Since being established in 2001 the long-term vision, mission and aim of Liliesleaf and in particular the Liliesleaf Legacy Program has not only been to preserve the memory and legacy of Liliesleaf – the structures, buildings and testimonies - for current and future generations, but to ensure that those testimonies and memories of those individuals connected, associated and intertwined with Liliesleaf and the subsequent events which unfolded and ultimately shaped the trajectory and history of South Africa’s liberation struggle are captured, recounted, preserved and brought to life in a responsible and thought provoking manner.
Liliesleaf recalls and showcases an important era and epoch in South African history, and indeed a major turning point in the struggle for freedom, justice, democracy and the attainment of human rights and dignity for all South Africans.
The story encapsulated at Liliesleaf is concentrated, spanning a period of 1961 to 1963, but the impact of what happened at Liliesleaf and the contributions of the people involved had a profound and lasting impact and significance.
The stories told are human, moving, often exciting and with a strong emphasis on the voice of the individual, which highlights how a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds, political persuasions and walks of life, who shared common ideals, ideas, values and goals came together to fight against an inhumane political and socially injustice system, predicated on the notion of white supremacy.
