Liliesleaf Farm served as a secret safe house for African National Congress (ANC) activists and the headquarters of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the ANC’s armed wing, during the early 1960s.

Summary

Liliesleaf Farm, also known as Lilliesleaf, is a historic site located in northern Johannesburg, South Africa. During the early 1960s, the farm served as a crucial safe house for anti-apartheid activists, particularly members of the African National Congress (ANC). It played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle against apartheid, serving as a strategic meeting place for leaders of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the ANC’s armed wing. However, in 1963, the South African police raided the farm, leading to the arrest of several key figures in the movement, who were later tried in the famous Rivonia Trial.

Today, Liliesleaf stands as a symbol of resistance and national heritage, preserving the memory of the struggle for freedom in South Africa.

The Establishment of Liliesleaf Farm

Located on George Avenue in Rivonia, a suburb of Johannesburg, Liliesleaf Farm was originally a remote property in what was then a country village. In 1961, Arthur Goldreich and Harold Wolpe acquired the farm using funds provided by the underground South African Communist Party. Their goal was to create a secure space where political fugitives and freedom fighters could operate without attracting the attention of the apartheid authorities.

Goldreich, a white South African, lived on the property with his wife Hazel and their two children. This arrangement provided an effective cover for the black anti-apartheid activists who frequently met there. At the time, strict segregation laws governed South Africa, and it was unusual for black individuals to be seen in areas designated for white residents. By blending into the predominantly white neighborhood, the farm’s true purpose remained hidden for a period of time.

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The Role of Liliesleaf in the Liberation Struggle

Liliesleaf was more than just a hiding place; it was the epicenter of strategic planning for the ANC and its armed wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe. With the ANC shifting from passive resistance to armed struggle, leaders needed a secure location to conduct their operations. Among those who used the farm as a base were Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi, Andrew Mlangeni, James Kantor, Ruth First, Joe Slovo, and Lionel Bernstein.

Mandela himself lived at the farm under the pseudonym “David Motsamayi,” posing as a farmworker. His presence there was critical in planning MK’s strategies and recruitment efforts. However, he was arrested in Howick in August 1962 on unrelated charges, including inciting workers to strike and leaving the country without proper documentation.

One of the most significant activities carried out at Liliesleaf was the planning of Operation Mayibuye, a strategy intended to launch guerrilla warfare against the apartheid regime. The operation aimed to escalate the resistance movement, but before it could be executed, the authorities discovered the plans.

The 1963 Police Raid and the Rivonia Trial

On July 11, 1963, the apartheid security forces raided Liliesleaf Farm, a decisive moment in South African history. The police had been tipped off by an informant within the movement and possibly by a local resident who noticed suspicious activity at the farm. At the time of the raid, activists were holding a high-level meeting in a thatched room on the property.

The police arrested 19 individuals at the scene, capturing key ANC and MK members. During the raid, incriminating documents were discovered, including details about Operation Mayibuye. Although Mandela was already imprisoned at the time, the evidence found at Liliesleaf directly linked him to the ANC’s sabotage plans, leading to his inclusion in the Rivonia Trial.

The Rivonia Trial, which took place from October 1963 to June 1964, was one of the most significant legal battles in South African history. Mandela, along with Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi, and Andrew Mlangeni, was found guilty of sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment. Their imprisonment marked a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle, further galvanizing both domestic and international opposition to apartheid.

Transformation into a Museum and Heritage Site

After the raid, the farm was sold to the Schreider family, who converted it into a guest house. For several decades, Liliesleaf remained a private property with no official recognition of its historical significance. However, in 2001, a reunion of the Rivonia Trial survivors inspired Nicholas Wolpe, the son of Harold Wolpe, to establish a trust dedicated to preserving the site.

In 2008, the first phase of the restoration project began, with efforts focused on reconstructing key buildings and developing educational exhibits. The project aimed to create a space where future generations could learn about South Africa’s struggle for democracy. Alongside museum displays, new facilities such as a café, conference center, and overnight accommodation were added to enhance visitor experiences.

Recognized as a site of national importance, Liliesleaf received significant funding from the South African government. Between 2008 and 2021, the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture contributed over R68 million to its maintenance. On November 24, 2014, Liliesleaf was declared a Grade 1 heritage site, and in 2015, it was nominated as part of a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site under the category “Human Rights, Liberation Struggle, and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites.” The South African government officially declared it a national heritage site on September 2, 2016.

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Challenges and Closure in 2021

Despite its historical significance, Liliesleaf faced financial and administrative challenges. The museum closed in September 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to financial difficulties and alleged mismanagement. The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture accused CEO Nicholas Wolpe of failing to allocate over R8 million of a 2015 government grant correctly. The grant, initially intended for capital expenditures, was reportedly spent on operational costs.

Liliesleaf Farm stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought against apartheid.

In March 2022, the board suspended Wolpe, and the South African government announced plans to take over the site’s administration. Minister Nathi Mthethwa stated that Liliesleaf would be formally declared a cultural institution under the Cultural Institutions Act, which would enable parliamentary oversight and sustainable management.

While some concerns were raised about the ANC using the museum for political purposes, board members assured the public that it would remain a site for all South Africans. Plans were put in place for a reopening in September 2022, ensuring that the legacy of Liliesleaf would continue to be preserved for future generations.

Significant Artefacts at Liliesleaf

The Liliesleaf Museum houses a collection of invaluable historical artefacts related to the anti-apartheid struggle. Some of the most notable items include:

• The original copy of the Freedom Charter, a defining document of the liberation movement.
• Nelson Mandela’s arrest warrant, a crucial piece of evidence from his 1962 capture.
• Oliver Tambo’s pen gun, a disguised weapon that highlights the dangers faced by activists. These artefacts, along with interactive exhibits and multimedia displays, help visitors engage with the history of South Africa’s fight for democracy.

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Frequently asked questions

Why was the Liliesleaf Farm chosen as a safe house?

Arthur Goldreich and Harold Wolpe, using funds from the South African Communist Party, bought the farm in 1961. Goldreich, a white South African, lived there with his family, providing cover for black activists in a whites-only area.

Who were some key figures associated with Liliesleaf?

Notable figures included Nelson Mandela (who lived there under the alias David Motsamayi), Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, and Joe Slovo, among others.

What happened during the police raid on Liliesleaf?

On 11 July 1963, South African security police raided the farm, arresting 19 activists. Documents found during the raid linked Nelson Mandela to MK’s activities, leading to his inclusion in the Rivonia Trial.

What was the outcome of the Rivonia Trial?

The trial, held from October 1963 to June 1964, resulted in life imprisonment sentences for Mandela, Sisulu, Mbeki, Kathrada, Goldberg, Mhlaba, Motsoaledi, and Mlangeni.

When did Liliesleaf become a museum?

In the early 2000s, Nicholas Wolpe, son of Harold Wolpe, led efforts to restore the site, which officially opened as a museum in 2008. It was later recognized as a national heritage site.

What are some key artefacts housed at Liliesleaf?

The museum contains historically significant items, including the original Freedom Charter, Nelson Mandela’s arrest warrant, and Oliver Tambo’s pen gun.