The Long March to Freedom

One-of-a-kind concept and the largest of its kind in the world

Last updated: Friday, 28 February 2025

You can’t go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower, or miss the Statue of Liberty when you’re in New York. So, too, it is with Cape Town and the Long March to Freedom exhibition. Its 100 life-size bronze statues of figures from both South Africa and abroad, spanning a period from 1652 to now, tell an awe-inspiring tale of our struggle history. Here are 10 reasons to visit.

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

1. CREATED BY OLIVER TAMBO’S SON

All great monuments have a legacy story, and Long March to Freedom stands toe-to-toe with that of the Great Wall or Taj Mahal. 

When Dali Tambo, son of anti-apartheid activist and President of the ANC, Oliver Tambo, visited his father’s grave, he said to him: “There isn’t a statue of you in this country and I’m planning to make one.” 

His father spoke back to him from the grave and said, “Don’t do it for me, do it for all of them.” The result was the Long March to Freedom.

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 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? Favoured for its versatility, rich colouring and ability to achieve the finest of detail, it was used by Greeks and Romans to honour heroes across thousands of years.

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, allowing visitors to touch and interact with them.

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

3. STRUGGLE FIGURES FROM 1600s  

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. 

The newest statue, Professor Kader Asmal, was unveiled on 5 December 2024. He lived in exile for 27 years and started the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement.

Chief Kgamanyane Pilane is shown riding a bull as his people were known for riding cattle. Image: Long March to Freedom

4. ICONS TOO

There are apartheid-era activists too, like Helen Suzman, Oliver Tambo, Albert Luthuli, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

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 are Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, and Walter and Albertina Sisulu. 

To meet all of the heroes, see our in-depth guide to the statues at Long March to Freedom.

The exhibition has well known-icons like Walter and Albertina Sisulu. Image: Long March to Freedom

5. DAILY GUIDED TOURS

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

On the tour you get deeper insights into each statue, uncover hidden narratives, and engage in thought-provoking discussions about the struggle for democracy. You’ll discover why Gandhi’s statue carries a pocket watch and the story behind Olof Palme’s rose (the Swedish prime minister). 

You can end your tour with photos and videos taken against the backdrop of majestic Table Mountain.

Guided tours are conducted in English. Image: Long March to Freedom

6. SPECIAL “CAPE TOWN STORY” TOUR

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.

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

7. 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. 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, see Long March to Freedom's website.

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. 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.

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 powerful tale of South Africa’s 350-year fight for democracy is told through the figures who were at the centre of it all. Although the exhibition stops at 1994, as our freedom story post-democracy is still being written, you can start to understand it by visiting the Long March to Freedom.  

The Long March to Freedom is open: Tuesday to Sunday & public holidays, 10am to 4.30pm
Find it: Century Boulevard, Century City, Cape Town
Cost: R20 to R75
Book: Via Webtickets 
Contact on: 079 879 7880, info@longmarchtofreedom.co.za

By Julia Rowley

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