For Gautengers looking for a winter activity, a visit to Liliesleaf farm in Rivonia is a must. Today marks 49 years since the raid on Liliesleaf on 11 July 1963, resulting in the the arrest of 19 ANC leaders and leading to the Rivonia Trial.
Liliesleaf allows visitors to experience a first-hand account of the events leading up to the infamous raid of the farm, as well as insights into some of the revolutionary figures who helped to shape South Africa’s democracy.
Liliesleaf is deserving of its place in South African history as it served as the birthplace and secret headquarters of the Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the ANC during the 1960s, and the location where many prominent ANC leaders were based. It was here that the most prominent leaders of South Africa’s struggle against Apartheid sought refuge, and attended meetings. Some of these included Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Bram Fischer, Joe Slovo, Ruth First, Rusty Bernstein, Harold Wolpe, and Denis Goldberg.
The original buildings have recently been restored to their earlier condition and upgraded with state of the art interactive exhibits. The visual and audio-visual displays are effective in recreating the dramatic events leading up to the police raid and the Rivonia Trial. There are on-site guides available to take you through and help interpret the various exhibitions.
The exhibits are well curated and tell the story of Liliesleaf in a most captivating manner, with sub-plots of revolution, treason and prison escape creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. A visit to Mandela’s room depicts his simple lodgings when he was undercover as a gardener at Liliesleaf, while an interactive multi-media table allows one to explore the personalities behind the people associated with the farm. A particularly poignant part of the exhibition was the story of a young prison warden, Johan Greeff, who helped four ANC and SACP members escape from Marshall Square police station in 1963. Greef was later sentenced to six years in jail though he later met the people he helped escape and received a payment from the ANC for his contribution.
Another aspect of exhibition that I found fascinating was that of the ‘ Secret Safari’, the story of Africa Hinterland Tours, an overland safari company which was a cover to transport arms into South Africa from neighbouring countries. The overland truck, which is on display at Liliesleaf, was specifically modified to conceal steel containers containing arms with unsuspecting tourists used as cover for the smuggling of weapons by Umkhonto we Sizwe.
In terms of significance as a heritage site and its impact on South Africa’s history, Liliesleaf is right up there with Robben Island, the Hector Peterson Museum, and Qunu, where Nelson Mandela grew up. The on-site facilities include a coffee shop, auditorium and even conferencing facilites on site. Liliesleaf is located in the leafy suburb of Rivonia, making it easily accessible from the highway. The entrance fee also includes a guided tour, which is highly recommended. Take the kids out for the day and let them discover some of South Africa’s rich heritage.
Liliesleaf farm
Liliesleaf is open Monday-Friday: 09.00 – 17.00?, Saturday-Sunday from 09.00 to 16.00.
Cost: R60 for adults and R35 for children, inclusive of a two-hour guided tour.
Contact
Website: http://www.liliesleaf.co.za
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Tel: +27 11-803-7882
