Liliesleaf Farm
Gauteng
Liliesleaf Farm, located in the Rivonia suburb of northern Johannesburg, South Africa, served as a critical safe house for African National Congress (ANC) activists during the 1960s apartheid era. Purchased in 1961 by Arthur Goldreich and Harold Wolpe, it became the clandestine headquarters for uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC. The farm provided refuge for prominent figures including Nelson Mandela, who lived there under an alias. In July 1963, a police raid on the farm led to the arrest of key ANC leaders, culminating in the infamous Rivonia Trial which sentenced Mandela and others to life imprisonment. After apartheid ended, the farm was restored and transformed into a museum and national heritage site, preserving its legacy as a symbol of the liberation struggle. The site features exhibits detailing the history of the ANC, MK operations, and the trial, and has been recognized as a Grade 1 heritage site and nominated for World Heritage status. It stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against apartheid and is a significant cultural landmark in South Africa's journey to democracy.
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Tip: Visitors should check the current opening status before planning their visit, as the museum was closed in 2021 with plans to reopen later. Early booking of tickets is recommended to ensure entry. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds and to fully engage with the exhibits and guided tours. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours provide deeper insight into the site's history and are highly recommended.
Interesting facts
- •Liliesleaf Farm was the headquarters of uMkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the ANC during the 1960s.
- •Nelson Mandela lived at Liliesleaf under the alias 'David Motsamayi' before his arrest in 1962.
- •The 1963 police raid at Liliesleaf led directly to the Rivonia Trial, which resulted in life imprisonment sentences for Mandela and other leaders.
- •The farm was declared a Grade 1 heritage site and nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites.
- •The property was purchased using funds from the underground South African Communist Party to serve as a safe house for political fugitives.
History
Originally a remote farmhouse in the Rivonia area, Liliesleaf was purchased in 1961 by anti-apartheid activists to serve as a secret base for political fugitives.
It became the operational center for uMkhonto we Sizwe and a meeting place for key ANC leaders.
The 1963 police raid led to the arrest of 19 activists and the subsequent Rivonia Trial, a pivotal moment in South African history.
Post-apartheid, the site was restored starting in 2008 and officially declared a national heritage site in 2016, recognized for its crucial role in the liberation movement.
Place Guide
The Thatched Room1960s
The room where ANC leaders held secret meetings and where the police raid took place in 1963, leading to the arrest of key activists.
Main FarmhouseEarly 1960s
The restored farmhouse where Arthur Goldreich and his family lived, providing cover for ANC activists during apartheid.
Exhibition GalleryRestoration began 2008
Displays artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the anti-apartheid struggle, the Rivonia Trial, and the lives of activists.
Contact
Phone: 060 996 6363
