"Freedom Park is about you and me - it is about the South African tale in the voice of the South Africa people. Using our unique culture, heritage, history and spirituality, Freedom Park tell our previously untold stories. It is the heart and soul of South Africa captured in one breathtaking space."
An Excel spreadsheet couldn't keep tract of all the lovely invitations Ginger, my ministry partner and I have received since our arrival to South Africa September 1st. Many opportunities to share a meal or participate in an outing or both. Sunday, November 13th was such an occurance as Gunter and Hanna invited us over to their lovely home for a wonderful chicken lunch and then a trip to the Freedom Walk.
Wall of Names
The Wall of Names is an awe-inspiring structure (697m in length), inscribed with the names of those who died during eight conflicts within South Africa’s history: Pre-Colonial Wars, Slavery, Genocide, Wars of Resistance, the South African War, the First World War, the Second World War and the Struggle for Liberation.
The physical wall can accommodate 120,000 names. To date, 75,000 names have been verified for inscription. The design also allows for future generations to memorialise their heroes and heroines.
"S'Khumbuto is the main memorial. It tells of the most important conflicts in South Africa's history. Rather than a place of grief and mourning, this is a place of celebration. S'khumbuto has many different elements, each one with its own symbolism and meaning. The WALL OF NAMES is inscribed with the names of our heroes and heroines who died fighting for humanity and freedom during the major conflicts in our history, namely Pre-Colonial Wars, Slavery, Genocide, Wars of Resistance, the South African War, the First and Second World War and the Struggle for Liberation. This honours to those who laid down their lives so that we can enjoy freedom today."
"S'Khumbuto is the main memorial. It tells of the most important conflicts in South Africa's history. Rather than a place of grief and mourning, this is a place of celebration. S'khumbuto has many different elements, each one with its own symbolism and meaning. The WALL OF NAMES is inscribed with the names of our heroes and heroines who died fighting for humanity and freedom during the major conflicts in our history, namely Pre-Colonial Wars, Slavery, Genocide, Wars of Resistance, the South African War, the First and Second World War and the Struggle for Liberation. This honours to those who laid down their lives so that we can enjoy freedom today."
World War 1 World War 2
Beautiful grounds!
"The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a distance education university, with headquarters in Pretoria, South Africa. With approximately 300 000 enrolled students, it qualifies as one of the world's mega universities."
To construct Isivivane, the nine provinces of South Africa were asked to provide a boulder from a place within the province with historical significance.
Along with a boulder representing national government and a boulder representing the international community, these boulders were used to construct the Lesaka – the burial ground where the spirits of those who died in the struggles for humanity and freedom have been laid to rest. To emphasise cleansing and purity, the centre of the Lesaka is shrouded in mist.
Religious leaders from various faiths imbued Isivivane with a deep sense of spirituality by performing a number of sacred ceremonies and rituals that lay to rest the spirits of our fallen heroes and heroines.
Lekgotla
In some African traditions, important matters are discussed in the presence of ancestors, and the Lekgotla at Isivivane allows for such discussions to take place. It consists of a semi-circular seating area constructed around a Umlahlankosi tree.
Water
In many belief systems, water plays a significant role towards cleansing and healing. Water points have been stationed at both entrances to Isivivane for the washing of hands as a mark of respect for this sacred space.
Trees
The Umlahlankosi trees that surround Isivivane were donated by each of South Africa’s nine provinces. These trees symbolise one of the mediums through which the spirits of those who died have been brought to Isivivane.
At Isivivane, the individual, group and community pain stemming from past conflicts is transferred into a shared national strength and gives credence to the call for symbolic reparations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This monument further expresses the interconnectedness of all South Africans, irrespective of age or background, and reminds us of the strong ties that bind us together as a nation.
I took a picture of each of the 9 boulders.
Ginger (L), Hanna, Gunter (R)
Ginger (L), Hanna, Gunter (R)
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Silhouetted against the sky stands the majestic sculpture of ascending reeds. With almost 200 reeds, the tallest measuring 32 metres in height, this spectacular sight ensures visibility of Freedom Park from all around the capital city.
The reeds signify the rebirth of the South African nation as well as a nation embracing the future.
Gallery of Leaders
The Gallery of Leaders pays tribute to some of the many people whose leadership qualities and achievements have been pivotal in the struggle for humanity and freedom nationally, continentally and internationally.
These leaders have been selected because of the way in which they have brought about change and development and influenced the course of history. They are in the Gallery of Leaders to serve as exemplary role models who are worthy of being emulated.
Amphitheatre
Embraced by the Wall of Names, the reeds and the Gallery of Leaders is the Amphitheatre - a terraced space that can seat 2,000 people. It serves as a multi-purpose venue for major events or celebrations.
Eternal Flame
The Eternal Flame adjacent to the Sanctuary calls on visitors to remember the unknown soldiers - those unsung heroes and heroines who lost their lives without their names being recorded in history. Fire symbolises eternity.
Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is a serene environment conducive to the outpouring of emotion. Visitors are invited to conduct a ceremony or light a candle in remembrance of the victims in our struggles for freedom or simply to celebrate the life of a loved one.
Lovely day with wonderful friends, reminding me how important it is to remember our past while looking forward towards our future.
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