LILIESLEAF CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF LIBERATION HERITAGE

The iconic Rivonia Trial took place from 1963 to 1964 after political leaders of the oldest liberation movement in Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) were captured on Liliesleaf Farm after a police raid on 1 July 1963. This sixty (60) year old history was celebrated by the National Heritage Council on 28 September, Heritage Month, at the heritage site in Rivonia.

The 60th Anniversary of the Rivonia Trial was held by the NHC under the theme “Embracing the spirit of our liberators”. The keynote speaker, Tokyo Sexwale, who was the first Premier of Gauteng, had the -audience’s attention with his perspective of how liberation heritage provides for a mirror into the future of the country.

“The heritage of our people which is democracy, a united South Africa, non-racial and non-sexist… finds its roots, its generation here,” said Sexwale talking to the SABC. Besides the historic significance of Liliesleaf Farm, Rivonia Trial and the leaders who were associated with the narrative, Mr Sexwale singled out the irony of a white legal representative who defended the accused leaders in the trial. It was Braam Fisher.

Dr. Tokyo Sexwale (front left) pictured with the Council Members of the National Heritage Council, Freedom Park, Liliesleaf Farm, members of the Kathrada Foundation, Mandela Foundation, Senior managers of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, NHC and distinguished family members of the Rivonia Trialists.