FREEDOM PARK

BACKGROUND ON 

FREEDOM PARK

National Heritage Site declaration: 10 March 2017

Freedom Park is a symbol of national reconciliation and healing, contributing towards nation building and ultimately a representative national identity. Its significance lies in its intangible values as a national memorial and shrine, contributing to the spiritual healing of the land and its people from the agony and trauma caused by the various conflicts South Africa’s history.

This is most evident at the Isivivane where the spiritual value is evinced through the“Cleansing, Healing and Return of Spirits” ritual ceremonies that were performed to repatriate those who died during the struggle. This is done in keeping with African Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

Freedom Park is a cultural institution housing a museum and a memorial dedicated to chronicling and honouring the many who contributed to South Africa’s liberation. The museum aims to preserve and narrate the story of the African continent, and specifically South Africa, from the dawn of humanity, through pre-colonial, colonial and apartheid history and heritage, to the post-apartheid nation of today. It is a long walk, spanning some 3.6 billion years.