Thursday, November 19, 2015

Out of the Jurisdiction: Liliesleaf Farm and Museum

Yesterday I visited Liliesleaf Farm and Museum.  In the early 1960s, anti-apartheid activists plotted their activities at Liliesleaf.  Nelson Mandela hid out at the farm, posing as a farm worker.
On July 11, 1963, the police raided the farm while a meeting of top African National Congress officials took place.  Nineteen leaders of the movement were arrested.  Eight, including Mandela, received life sentences after the trial, known as the Rivonia Trial.


It was a quiet day, and only one other party was having lunch.  I recognized one diner, Denis Goldberg, as one of the 19 arrested and 8 convicted in the Liliesleaf raid.  (In the museum I had seen a video in which Goldberg reminisced about the raid.)  My daughter recognized another diner
as Kgalema Motlanthe, a former President of South Africa.
They were happy to let me take a photograph.

11 comments:

Tanya Breese said...

how amazing!

Sharon said...

Great portrait of these historic figures. Excellent job spotting them and bringing their images to us.

Kate said...

I have few heroes but Mandela is at the top of my list. A very interesting man and time period, which I hope is never repeated in South Africa.

Sylvia K said...

I agree with Sharon, a great job indeed!! Great captures for the day, as always! And, thanks as always for sharing!! Hope you're enjoying another great trip!!

RedPat said...

Wow - that must have been so thrilling for you, Jack!

Halcyon said...

Wow! You're dining with the famous!

William Kendall said...

Quite a portrait of these two history makers!

Oakland Daily Photo said...

You're walking with giants, Jack.

Bob Crowe said...

This is an important piece of history most Americans know nothing about.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

South African news is well reported in England and I recognise the names though I wouldn't have known their faces. Now I do.

jennyfreckles said...

That must rank as one of your most prestigious portraits ever. How fascinating to visit this historical place. So glad that SA has progressed to where it is today.