Freedom Park is an unprecedented project. Besides the tact that its elements will contain a 3, 6 billion years history, its context must contribute to the strategic objective of the liberation movement which is now enshrined in the constitution i.e. to build a non- racial, non- sexist and democratic nation. Also, the context must reflect in an objective manner, past conflicts viz pre-colonial, Genocide, Slavery, Wars of resistance, Anglo- Boer War, 1st and 2nd World Wars and the Struggle for Liberation. The objective here must be to transform group pains into national pain with an explicit objective for a way forward. The challenge is also, to manage the prefect within the concept of a secular state.

OWNERSHIP OF FREEDOM PARK

Because a basis must exist within the Freedom Park elements for reconciliation, to facilitate ownership of the project by the nation, broad based consultative processes must not only be entered into, but protracted. The consultative process must be two pronged, on the one hand it involves processes to put closure to the outcomes of past conflicts, on the other, that Freedom Park Trust open a dialogue on the project with the broadest possible sectoral spectrum of organizations in our country. To put closure to the outcomes of past conflicts and also as manner to compliment the TRC outcomes, Freedom Park Trust unfolded Cleansing and Healing and the Return of Spirits ceremonies throughout the length and breath of the country, Southern Africa, and other selected countries internationally, viz the UK and Russia. This process must culminate in a ceremony whose objective will be to put finality to cleansing, with an understanding that healing is continuous, and to create a symbolic place - Isivivane - for closure. Fonthcoming ceremonies in Southern Africa are Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola.

ISIVIVANE AND SIKHUMBUTO

Juxtaposed to Isivivane, is Sikhumbuto. While Sikhumbuto must reflect, as a memorial, the duration of conflicts which shaped the South African Nation, it must be most comprehensive in identifying those who fell, restoring their humanity, and portray the struggle for liberation in South Africa through the four pillars, viz mass action, underground, armed struggle and international action, as also it identifies the qualitative leaps of which their collective impact led to the liberation of South Africa. It is also for this reason that Sikhumbuto must be a living memory, by also becoming a space for activity by the living. Besides the category of names mentioned here, is also of miners who fell in mine disasters, and 2800 names of Cuban combatants who fell at the fall of a war contextualising the freedom of Southern Africa and reflecting on the international's spirit.

SIKHUMBUTO, IIHAPO AND PAN AFRICAN ARCHIVES

The relationship between Sikhumbuto and liHapo is a reflection on those who fell for freedom, history, the context and basis for conflict growth out of struggle and resolution.

It is in //Hapo where the 3, 6 billion history will unfold in narrative form. The Pan African Archives, which, while it must be put together such that it is a source of evidence about South Africa, relates to //Hapo, in a manner that it extends the basis for objective interpretation of the South African History, heritage, culture, IKS and both national and continental patriotism within the context of the African Renaissance concept. The Pan African Archives Center must be a state of the art center, an objective which must facilitate its smooth functioning, expression and render it a living archive. It is for this reason that, beside photographs, video footage, audio tape which is accumulating as both the record of how FPT was founded, the youth in dialogue with elders and the organic and conventional intellectuals' dialogue are a rollout to programme to establish the center. The international Pan African Archive Committee adds a dimension to the center which empower the FPT not to reinvent wheels, but to learn from the experience of those who have, over decades, been in involved in the running of such centers and projects.

OTHER ELEMENTS

There is Moshate, Tiva and the Rest Spaces which must give functionality to the project to either give the Garden of Remembrance, as a whole, a unique but also functional profile which must accommodate the needs and interests of the nation to ensure that the whole site is alive, functional and a one stop garden of culture, heritage, spirituality, information and contemplation. It has become very urgent that a visitor perception study is conducted to determine whether we are moving in the right direction which can sustain the FP post construction. The Garden of Remembrance will be punctuated by both sculptures and spaces for reflection. The commercial section will have to be thought out carefully to offer those things which will give the feel that by acquiring them, people have taken the memory of the Garden and monument with them because the issues and challenges which will have been played out in the Garden and in all the elements which make it both a memorial and a monument will, emanating from the diversity of the South African history also encapsulate humanity and reflect and portray it in a succinct manner.

The core function of the FPT is to construct the elements stated above, as also, it is to ensure that the contents of the elements reflect the past, present and future of this country objectively. The challenge facing the FPT management is how on the one hand to streamline line function depths for effective and efficient delivery through co-ordination, communication, team work and timely implementation.

The construction, R&D and contribution to nation building and reconciliation is upon us. From October 2005 to March 2009 we have to run these processes parallel to each other, focusing on the budget and time frames, none of which must escalate.

