Explore the History of Liliesleaf Farm

If you’ve ever stayed at The Maslow, you’ll know that Sandton’s premier business hotel is perfectly situated for many reasons. Besides being within walking distance of the Gautrain, The Maslow provides easy reach to all that the city has to offer. But if you’re looking to explore more than Sandton’s high-end shopping destinations, there’s an iconic piece of South Africa’s struggle history just around the corner from The Maslow: Liliesleaf Farm.

The historical significance of Liliesleaf Farm museum is still felt today. Grab a Gaubus, an Uber, or chat to the concierge about a shuttle, and discover the history of Liliesleaf Farm for yourself.

Liliesleaf Farm and the Liberation Movement:

• The history of Liliesleaf Farm stretches back to 1961, when it served as a nerve centre for the liberation movement in South Africa and used by Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC, as the perfect site to hide from the state police and plan the overthrow of the apartheid government.
• From Liliesleaf, MK launched a campaign of sabotage against government structures and economic installations. Over 200 sabotage attacks took place, targeting pass offices, power structures and government installations.
• Liliesleaf was also a safe house that posed as a home for a young, white family to provide cover for its liberation activities. Nelson Mandela would often be dressed in the blue overalls of a worker, pretending to care for the house for his white masters.
• For two years, Liliesleaf was the centre for debate and planning, where new strategies were forged to combat the oppressive apartheid government. But in 1963, Liliesleaf was raided by the Security Police, who hid in a laundry van and burst onto the farm, guns out and attack dogs at the ready. Eighteen people were arrested, including staff hired to look after the farm and who knew nothing of the planning that went on. To this day, it is not entirely clear how the police knew of its existence, but theories include informers and surveillance by foreign intelligence agencies.
• The police raid led to the iconic Rivonia Trial, where the presence of international media brought the apartheid struggle onto a larger stage, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Exploring the history of Liliesleaf Farm:

• Give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the history of Liliesleaf Farm. While the museum is only 8 kilometers from the Sandton Gautrain station, the award-winning exhibits are set across three acres.  
• You can explore the history of Liliesleaf Farm at your own pace, but guided tours are available too.
• Once you’ve fully absorbed the historical significance of Liliesleaf Farm museum, grab a bite to eat at Cedric’s Café.

Sandton, known as “the richest square mile in Africa,” has certainly earned its reputation for being a slick and chic urban destination. But the city’s less-explored cultural and historical offerings are definitely worth your time too.

Not only does the history of Liliesleaf Farm give you an educational looksee into South Africa’s unique past, but it’s also one of the country’s foremost heritage sites, and needs to be top of your to-do list when you next stay at The Maslow.