Liliesleaf Farm Museum

Liliesleaf is one of South Africa’s most significant national heritage sites, deeply intertwined with the country’s liberation struggle. From 1961 to 1963, it served as the secret headquarters of the African National Congress (ANC), South African Communist Party (SACP), Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) and the Congress Alliance, providing a safe space for leaders to strategise against apartheid. On 11 July 1963, police raided Liliesleaf after receiving a tip-off, leading to the arrest of key figures in the underground movement. Ten individuals were subsequently put on trial, facing 193 counts of sabotage against the state. Among them was Nelson Mandela, who was already serving a prison sentence at the time and became Accused Number 1. His co-defendants included Walter Sisulu, Denis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Lionel ‘Rusty’ Bernstein, Raymond Mhlaba, James Kantor, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni. Today, Liliesleaf stands as a powerful site of memory, preserving the legacy of South Africa’s fight for democracy. Through its extraordinary exhibitions, visitors can explore the pivotal moments that shaped the nation’s history, ensuring that the sacrifices and triumphs of the liberation movement remain alive for future generations.