The South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg was officially opened by Prime Minister Jan Smuts on 29 August 1947 to preserve the history of South Africa's involvement in the Second World War.

In 1975, the museum was renamed from the South African National War Museum and its function changed to include all conflicts that South Africa has been involved in.

In the grounds of the museum is a large memorial designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

On 30 November 1910 Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn laid a commemorative stone at the memorial.

[2] Originally called the Rand Regiments Memorial and dedicated to British soldiers that lost their lives during the Second Boer War, it was rededicated on 10 October 1999 to all people who died during the Second Boer War and renamed the Boer War Memorial.