Project type: Park - Memorial

Client: Freedom Park Trust

Project value: R 30,000,000

Project description: The overall philosophy is informed by Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) which sensitivity is to the gestalt of the site. Therefore built structures were designed to sit discreetly on the hilltop. The design of the landscape site and its components is extremely rich in symbolism with a strong emphasis on African symbolism. Metamorphic references to cleansing and healing are made throughout the site. A good example of this is Sikhumbuto which is a memorial to those people who fell during the various conflicts that gave birth to a democratic South Africa. It comprises several components: the Wall of Names, Sanctuary, Reeds, Gallery of Leaders and Moshate (a ‘hospitality suite’ for dignitaries). The Wall of Names is divided into eight parts, each representing a different conflicting epoch in the history of South Africa. On the northern side of Sikhumbuto the Sanctuary emerges out of the landscape to form the backdrop to the amphitheatre, which flows in grassed terraces onto the roof of the Sanctuary before terminating at an African Olive tree planted by President Thabo Mbeki in 2002 to signify the beginning of Freedom Park. The Sanctuary is universal in its design and allows people of different belief systems to pay homage and remember the fallen. The Sanctuary overlooks a flame set in a pond and which burns eternally for loss of life.