Liliesleaf Museum, Rivonia, Sandton, Johannesburg
The Liliesleaf Museum in Rivonia uses the power of audio-visual technology and information design to bring to life the importance of this farm in the struggle for political freedom.
Considered the birthplace and later headquarters of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the military wing of the ANC, Liliesleaf farm was the nerve centre from which the MK leadership planned the struggle for liberation and justice.
Liliesleaf is intimately connected to the 1964 Rivonia trial – which came to represent the essence of the liberation struggle and focused world attention on South Africa. The harsh sentencing of the accused catapulted the atrocities of South Africa onto the international arena. The trialists became international icons of a struggle against an oppressive regime.
Visitors to Liliesleaf will experience a first-hand account of the events and circumstances leading up to the infamous 1963 raid of the Rivonia farm, as well as insights into some of the revolutionary personalities who helped to shape South Africa’s democracy.
It was at Liliesleaf farm where the high command met to plan Operation Mayibuye – the plan to overthrow the apartheid regime. The outhouse buildings on Liliesleaf housed the printing presses which were producing freedom literature; it was from this brick structure that the inhabitants of the farm broadcast the first test of radio freedom using the lightening conductor as an Arial transmitter.
The buildings of the museum have been preserved as they were, so you can see the actual conditions at the time. There is a coffee shop at the museum which serves light meals and refreshments and is open 7 days a week from: Monday to Friday – 08:00 am – 17:00 pm: Saturday to Sunday – 09:00 am – 16:00 pm. 011 803 7882/3/4.
Visit Liliesleaf Museum Website
Directions to 7 George Avenue, Rivonia.
From Sandton: Travel North towards Rivonia / Sunninghill along Rivonia Road. Past the Rivonia Centre (on right hand side), turn left into 12th Avenue. Travel along 12th Avenue and turn right into Rietfontein road, go through the security boom and then turn first left into Winston Avenue, and then immediately left into George Avenue. The entrance to Liliesleaf Farm is located on the right hand side of the road – 7 George Avenue.
From NI, Western Bypass: Travel South West towards Randburg / Bloemfontein. Take the Rivonia Road off ramp. Turn left in Rivonia Road – heading south back towards Johannesburg. Turn right into 12th Ave. Turn right into Rietfontein road, go through the security boom and turn left into Winston Avenue; and then immediately left into George Avenue. Liliesleaf Farm is located on the right hand side.
GPS Coordinates: 26° 2′ 38″ S / 28° 3′ 13″ E
| More info on the town of Sandton | More info on the Johannesburg area |
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