BUDGET, POLICIES AND LEGISLATION

To do justice to both the vision and mission of the FPT it was necessary that we enter into partnership with a variety of institutions viz tertiary, heritage, IKS, private sector, public sector etc through memorandum of understanding, most of which have been signed. The objective here is multiple. As stated, above it is not necessary for the FPT to invent wheels, as also, it is not necessary to create what already exists, or overlaps, but also, it is necessary, given the stature, role and profile of the project to ensure broad ownership and support.

This is the manner to ensure that the stringent budget is utilized on fundamentals and essentials, as also it is necessary to create a base for fundraising and other manner of support, e.g. expertise and skills. The founding act of the trust and the Deed of Trust bind the FPT to emerge from a clean approach which taps into policies and legislation as its construction is on the basis of public funds. However, there is a big challenge which management must focus on, which already needs careful management.

That challenge is the directives which most times are related to either the design or construction coming either from the President, the board or latterly the Minister. There are times when these directives have a direct bearing on the budget and or timeframes. Added to this is the fact that the budget for the project was predetermined to be R565m by the Department of Arts and Culture with no explanation as to how this amount was arrived at. It becomes necessary that the Board and CEO follow up on the commitment by The Minister to the President that he will look into finding funds to respond to this matter.

CONCLUSION

As mentioned above, FPT is now locked into a construction programme which will culminate in March 2009 with the construction of the Administrative and Commercial blocks and other components which will add to the functionality of the project. 2009 is cast in stone as a timeframe. Working backwards from that year, the non negotiables are: the need to increase the budget; no change in time frames; immediate assessment of human resources for beyond March 2009, and campaigns to sustain ownership.

1. PROGRESS ON THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

a) Sikhumbuto (Garden of Remembrance) will have the following proposed accommodation space -

a Wall of Names - of leaders and people that dies in the struggle and beyond.

b. Sanctuarv - indoor space with flame dedicated to those that lost their lives in the struggle etc.

c. Contemplative Spaces - intimate spaces along the path for private/personal contemplation

d. Indoor Spaces for leaders - sculptural relief panels

e. Outdoor Gatherings - sculptured grassy terraces and treed edges to accommodate 250 people in part of the natural amphitheatre to the rear of the sanctuary and to accommodate 1000 - 2000 people in greater natural amphitheatre

f. Memorial for Unknown Soldier - to be represented by artwork in proposed location

This will be a Presidential hospitality suite it will be used for special state occasions:

private retreat for the President to host and entertain visiting heads of state or high level guests. Its construction will reflect the consideration of African architectural design. The Moshate will provide opportunities for the artistic representation of South Africa, Pan African and international leaders who made outstanding contribution to the struggle for freedom and humanity.

Phase 2 //hapo, Archives)

This phase shall is still at Conceptual Stage and will be known after completion of this stage.

Landscaping

The design ethos of the elements of Intermediate Phase (iSikhumbuto) and Phase 2(//hapo) reflect integration with the landscape consistent with Phase 1 of this project. The concept for the main memorial in the project is a platform for gathering, located on top of the hill, as the culmination of a symbolic journey through the landscape.

BASELINE PROGRAMME

This project is programmed in various phases and will be completed in February 2009. The phases and construction dates are scheduled as follows:-

PHASE START CONSTRUCTION FINISH CONSTRUCTION

· Various Projects June 2005 January 2006

2. INTERMEDIATE PHASE

· Retaining Walls Oct ’05 Oct ’06

· Sanctuary Nov ’05 Oct ‘06

· Indoor Space for leaders Oct ’05 Oct ‘06

· Toilets Mar ’06 Aug ‘06

· Service Spaces Jan ’06 Sept ‘06

b) Isivivane Walkway February 2006 November 2006

a) lIHIapo/Archives/Admin November 2006 December 2008

b) Exhibition Installation July 2008 December 2008

c) TIVA + Infrastructure November 2006 December 2008

Grand Opening by President Thabo Mbeki = March 2009

MILESTONE PROGRAMME

On 09^th August 2005 the Freedom Park Trust hosted the Elders in dialogue with the Youth. This was the first in the series of Dialogue between Elders and the Youth Programme". The event took place at the Protea Hotel in Midrand on August 09^th The topic for the dialogue was the role of women in IKS (indigenous knowledge systems) during the liberation struggle. This initiative is to ensure that material for the Pan African Archive is collected thought this process

In partnership with iIKSSA and other sister organizations, the Living Treasurers awards were launched on 30^th September. The Freedom Park Trust saw the project as a good opportunity to contribute towards Nation Building and Reconciliation and the Pan African Archive. As a way forward the criteria to select the living treasurers will be reviewed to ensure transparent participations, especially from unsung heroes and the event will be hosted annually.

