The son of the famous Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, Marthinus Wessel Pretorius (17 September 1819 – 19 May 1901) is the first president of the South African Republic, and also compiles the constitution of the Republic.

After the death of his father in 1853, he is appointed as the Commandant-General of the ZAR (South African Republic) and moves from his farm Kalkheuwel, near Broederstroom, to the city of Potchefstroom.

He is the last Head of State of Potchefstroom between 1853 and 1856.