As we celebrate Heritage Month under the theme "Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era" Telkom Foundation relaunched a digitized version of the Long March to Freedom museum to bring the centuries-long story of South Africa’s liberation into the modern era, on a sophisticated cloud-based platform, complete with AI-powered chatbots and rich, virtual-tour capability.

The new website unlocks knowledge and awareness of the many leaders of the country’s freedom struggle, using a range of digital tools for enhanced access and relevance – just in time for South Africa’s Heritage month during September 2025.

South Africa's struggle for liberation was fought over three centuries of colonial domination and 46 years of apartheid rule.

The Long March to Freedom (LMTF) celebrates the iconic leaders of this epic journey, from the first chiefs to the last activists, as a ground-breaking public attraction at the heart of the National Heritage Monument.

Billed as “the world's greatest exhibition in bronze”, the LMTF is a project of the National Heritage Project Non-Profit Company. The physical component of the experience consists of 100 life-size bronze sculptures of liberation heroes, situated in Century City, Cape Town, and telling the story of the country's 350-year journey to freedom and democracy.

The enhanced digital functionality makes South Africa's cultural and political heritage even more accessible to young people and to audiences around the world.

The site’s virtual tour allows users to visit every individual statue of a liberation icon – from Autshumato to Sol Plaatje, to Helen Joseph, to Heille Selassie – and learn of that person’s contribution to the struggle.

In addition, a wealth of learner resources can be accessed through the site. These include draft manuscripts about the LMTF, as well as stories of Shaka Zulu, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the road to democracy.

The LMTF was established by Dali Tambo in memory of his father, struggle leader Oliver Tambo, and his peers, to ensure that South Africa’s under-acknowledged liberation stories are shared with the world, especially among younger generations.

“For LMTF to realise its full potential preserving our heritage, as well as in tourism and education, a strong and reliable digital presence is essential,” says Judy Vilakazi, Head of LMTF sponsor the Telkom Foundation. “The new website will be better able to engage audiences and support schools, as a landmark for cultural education and tourism.”

The relaunched LMTF online platform has been a technical and strategic investment in South Africa’s heritage. The new, amplified website will be scalable digital hub for heritage, education, and tourism.

“We are proud to support the LMTF initiative, and we wish them well on the new phase of their digital journey,” says Judy. “South Africa’s history is one of our most valuable assets. With a stronger digital presence, LMTF will be able to cement its legacy, engage younger generations, and expand its reach locally and around the world.”

Website: https://longmarchtofreedom.co.za/