Liliesleaf is one of Johannesburg’s best-kept secrets. Nestling deep in the leafy suburb of Rivonia, Liliesleaf is an exciting, interactive and experiential heritage site. Opened in June 2008, Liliesleaf will take you on a journey of enlightenment where the transformation of South Africa is celebrated. Liliesleaf is the personification of the beliefs, motivations and aspirations of a unique group of diverse liberation leaders. Their aspirations were to bring about democratic change to liberate South Africa of apartheid and its unjust system of repression. This important historical site is a crucible for the liberation movement. It was here that people like Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Ruth First, Lionel Bernstein, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg and Walter Sisulu met, discussed and planned the emancipation of South Africa from the oppression of apartheid rule. It was here that the move from passive resistance to armed struggle took place. It was here that on a cold winter’s day in July 1963 the history of South Africa was to change for ever.

11 July 1963, a date to remember: the security police finally closed in on and raided Liliesleaf. Having been a secret safe house and a key location for liberation leaders to meet for a period of eighteen months, Liliesleaf was finally outed. The security police had ‘hit the jackpot’ as the raid resulted in the arrests of many of the Rivonia Trialists. With the core leadership of the liberation movement arrested, detained and later incarcerated, South Africa’s path to liberation was dealt a massive blow. Today Liliesleaf stands as a testimony to the courage of many. Years of research and restoration have resulted in a unique and special place. A myriad of stories, which colour a rich and important period of South Africa’s past, are told alongside innovative and awardwinning interactive exhibits. This is a heritage site which is alive. Liliesleaf’s convenient and peaceful location provides an ideal setting for conferencing. It offers state of the art facilities and the 1963 Coffee Shop, has a delicious menu.