Liliesleaf
Events Organisers in Johannesburg

Visitors to Liliesleaf will experience a first-hand account of the events and circumstances leading up to the infamous raid of the Rivonia farm, as well as insights into some of the revolutionary personalities who helped to shape South Africa’s democracy. Once the headquarters of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the ANC and the Congress Alliance, Liliesleaf holds a position of esteem among struggle landmarks in South Africa.

Liliesleaf will still be open and guest will still be able to tour on their own and visit Cedric Café. Once the nerve centre of the liberation movement and a place of refuge for its leaders, today Liliesleaf is one of South Africa’s foremost, award-winning heritage sites, where the journey to democracy in South Africa is honoured. The museum pays testimony to the many lives that changed the political landscape of this country and through its educational programmes, appeals to younger audiences to face today’s challenges with creative enthusiasm. The PAC and the ANC were banned and forced to go underground. The property was ideal; secluded in the peri-rural area of Rivonia. It provided a secure location where the underground leadership could meet. The purchase of Liliesleaf also coincided with the ANC’s decision to move from non-violent resistance to armed struggle in the protest against apartheid. At the time of the purchase, ANC leader Nelson Mandela was underground. The Goldreichs projected an acceptable white middle-class family façade while the thatched cottage and outbuildings concealed covert liberation activities. At the time of the raid, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island. There was, therefore, no evidence to link him to the activities of Liliesleaf. The police allegedly clapped their hands with joy as they recognised the handwriting as belonging to Mandela. Mandela was brought to Pretoria from Robben Island to join the group arrested at Liliesleaf. He had served nine months of his five-year sentence. He reinforced his commitment to democracy and said that MK was an African movement, fighting for dignity, for decent livelihoods, and for equal rights. When Liliesleaf operated as an underground venue for liberation activities it was referred to by some as Lil’s Place and known to others by its codename Cedric. Cedric’s Cafe is open to the public and patrons are not required to pay the admission fee should they wish to visit the cafe or auditorium. Should they decide to visit the historical site, admission fees will apply. Visitors are welcome to explore the heritage site at their own pace, and tour groups of ten people or more are required to make a reservation. Tucked away in the suburbs underneath a canopy of old trees, Liliesleaf provides a peaceful environment for professionals. As the site where the Rivonia triallists were arrested for colluding against the apartheid government, Liliesleaf extends the tradition of meetings and conferences by availing its facilities for corporate and conference use. A great museum, hidden away in the North of Johannesburg. An inspiring and well-curated history combined with great design and a good restaurant, makes this one of the better museums in South Africa. We had already been up to Soweto to the house but seeing where everything came to a head was compelling.