such as difficult terrain and conflicts with indigenous peoples. The Voortrekkers played a significant role in the establishment of several Boer republics, including the Natal Colony and the Orange Free State. Their legacy is commemorated in various ways, including the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, which honors their journey and struggles. The Voortrekkers are an important part of South African history, symbolizing the quest for self-determination and cultural identity among the Afrikaner people.