Freedom Park in Pretoria has opened the doors to its latest exhibition – Beyond Borders. Celebrating 30 years of democracy and solidarity, the exhibition showcases posters, vinyl records, photographs and private artefacts from various collections and archives.
Documenting stories of Dutch-South African solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle, the exhibition revisits a time in history that is engrained in every South African. Additionally, Beyond Borders shows that humanity has no geographical limits as its essence is in the soul.
Coincidently, the exhibition launched whilst the 30th anniversary of democracy is still fresh on everyone’s minds. Furthermore, it’s also a nod to the G20 Summit, taking place on the African continent for the first time. Ultimately, these events share the values of solidarity, equality, sustainability and freedom.
Freedom Park’s CEO, Jane Mufamdi says: “Beyond Borders aligns with the spirit of Freedom Park which honours South Africa’s journey to democracy. The spirit of Ubuntu stretches beyond individuals to nation states. No country exists in isolation and it is more important than ever to collaborate beyond borders.”
Access to the items featured in the Beyond Borders exhibition was made possible through partnerships between the South African History Archive, the International Institute of Social History, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Todem Media.
In addition, a poem – at the centre of the exhibition – echoes the spirit of solidarity that exists throughout the space. The Dutch Embassy commissioned the poem, titled Unclenched Fists, by Yamoria. Further to this, Hear My Voice – a non-profit organisation – facilitated the spoken word duo. The organisation is known for focusing on developing spoken word artists and creating open and uncensored platforms for self-expression. Of course, this was one of the human rights that was sorely oppressed during the apartheid regime. Now, the Unclenched Fists poem serves as proof that arts and culture can be used as a tool for both resistance and commemoration. Below, an extract from the poem highlights its message:
“There is alchemy in the binding of two nations,
The merging of two voices.
Burdens were not designed to be carried alone,
Like voices were conceived to sing in unison.”
Freedom Park’s Beyond Borders exhibition also pays homage to those whose names have been memorialised for their role in the fight for democracy. Evidently, these individuals – who feature on Freedom Park’s Wall of Names – represent the essence of solidarity.
Ambassador Joanne Doornewaard says: “They could be your aunt, or your neighbour, or your classmate from years ago. Ordinary people struck by the injustice of apartheid and inspired by the anti-apartheid struggle, who chose to dedicate their lives to it. They were extraordinary, ordinary people. By acknowledging our shared history and engaging deeply with it, we build a foundation for cooperation moving forward. This exhibition embodies that philosophy.”
Beyond Borders is open from now until 30 June 2025 at Freedom Park in Salvokop, Pretoria. Operating seven days a week from 08:00 – 16:30, the space invites young and old to come and experience the exhibition for themselves.
South African, African and Madagascan adults can enter for R80, international visitors for R160 and students, scholars, pensioners and people with disabilities for R55.
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