Liliesleaf Unclaimed

Once the headquarters of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the ANC and the Congress Alliance, Liliesleaf holds a position of esteem among struggle landmarks in South Africa. Visitors to Liliesleaf will experience a first-hand account of the events and circumstances leading up to the infamous raid of the Rivonia farm, as well as insights into some of the revolutionary personalities who helped to shape South Africa’s democracy

At the time of the raid, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island. There was, therefore, no evidence to link him to the activities of Liliesleaf. However, the day after the raid the police uncovered the cache of documents in the coal shed near the main house. The police allegedly clapped their hands with joy as they recognised the handwriting as belonging to Mandela. Here was evidence of Mandela’s link to Liliesleaf, and all the intimate details of his travels abroad to build up support for the ANC and MK. The police had their case.