The Long March to Freedom

R20 entry, free school tours, and eight more reasons to visit

Last updated: Tuesday, 25 June 2024

This one-of-a-kind bronze procession has 100 life-size figures from South Africa’s struggle history, symbolically striding forward. There are famous individuals like Desmond Tutu and Miriam Makeba, and new names like Autshumato, the first political prisoner on Robben Island. And it’s just R20 for locals. Here are ten reasons why you should visit.

It takes four to six months to sculpt and cast one life-size bronze statue. Image: Long March to Freedom

1. CREATED BY A LEGACY ACTIVIST

After 1994 when legacy activist Dali Tambo visited the grave of his late father, anti-apartheid activist  and President of the ANC, Oliver Tambo, he told him, “There isn’t a statue of you in this country and I’m planning to make one.” 

Tambo says his father spoke to him from the grave: “Don’t do it for me, do it for all of them,” his father said. 

The result was The Long March to Freedom, a monumental bronze procession that tells the story of South Africa’s 350-year struggle for freedom and democracy.

The Long March to Freedom collection and exhibitions was first visualised in 2010 by anti-apartheid activist Dali Tambo. Image: Long March to Freedom

2.  LARGEST EXHIBITION OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD

The statues are made of bronze, with splashes of colour drawing attention to clothing or objects in their hands. Why bronze? It was used by Greeks and Romans to honour heroes across thousands of years, favoured for its versatility, rich colouring and ability to achieve the finest of detail.

What makes these statues unique is that they’re almost anti-monuments. They're on the ground (rather than on a platform or pedestal) and at eye-level, giving visitors the opportunity to touch and interact with them.

The research and attention to detail in the clothing, uniforms and accessories is remarkable. Image: Sarah Williams

3. UNKNOWN HEROES FROM AS FAR BACK AS 1652  

Each statue is accompanied by a plaque that gives insights into historical struggles and resistances. There are Khoi leaders from the 1600s, such as Doman, who led the first KhoiKhoi and Dutch war, and Autshumato, the first political prisoner sent to Robben Island. 

You’ll also find Louis van Mauritius, who led the Cape Colony slave rebellion; the Stuurman Brothers at the head of Khoe resistance; and proud Xhosa and Zulu kings Maqoma, Shaka and Dingaan.

Desmond Tutu is the most recently unveiled statue. Image: Long March to Freedom

4. WELL-KNOWN ICONS, TOO

There are apartheid era activists too, like Helen Suzman, Oliver Tambo, Albert Luthuli, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the exhibition’s latest unveiling. 

In front, you’ll find the iconic scene of a triumphant Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela striding forth, jubilant fists raised to the sky. Next to them is Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, and Walter and Albertina Sisulu. 

The aim is to grow the procession to more than 400 individuals, housed in one enormous heritage park. 

The exhibition also pays homage to global champions of human rights and freedom like Mahatma Gandhi. Image: Long March to Freedom

5. IT ONLY COSTS R20 FOR LOCALS

The Long March to Freedom has introduced a subsidised fee structure to make this incredible exhibition accessible to all South Africans any day of the week. 

For South African citizens and residents, it costs R20 to view the exhibition. For both locals and international visitors, a guided tour costs R75. Children under six enter for free.

The exhibition encourages those who can afford to pay the full fee to do so as a donation, to keep the project going. Image: Long March to Freedom

6. DAILY GUIDED TOURS

The guided tour led by the exhibition’s storytellers takes about 45 minutes. 

On the tour, you get deeper insights of each statue, uncover hidden narratives, and engage in thought-provoking discussions about the struggle for freedom. You can end your tour with photos and videos taken against the backdrop of the majestic Table Mountain.

Guided tours are conducted in English only, and all onsite supporting information is also in English. Image: Long March to Freedom

7. SPECIAL ‘CAPE TOWN STORY’ TOUR

The name of the tour is “350 Years: A Cape Town Story”. It starts pre-1652 and highlights events and people in Cape Town who contributed to the struggle. 

Some of the people you’ll see on the tour include Clements Kadalie, who organised the first Trade Union for Africans with Cape Town dockworkers, and Annie Silenga, president of the Cape Town ANC Women's League in 1958.

The story ends in 1994 because the South African post-democracy story is still being written. Image: Long March to Freedom

8. THERE ARE FREE SCHOOL TOURS 

Schools facing financial constraints can apply to a programme which provides fully-sponsored visits. Learners are provided with transport, a themed history lesson, and worksheet, a gift pack filled with goodies, and lunch.

For more details on how to apply, email schools@longmarchtofreedom.co.za.

Pre-booking is required for all school groups. Image: Long March to Freedom

9. YOU CAN VISIT THE COFFEE SHOP

The little coffee shop on-site serves hot food like pies. There’s a covered seating area under a pergola, wooden picnic benches and a tuck shop selling soft drinks, chips, and chocolates.

Visiting the coffee shop does not include entry into the exhibition. Image: Khadeeja Adams

10. THERE ARE OTHER THINGS TO DO IN CENTURY CITY

Once visitors are done at the exhibition, there’s plenty to do in Century City. Intaka Island is a natural heritage site where you can see 120 bird species and over 170 fynbos plants, like Cape Flats Sand Fynbos. It’s one of the few places that you can still see this endemic veldt. Read more about Intaka Island. 

There’s also the Century Art Route, which includes 29 permanent original art pieces, Fives Futbol next door, and plenty of restaurants like Akiya Sushi. Plus it’s right by Canal Walk, one of Africa’s largest malls with over 400 stores.

There’s a variety of shops, restaurants, cinemas, and a superb bird conservation area in Century City. Image: Louise de Roubaix

VISIT THE LONG MARCH TO FREEDOM

The Long March to Freedom is open: Tuesday to Sunday & public holidays, 10am to 4.30pm
Find it: Long March to Freedom | Century Boulevard | Century City | Cape Town
Cost: R20 to R75
Book: Via Webtickets or The Long March to Freedom’s website. Tickets are also available at the gate.
Contact on: 079 879 7880, info@longmarchtofreedom.co.za

By Khadeeja Adams

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