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Freedom remembered
Freedom Park
South Africa's Freedom Park
© Freedom Park
Did you know?
A total of 75 000 names have been verified to posting to the Wall of Names commemorating 8 major South African conflicts.
Freedom Park is a multi-faceted heritage precinct that consists of a series of memorial sites, linked together by the common themes of freedom and human rights.
The ambitious project is ongoing since opening to the public in 2007, and 5 sites, //hapo, Moshate, S'khumbuto, Uitspanplek, and Isivivane, can be visited. Another 2 sites, Tiva and Vhuawelo, and the Pan-African Archives, are still to be completed.
Freedom Park in Pretoria's purposeful layout creatively combines architectural elements with symbols drawn from the breadth of South African culture to reinterpret and retell the country’s history, beginning with the geological origins of Southern Africa, 3.6 billion years ago.
The Pretoria heritage site, Freedom Park, represents symbolic reparation for previous conflicts in the history of South Africa. In so doing, past myths and prejudices that have distorted South Africa’s cultural heritage are dispelled, and forgiveness and healing are made possible.
Take the guided tour to gain a better understanding of the complex historical, ideological, and spiritual themes couched in the architecture.
It’s no coincidence that Freedom Park overlooks the Voortrekker Monument, Unisa University, and beyond, to the horizon, for the site’s designers desire that visitors should ‘see’ South African history in a whole new way.
Freedom Park’s major element is S’khumbuto. The 6-part memorial consists of the Wall of Names, a massive 700-m-long structure that records the names of the many lives lost in the 8 major conflicts that shaped South Africa, an amphitheatre, a sanctuary, an eternal flame, the Gallery of Leaders – role models whose leadership has been pivotal in the struggle for human rights and freedom - and finally, embracing it all, the semi-circle of 200 reeds.
Signifying the rebirth of South Africa as a nation, the reeds are Freedom Park’s most recognisable feature, visible from almost anywhere in Pretoria.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Freedom Park
Tel: +27 (0)12 336 4000
Fax: +27 (0)12 336 4021
Email: info@freedompark.co.za
How to get here
From Johannesburg, take the M1 N to Pretoria. The M1 becomes the N1. Continue to Potgieter Street. Turn right into Skietpoort Avenue.
Around the area
Nearby is the Voortrekker Monument and the Groenkloof Nature Reserve.
What will it cost
Adults: approx R45. Senior citizens (over 60): approx R25. Children (under 16): approx R25.
Length of stay
A tour of Freedom Park takes approximately 2 hours.
What to pack
Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes as the tour is outdoors and involves walking. Bring your own bottled water and sun protection.