Freedom Park

Freedom Park is a memorial and heritage precinct on Salvokop hill on Koch Street in Salvokop, Pretoria, Gauteng province, South Africa. It honours those who died in the conflicts that shaped the country, from pre-colonial wars and colonial resistance through the Anglo-Boer War, the world wars and the liberation struggle. The site faces the Voortrekker Monument across the valley and was conceived as a more inclusive approach to national memory. Visitors follow a path through several features. Isivivane, meaning a gathering place or resting place of the spirits, is a symbolic burial ground made of boulders representing the nine provinces, with a central chamber and a ritual fire and water feature. S'khumbuto, an amphitheatre-like memorial, holds a wall bearing the names of tens of thousands of people who died in the conflicts, arranged in steel panels, with a sculptural reflection pond and a large eternal flame. The museum, called //hapo, uses exhibitions and film to trace South African history and identity in a series of galleries. The architecture uses natural materials and symbolic forms, and the setting on the hill provides views across Pretoria. A guided tour is strongly advised, since many features rely on interpretation and ceremony to convey their meaning. A visit usually takes two to three hours. Mornings are quiet and cooler, and school groups are common on weekdays. The best photographs are from the S'khumbuto walls looking toward the city and the Voortrekker Monument. Photography is generally permitted outdoors, while rules in the museum may vary. A restaurant and shop are on site. Uber or Bolt from Pretoria Station is the usual way to arrive, as the walk uphill can be tiring in the heat.