Back to the Liliesleaf website
Liliesleaf has changed its opening and closing times; please take note that Liliesleaf is now open from 09:00 to 16:00 daily, unless by prior arrangement.
“Nelson Mandela is freed from jail. We and the world watch his walk to freedom. It is nothing like I have ever seen before. We strain as though peering closer to the TV screen will give us a better view of this outstanding man who has captured the imagination of the world. A few days after this I get his phone number and phone him direct at his home. He is amazing.”
~Annmarie Wolpe, The Long Way Home, p. 5 & 6. ~
The fateful Raid on Liliesleaf Farm took place on the 11th July 1963. The magnitude of incriminating evidence found at the Farm resulted in Mandela becoming Accused #1 at the Rivonia Trial, the consequence of which was a life sentence on Robben Island.
What do these events signify in the larger context of the quest for Freedom? They signify a selfless single-minded devotion and determination for an ideal. In Mandela’s words, ‘the struggle is my life’. It is important to remember that he and the other Rivonia Trailists devoted their whole lives not just a portion thereof, to a cause which ultimately would bring freedom and equality for all South Africans.
As all South Africans enjoy the fruits of liberty, transformation, emancipation and democracy today, it is imperative for all of us to remember the sacrifices made to bring about this freedom. One of the main tenants of democracy is the right to vote, thus it is incumbent on all of us to exercise this right. We should remember that as ordinary South African’s we do have the power to bring about change. Moreover we owe it to ourselves and to those like Mandela who fought and struggled for our right to cast a vote, to do so. In the enduring words of Winston Churchill “Never was so much owed by so many to so few”.
~ Nic Wolpe | CEO | Liliesleaf Trust ~
| "Liliesleaf was an old house that needed work and no one lived there. I moved in under the pretext that I was a houseboy or caretaker that would live there until my master took possession. I had taken the alias David Motsamayi, the name of one of my former clients. At the farm, I wore the simple blue overalls that were the uniform of the black male servant." Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom |
 |
Celebrate the freedom of our nation and pay Liliesleaf a visit. Open 7 days a week from 09:00 to 16:00.
On Monday 20 April 2009 Liliesleaf hosted the launch of ‘The Story of Kgalema Motlanthe’ by Dr Mukanda Mabonso Mulemfo.
“This is a story about the third black President of South Africa, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, as told by Bongani to the children of his community. A community where he is well-respected and commonly known as Uncle Bongani. He believes in the wellbeing of the children of South Africa. it is for this reason that he decided to impart good values to the children through the life of President Motlanthe.” Dr Mukanda Mabonso Mulemfo. Preface to The Story of Kgalema Motlanthe.
Cyril Ramaphosa was the guest speaker the launch evening which was attended by the President, ANC members and members of the media.
 |
 |
Liliesleaf extends the tradition of meetings and conferences by availing its stunning facilities for corporate and conference use.
Why not book your next corporate meeting or conference at a venue steeped in South African heritage and history? Conveniently situated in Rivonia, Liliesleaf is tucked away in the suburbs underneath canopies of old trees, resulting in an ambient and peaceful professional meeting place.
EVENT VENUES /CAPACITIES:
Auditorium: 66 seated / 66 cocktail
Resource centre: 80 seated / 100 cocktail (stage can also be set up)
Outdoor Area - Resource Centre: 200 seated (marquee) / 400 cocktail
Outdoor Area – Historical Centre: 50 cocktail
Coffee Shop: 50 seated / 50 cocktail
For more information on conferences or to arrange a site visit, please contact Karen Nicholls on 011 469 5082 or karen@southernspoor.co.za.