This farm was the ANC's secret headquarters where Nelson Mandela, under the alias of David Motsamayi, worked as a cook and a gardener. Here he and other struggle heroes met to discuss overthrowing the apartheid government. Some were apprehended by the security police and the Rivonia Trial followed. Now it is a place where academics, business leaders, independent thinkers and politicians can mingle, debate and strategise in a professional environment.
"Liliesleaf represents a beacon on the national and international landscape where stories and memories are brought to life," says the CEO, Nicholas Wolpe. "The idea of establishing a centre where leaders could engage took on a new and significant meaning following Nelson Mandela's last visit to Liliesleaf. He said what made Liliesleaf unique was that it was a place of intellectual, ideological, military and strategic discourse and engagement."
The Mantis Collection's commitment to South Africa's heritage has helped turn Liliesleaf into more than an historical site. The British Guild of Travel Writers has labelled Liliesleaf as one of the best tourism projects in the world.
