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Honouring our Heroes and Heroines

Freedom Park stands on 52 hectares atop the picturesque Salvokop overlooking the capital city of Pretoria. Here, the story of Africa, and the liberation of South Africa and its people, is told, starting eons ago at the dawn of humanity, through to the rise of African civilisations, colonialism, the struggle against apartheid, and present-day democracy.

In 1999, Nelson Mandela said, the day should not be far off, when we shall have a people’s shrine, a freedom park, where we shall honour with all the dignity they deserve, those who endured pain, so we should experience the joy of freedom. - this is Freedom Park.

Freedom Park opened its doors in December 2007 and is regarded as one of the most ambitious heritage projects the government has invested in. It is a place of peace and growth, a monument to human rights, dignity and freedom and a memorial to those who sacrificed their lives to secure liberty!

Things to see and do

The Garden of Remembrance

The tranquil garden houses S'khumbuto, the park's main memorial; Isivivane, the boulders; and Uitspanplek.

S’khumbuto

This area bears testimony to the various conflicts that shaped present-day South Africa and remembers those who died during these struggles. It is made up of six symbolic symbols:

  • The Wall of Names is inscribed with the names of heroes and heroines who died fighting in the most important conflicts in South Africa’s history, including genocides, World Wars, the Anglo-Boer War etc.
  • A 2 000 seat Amphitheatre, used for major cultural celebrations or national events
  • The Eternal Flame, for the heroes and heroines who died without their names being recorded. It symbolises eternity and burns to remind visitors that they should never be forgotten
  • The Reeds are a prominent feature, the sculpture is comprised of 200 metal “reeds” which ascend in a spiral around the hill with the highest pole standing 32 metres high. It signifies the rebirth of the nation.
  • The evocative Gallery of Leaders, which recognises historic international and local leaders who inspire everyday heroism
  • The hushed Sanctuary, a serene space where visitors can pray, meditate, hold private ceremonies or light a candle for their loved ones

Isivivane – the spiritual resting place

  • The Lesaka is a burial ground dotted with boulders from each of the provinces.
  • The Lekgotla is a semi-circular structure built around the bowl of an uMlahlankosi tree. It is a place to meet and hold discussions in the age-old traditional African way.
  • Water plays a significant role in cleansing and healing in many belief systems, and visitors to the Garden of Remembrance are asked to wash their hands when they leave each area.

Uitspanplek

Rolling green lawns and sparkling pools that overlook the city offers visitors a place to reflect after visiting the Garden of Remembrance.

Reconciliation Road

This road links the Voortrekker Monument with Freedom Park and it symbolises South Africa’s continuous attempts to reconcile its differences.

//hapo Museum

“//hapo” means dream and is a word taken from a Khoi proverb and translates to: A dream is not a dream until it’s shared by the entire community”.

The must-see museum answers the great questions like “Who am I and why am I here?” and tells the story tells the story of Africa, and of South Africa specifically, in seven parts. Each part is a distinct element in the evolution of the great continent. Starting with the story of creation, //hapo unravels the complex tale of Africa across both time and space.

Admission

Adults, R55

Scholars, Students & Pensioners, R35

Overseas Visitors, R120

Booking is essential for Guided Tours

Prices are subject to change, please contact the Park to confirm

Please note the Park is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day & New Year's Day

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