On visiting Londolozi in 1992 Mandela saw the vision that was being lived by the employees and management in collaboration with nature.

“During my long walk to freedom, I had the rare privilege to visit Londolozi. There I saw people of all races living in harmony amidst the beauty that mother nature offers” – Nelson Mandela

It is in this light that the Freedom’s Way art installation has been completed to draw attention to the values which Nelson Mandela put forward to our nation and to compliment the Londolozi village walk which all guests are encouraged to experience.

Freedoms Way Entrance

Starting at the 1926 Sparta Camp, situated in the heart of Varty Camp, the village walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela is lead by either Witness Mnisi or Linah Lamula, both valued members of the Londolozi family. This short walk from Varty Camp is best taken after breakfast in the mid-morning between 10:00 and 11:00am. The village walk allows guests to interact with many of our staff and their families who have lived and worked at Londolozi for over 30 years.

Departing from the 1926 Sparta Camp, you pass through the Varty boma where the family fire has burned in the same place for over 86 years. Continuing on you pass on your left side the Cubs Den, where children of guests are enthralled under professional tutelage in nature’s outdoor classroom. The walk continues to the entrance of the staff village, where an old leadwood log serves as a rubbing post. Once you pass through the entrace, you arrive at the evocative land art installation by Simon Max Bannister called Freedom’s Way.

Freedom

“Freedom’s Way brings attention to the difficult path we all must walk to reach our greatest potential. The words cut from steel, ground the positive values that should be nurtured.The four steel bars represent the obstacles of life that master us – we pass through them to liberate ourselves.”  Artist Statement – Simon Max Bannister

Freedoms Way Bars

Your journey then takes you to the Elder’s Village, the Spaza Shop, the Clinic and Learning Centre, ending at the children’s playground. Once you exit the village, you make a brief stop at the Design and Creative Centre (feel free to check out the latest daily blog with our creative team). The village walk ends with an optional visit to the Garden of Celebration, where you are invited to plant a tree symbolic of whatever reason you may choose – this is in aid of the Good Work Foundation (GWF) and the stunning environment in which Londolozi is situated.

Nelson Mandela during his visit to Londolozi after being released from prison

“As we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people the permission to do the same.” Nelson Mandela

While it is important to recognise Mandela’s solo achievements, it is critical that we take his passion into our own lives, taking forward the elements of great leadership to heal the human affliction in the world.  Nelson Mandela is an icon and leader who is loved by all South Africans, young, old, rich and poor.He is known and respected throughout the world. Through all he suffered and achieved and through his attitude and values he has taught us the most valuable lessons as a country and each of us individuals.

Courage

Courage
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.”

Freedom

“I have walked the long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter. I have made mistakes along the way. But I have discovered the secret after climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb.”

Resilience

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”

Trust

“We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.”

Unity

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Empathy

Empathy

“I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I, therefor place the remaining years of my life in your hands.”

Vision

“The power of imagination created the illusion that my vision went much further than the naked eye could actually see.”

Patience

“Patience is waiting, not passively waiting. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow.”