ALLES Ambassador Note – Discovering Freedom Park: A Journey Through Heritage and Memory
In November, I attended an ALLES Stakeholder’s event at Freedom Park in Pretoria, and the experience was truly beautiful.
– Milla Embeth Preller (ALLES AMBASSADOR)
Freedom Park is a heritage site and museum located just outside Central Pretoria, perched on top of Salvokop Hill.
Having lived in this city my whole life, I was amazed to discover that just beyond the hill I often drive past lies such a breathtaking place.
The park is vast, and we weren’t able to explore it all, but the parts I did see were stunning. What makes Freedom Park special is that everything carries meaning—every stone in the architecture, every tree and every plant around the structures has been chosen with purpose. The park is divided into several sections, each representing one of South Africa’s official languages, a powerful symbol of unity in diversity.
Highlights of My Visit
• Wall of Names This long, winding wall stretches across the hill and bears thousands of names of people who sacrificed their lives for South Africa and its freedom. It honours those who fought for liberty, contributed to the country’s development and culture, and those who were lost in tragedies. It is a solemn monument of respect and remembrance.
• Isivivane A sacred space within the park, the Isivivane serves as a resting place for ancestors and loved ones. Its design incorporates natural elements such as trees and rocks to reflect traditions and beliefs. For example, Buffalo Thorn Trees—used in some African cultures to bring the spirits of loved ones home—are planted here. Nine of these trees surround a circular structure built from eleven rocks collected across the continent, each holding both geological and cultural significance.
• Interpretation Centre This museum space begins with a beautifully animated retelling of a traditional African creation story. It is a captivating introduction that sparks curiosity about the rest of the exhibits. One part of the museum that stood out to me is a massive steel artwork forming a web of ships across a wall, symbolizing the slave ships that carried people to other continents. The museum also houses artifacts and pottery that showcase the richness of African heritage.
Why Freedom Park Matters
• Freedom Park is more than a museum—it is a living memorial that connects history, culture, and identity. For parents and teachers, it offers a powerful way to teach children about the struggles and triumphs that shaped South Africa’s freedom and liberty. It is a place where stories of resilience, sacrifice, and cultural diversity come alive, inspiring future generations to value and protect their heritage.
written by Milla Embeth Preller