The Freedom Park Trust approached the Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane to request that they become a strategic partner in the youth renaissance project. The youth renaissance project was launched successfully by the President on 16^th December 2005. The purpose of the project is to conscientize youth on issues of culture, heritage, IKS, history patriotism and nation building. This request was well received by the Executive Mayor and was tabled at the Mayoral Committee for endorsement.

Tshwane Metro would be launching the youth assembly as a continuation of the 50^th anniversary of the Freedom Charter celebrated this year. During the launch the Executive Mayor will also announce the renaissance project as well as the partnership. One of the commissions during the launch will be on heritage and culture, where also the Executive mayor would be interviewed by the youth researchers for the purposes of the Pan African Archive. This event was scheduled to take place on the 30^th September but is now postponed to end of October due to unavailability of the Executive Mayor.

December 16^th Provincial celebrations

During the period under review the office of the CEO commenced consultation with provincial Premiers and MECs for Sport and Culture in Northern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape, Gauteng and Free State. General Mobi who is he member of the Board accompanied the CEO to the provincial visits. The purpose of consultation was to establish collaboration with provinces in the provincial nation building and reconciliation celebrations.

The strategy for this year's commemoration is to decentralize the celebration as done in 2004. It has been suggested that each province should organize a provincial commemoration to mark the day of reconciliation. The Freedom Park Trust proposed to use the organizing principle of the eight conflicts around which the Freedom Park Trust organizes its work. We have suggested themes for commemoration in provinces merely on the basis that all the eight conflicts need to be represented and that awareness needs to be created around these themes.

In essence, in all provinces visited there is a buy-in of the project by the Premiers and MECs of Arts and Culture. The date of December 16^th has been agreed upon with the exception of the Free State province. It was agreed that for Free State the 18^th December 2005 is suitable as they will be hosting an exhumation ceremony in partnership with Department of Defence on December 16th

Week of unity and diversity and the youth renaissance project

The faith based organization commenced in preparation for the week of unity and diversity. The purpose of the consultation is for them to advise on how to go about observing the week of reflection as it was then called. It was therefore agreed that it should be renamed and called week of unity and diversity to acknowledge that the nation should be build taking into considerations the diversity of our country.

The main event to commemorate this would be held in conjunction with the youth renaissance project on December 16^th The Department of Arts and Culture, Department of Justice and the Human Rights Commission have proposed to be partners on this project. It was proposed that on December 16^th the Minister of Justice would launch a government report on the process of Transformation and TRC. It is envisaged that the President will be the key note speaker.

Engaging the Coloured, Indians, Afrikaners and the Khoi San community in Nation Building and Reconciliation

The Freedom Park Trust made good progress in mobilizing the four communities ie. Coloured, Indian, Khoi-San and Afrikaner communities. Consultation was held with ATKV, FAK, Voortrekker monument, Khoi-San Chiefs, Indian community groups and the coloured Chiefs. Notable is the Cleansing and Healing ceremony for the Indian community that was held on 23^rd 2005. This event was successful in a sense that various faith based-organizations within the Indian community groups came together to conduct cleansing and healing ceremony. It should also be noted that all the organizations and structures that we have consulted with are fully supportive of the Nation building and reconciliation process as driven by the Freedom Park Trust. An agreement has been reached that on December 18^th all these four communities would gather together in Bloemfontein to conduct a joint cleansing and healing ceremony. This event will be hosted by the people of Free State.

The Freedom Park Trust has consulted with the Voortrekker monument on issues of Nation Building and Reconciliation. The status of both monuments i.e Freedom Park and Voortrekker Monument has now been openly discussed. There has been an agreement that both monuments are significant in terms of the South African history and they are very interrelated. Both monuments host December 16^th celebrations annually therefore an agreement has been reached that there will be exchange of guests as well as exchange of concept papers on the significance of the Nation building and reconciliation on December 16^th

With regard to getting the four communities involved in the development of the park, positive progress has been made. The Freedom Park Trust Board approved that the resting place (picnic area) on site should be given an Afrikaans name. This was well received by the Afrikaner organizations that we have consulted with and the national leaders are facilitating that a name be forwarded to the Freedom Park Trust. The museum is now called //hapo which is a Khoi-San word for dream. This is to ensure that the Freedom Park is an all inclusive project and it embraces the diversity of our country.

As a continuous effort for participation of these various communities, there is consultation with representative so that at all times they are kept abreast with the development of the project and they are now part of the steering committee for the Freedom Park Trust.

