Historic

National monuments and memorials

South Africa's national monuments and memorials are a window in to our past, illuminating who we are and the people and events that have shaped our history. more
The Old Prison, Pietermaritzburg

The Old Prison in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal, has been transformed from an infamous jail to a place of hope and education for the local community. more
Hondeklip Bay, Northern Cape

If you prefer splendid isolation to the bright city lights, then head for Hondeklip Bay, a tiny little seaport in the Northern Cape. more
Pinnacle Point Caves, Mossel Bay

The Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay are historically important, but are also sites that can inform scientists on the effects of global warming. more

More about Historic

The outlaw, Scotty Smith

A true Kalahari character, the Victorian-era legend of the vagabond Scotty Smith is still told throughout the semi-desert rural areas of the Northern Cape. more

Historical Plettenberg Bay

The lush forests and almost endless beaches of Plettenberg Bay have been enjoyed by Middle Stone Age people, early explorers and modern holidaymakers alike. more

Port Nolloth

From its days as a copper port to its current life as a diamond-and-fishing centre, Port Nolloth has always projected an image of romance and adventure. more

Struggle sites

1Robben Island, Cape Town

The apartheid states’ most notorious political prison, now a World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s most-visited attractions.

2The Nelson Mandela Museum, Mthatha, Eastern Cape

This museum comprises 3 sites dedicated to different eras in the life of this great man: the Bhunga Building in Mthatha, and the satellite open-air museum at Mvezo, and Qunu, his birthplace.

3The Hector Peterson Memorial and Museum, Orlando West, Soweto

Pays tribute to the 1976 Soweto uprisings that changed the face of our modern political history. Named in honour of one the first child victims of the unrest, Hector Peterson.

4The Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City, Johannesburg

Takes visitors on an emotive journey that charts the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa.

5Liliesleaf Trust, Rivonia, Johannesburg

The ex-headquarters of the ANC’s military–wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, and site of the police raid that lead to the infamous Rivonia Trial.

6Constitution Hill, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

The Old Fort Complex in Johannesburg was once home to the notorious Number Four Prison and the Women’s Gaol – a place of brutality and misery.

7Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct, Vaal Triangle, Gauteng

Pays tribute those who died in the Sharpeville massacre – a significant event in our struggle history.

8Mandela House Museum, Soweto

This newly refurbished museum can be found on Vilakazi Street, Soweto. Gaze into the life of Nelson and Mandela and his family before he was sent to prison.

9District Six Museum, Cape Town

Commemorates the culture and colourful communities of District Six before forced removals. The place was a hub of political activity and multi-racial harmony.

10Red Location Museum, New Brighton, Port Elizabeth

Named for the rusted metal sheets with which the residents of Port Elizabeth’s oldest township built their shacks, this settlement was a hotbed of political activists and anti-apartheid fugitives.