Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Learning Resources

Latest News

Singing Freedom: music and the struggle against apartheid

This exhibition shows that music was integral to events such as the Sharpeville massacre and other turning points in our history. Through its focus on freedom songs the exhibition tells the story of the various organisations, events and people who were involved in the Struggle for an end to apartheid. While some of the events are well known, such as the Sharpeville massacre and the Soweto uprisings, others are either unknown or forgotten. For example, how many would be familiar with the story of the Ngquza Hill massacre, an incident that took place in the Eastern Cape in June 1960, when police opened fire on people protesting against Transkei independence and the pass laws? In similar vein, while the names of people like Vuyisile Mini, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela are well known, how many of us would recognise the names Reuben Caluza, Mabel Mafuya or James Madhlope Phillips? There are therefore still many stories that need to be told. In order to allow for the inclusion of multiple voices, the Singing Freedom exhibition has drawn on oral histories and the memories of a number of activists as well as musicians. The freedom songs, too, some of whose lyrics are displayed in the exhibition, have their own powerful stories to tell.

As we view this exhibition, listen to the music and watch the audiovisuals, we are mindful of the courage, determination, resilience and vision that made it possible for us to reach the stage where we can celebrate 26 years of freedom and democracy. Perhaps, as we continue to strive to deepen democracy and freedom, we do need to be reminded, as the words of one of the freedom songs states,‘Freedom isn’t free; we have to pay the price, we have to sacrifice’.

Please click on the panels below for more

Status:
Now Showing
Exhibition Type:
Current Exhibition
Museum:
Media Enquiries:

Zikhona Jafta
Tel: +27(0)214813862
Fax: +27(0)214619620
Switchboard: +27(0)214813800
Email: mediaofficer@iziko.org.za

Search
Close this search box.

Visit

Exhibitions & Events

Inside Iziko

Iziko Museums

About

Dear Visitors,

 

Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and

will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.

 

Additionally,  Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,   

26 December 2024.

 

Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.

 

Thank you

Iziko Management 

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Iziko Management

Dear Visitor 

 

Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update. 

 

Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted. 

The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.

 

Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery, 

Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge. 

 

Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery. 

 

By order 

Iziko Management. 

 
Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitors,

Please note that the Iziko South African National Gallery is closed to the public today, 18 December 2024, for maintenance.

It will reopen on Thursday, 19 December 2024

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Iziko Management