3. INVOLVEMENT OF THE PROVINCES IN FREEDOM PARK WORK CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

The Freedom Park has always depended on partnerships with the Provincial Departments of Arts and Culture in mounting several of its programmes. The Cleansing and Healing ceremonies were conducted in each and every province with the full backing and participation of the Departments of Arts and Culture. The Isivivane has been constructed with the full cooperation of the provincial departs that selected and sent boulders from their provinces to Freedom Park. Today Isivivane stands as a heritage monument to our new democracies where our own people and foreign dignitaries such as Prime Ministers are paying homage to the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for freedom. The provinces have also played leading role in the research for the names to be inscribed in the Sikhumbuto, the Wall of Remembrance. These names have provided a building block for further research that is needed. Finally and not the lease the Provinces have been formidable partners in the yearly December 16 Day of Reconciliation commemorations. Provinces have partnered with the Freedom Park in coming up with programmes and part financing the December 16 activities. Clearly, the Freedom Park appreciates the partnerships that the provinces have rendered in realising the vision and mission.

The Freedom Park faces a lot of challenges in which the provincial Department of Arts and Culture can continue to partner and help attain the goals of the organisation. In the area of research and development the Freedom Park would like to consolidate its relationship with the provinces. Two programmes would suggest themselves to the partnership model that we have shared over the past years. The two areas are the name collection process, and the establishment of the Pan African Archive.

Name Collection process

One of the features of Sikhumbuto will be the Wall of Remembrance where the names of the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this country will be inscribed. The collection of names of the heroes and heroines who contribution to the struggle against oppression, exploitation and racism through their lives will requires partnership with the province.

The names for the Sikhumbuto collected from the provinces have glaring gaps that need to be filled by new research. The Freedom Park has identified the following area in which the provinces can play a leading role:

Pro-colonial Conflicts

The Freedom Park Trust is interested in the conflicts between the African polities in pre-colonial times. However, the research needs to focus on the lists of leaders, genealogies of leaders, rulers, kings and queens from pre-colonial times. The Trust would also be interested in outstanding individuals who provided leadership in different fields in pre-colonial time.

Slavery

The lists from provinces did not have any names for people who were enslaved. This is a major gap that needs more work. We would like the provinces to come up with names and biographies of people who were enslaved.

Genocide

The imposition of European rule was accompanied by extreme violence and disregard of African lives. African lives where seen to be dispensable. All these European activities culminating in the killing of hundreds of people was led to genocide. The Trust would like to see provinces bring out such histories. In most instances the names may not be recoverable but people may remember names of incidences or places where these acts happened. The Trust is interested in the list of all that information that may be interpreted as acts of genocide.

Wars of Resistance

This area has been disappointing in that there were so many wars of resistance across the country and the Freedom Park has only a few names. This is an area in which all the wars of resistance should be listed. We expect the provinces to come with long lists of wars of resistance.

Pan African Archive and the ongoing dialogues

The FPT has established the Pan African Archive. The Pan African Archive is best described as follows:

• The Freedom Park Trust Pan Africa Archives will be living archives that provides a discursive, dialogic and participatory site for the construction of public knowledge on the struggles for freedom and humanity.

• The Freedom Park Trust Pan African Archives aims to become a unique centre for knowledge production based on the utilization of the memories of the participants in the struggle for freedom and humanity. The dynamism of the concept of the living archives emerges from the fact that all the people that participated in the struggles for freedom become potential archives of human memory that could be tapped for use by the Freedom Park Trust.

Scope of the PAA

It will embrace themes that cover the struggle for freedom and humanity over the centuries. However, its focus on living memory will restrict it to the collection of the oral histories covering the last hundred years. It will focus on issues of solidarity against colonialism, apartheid and oppression across the globe. It is important that the content of these archives show how South Africa related to other struggles in the world.

The other task of the PAA is to link up with the existing archives on Pan African struggles for freedom and humanity. The model of the PAA should be that of communicative archives that links many repositories in a one stop centre. There is no single repository in the whole continent that engages the Pan African movements across the ages and space. The PAA will provide the continent with comprehensive archives.

To achieve the goals of the PAA the Trust has come up with two programmes that entail research and documentation of that research. The two programmes are:

1. Dialogue between the Youth and the Elders.

2. Dialogue between the organic and conventional intellectuals.

Partnerships on Pan African Archive

The Pan African archive has provided a forum for partnering with heritage institutions in the undertaking the Dialogue between the youth and elders. The role of the Department is in provision of content for the dialogues. The Women's Day holiday celebration on August 2005 was successfully launched as part of the dialogue between the elders and the youth. It brought youth from various communities, Afrikaner, Indian and African together to engage the elders.

The Freedom Park invites the Provinces to partner with it in establishing these dialogues across your provinces and thus contribute to the establishing of the living archives.