Delve into the rich tapestry of history and culture as we embark on a journey through Gauteng’s diverse heritage sites. From ancient landmarks to modern marvels, each site tells a unique story of our past, present, and future. Join us as we explore the treasures that make Gauteng a haven of heritage and tradition.
Freedom Park Heritage Site
The precinct was deemed a Heritage Site in 2017 and serves as a sanctuary for knowledge and reflection. The park serves as a cultural institution housing both a museum and a memorial dedicated to chronicling and honouring those who have played pivotal roles in South Africa’s journey towards liberation. Freedom Park Heritage Site tells the story of the African continent, and specifically South Africa, tracing history from the dawn of humanity through pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid, and post-apartheid periods.
Details: freedompark.co.za | webmaster@freedompark.co.za | Corner of Koch & 7th Avenue Salvokop, Pretoria.
Lesedi Cultural Village – Broederstroom
Experience our unique and vibrant African cultures first-hand at Lesedi Cultural Village which is within the Cradle Of Humankind. You’ll be able to discover the fascinating cultures and traditions of some of the people of Africa by visiting five traditional homesteads. That are inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes, living according to tribal folklore and traditions of their ancestors.
Details: lesedi.com | cro@aha.co.za | 010 442 3420.
Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng – Sterkfontein
The Cradle Of Humankind, an one of the most impressive heritage sites in Gauteng, marks where it all began! The Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng offer a great and detailed glimpse into our prehistoric past. You can expect everything from interesting cave tours,where many fossils still lie undiscovered. You can also check out the Maropeng exhibition filled with plenty of artifacts and fossils. On the tour is an opportunity to visit Mrs Ples – the most complete skull of an Australopithecus Africanus ever found in South Africa. Not forgetting the most the recently discovered fossil, Homo Naledi. In 1999, this historic location was declared a World Heritage Site. If you are not already convinced, here are 5 reasons to visit this heritage site!
Details: maropeng.co.za | info@maropeng.co.za | 014 577 9000 | The Cradle of Humankind Visitor Centre, R400, Mogale City.
Constitution Hill – Braamfontein
A former prison complex that’s just about as old as the city of Johannesburg itself, Constitution Hill is a living museum which tells the story of our turbulent past and the journey to our democracy. Today, it is home to the Constitutional Court. The prison once incarcerated a number of world-famous men and women, including Fatima Meer, Albertina Sisulu, Mahatma Gandhi. Other historial figures include; Joe Slovo, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and the late President Nelson Mandela. Constitution Hill hosts regular programmes and activities and showcases permanent exhibitions that can be found in the Old Fort, the Women’s Jail and Number Four. These exhibitions give insight into life in the prison and stories of high-profile inmates.
Details: maropeng.co.za | info@maropeng.co.za | 014 577 9000 | The Cradle of Humankind Visitor Centre, R400, Mogale City.
Apartheid Museum – Ormonde
The Apartheid Museum holds the information and evidence of the darkest era in our history. If you’re looking to understand and experience what it was really like during that time, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is a must. Expect to see exhibits including photographs, film footage, text panels, artifacts. You’ll also bear witness to the heart-rending stories that expose the crimes and horrible acts committed during this part of our history. Now, the museum stands as a beacon of hope, truth and reconciliation for all mankind.
Details: apartheidmuseum.org | info@apartheidmuseum.org | 011 309 4700 | Cnr Northern Park Wy & Gold Reef Rd, Kempton Park.
Union Buildings – Pretoria
The Union Buildings in Pretoria are home to a 9m-high bronze statue of Nelson Mandela. It is the tallest sculpture of our former president in existence. The sculpture positions Madiba with his arms out, symbolising his embrace of the whole nation, with one foot forward indicating a nation on the move. This is also where our democracy began. At the foot of the Union Buildings, this statue stands on the very spot where Mandela was inaugurated as our country’s first democratically elected president in 1994, replacing the statue of James Barry Hertzog, which has been moved to new space on the premises. The buildings housed Madiba’s offices from 1994 to 1999, as well as his body (lay in state) after his passing.
Location: Government Avenue, Pretoria, 0002.
Voortrekker Monument – Pretoria
The iconic granite structure was named a National heritage Site in 2011. The Voortrekker Monument is a unique structure which commemorates the pioneer era of our country and the history of the Afrikaner. The monument was inaugurated in 1949 and designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk. And in the Hall of Heroes, you will find world’s longest historical marble frieze. Which is a tapestry with more than three-million stitches, housed in the Cenotaph Hall. These days, this location is the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng. It is also the only Grade 1 National Heritage Site in Pretoria. Not only does it commemorate our history but it also hosts a number of events, including the popular Park Acoustics.
Location: Eeufees Road, Groenkloof 358-Jr, Pretoria.
Hector Pietersen Memorial and Museum
The Hector Pieterson Museum is a crucial site in Soweto’s history. Named after a 12-year-old boy who was one of the first casualties of the Soweto Uprising in 1976, the museum commemorates the student protests against the apartheid government’s education policies. The museum’s exhibits provide a detailed account of the events of June 16, 1976, and the impact of the uprising on South Africa’s struggle for freedom. The iconic photograph of Hector Pieterson, carried by another student after being shot, is a central feature of the museum.
Details: 011 536 0611 | 8287 Khumalo Road, Orlando West.
