Freedom Park “Beyond Borders” exhibition showcases international solidarity and togetherness during Museum Week 2025
Landmark exhibition showcases posters, vinyl records, photographs and private artefacts from the collections of the International Institute of Social History, South African History Archive and Nelson Mandela Foundation
- Features commissioned poem honouring the international solidarity movement and the spirit of togetherness across borders
- Exhibition runs through 30 June 2025, coinciding with International Museum Day on 18 May and UNESCO Museum Week (2-8 June), celebrating the theme of togetherness and highlighting the gloval solidarity that shaped South Africa’s hour to freedom
Pretoria, South Africa – the “Beyond Borders” exhibition, documenting stories of Dutch-South African solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle, is now open to the public at Freedom Park in Pretoria. The exhibition features historical artefacts, including posters, vinyl records, photographs and personal artefacts. Running through 30 June 2025, the exhibition strategically coincides with the end of South Africa’s 30th anniversary of democracy, highlighting the critical role of global support in the country’s journey toward justice, unity and freedom. It also coincides with South Africa’s presidency of the G20 under the motto Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, and the first time the G20 is hosted on the African continent.
Initiated by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ in partnership with the South African History Archive (SAHA), the International Institute of Social History (IISH), and Freedom Park, the “Beyond Borders” exhibition offers visitors a dynamic and emotional exploration of a pivotal era in two nations’ shared history. Curated by Totem Media, the exhibition draws from the shared archives of the IISH and SAHA, as well as the SAHA and NMF collections. The exhibition showcases how international solidarity movements amplified South African voices during the struggle years.
As UNESCO Museum Week approaches, with its 2025 theme of togetherness, Freedom Park’s CEO Jane Mufamdi emphasised the exhibition’s contemporary relevance: “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.”
Artistic activism takes centre stage
At the heart of the exhibition is the stirring poem Unclenched Fists by acclaimed spoken word duo Yamoria. The poem was commissioned by the Dutch Embassy, facilitated by Hear My Voice, in celebration of South Africa’s 30 years of democracy. Their evocative words echo the spirit of solidarity that is throughout the exhibition space:
“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.”
The commission was facilitated by Hear My Voice, a non-profit organisation focused on developing spoken word artists and creating open and uncensored platforms for self-expression through spoken word poetry. The poem forms a broader celebration of artistic activism and creative resistance that transcended borders during the struggle and highlighting the role of arts and culture as both a tool for resistance and commemoration.
Honouring “extraordinary ordinary people”
The “Beyond Borders” exhibition also pays tribute to those whose names have been memorialised on Freedom Park’s Wall of Names, including six Dutch anti-apartheid activists. These individuals and their lives represent what Ambassador Joanne Doornewaard described as the essence of solidarity:
“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.”
Ambassador Doornewaard emphasised the importance of preserving this shared history: “By acknowledging our shared history, and engaging deeply with it, we build a foundation for cooperation moving forward. This exhibition embodies that philosophy.”
A Celeberation of Museum Week
As part of UNESCO Museum Week (2–8 June 2025), and in the spirit of International Museum Day on 18 May, the “Beyond Borders” exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the power of its theme of togetherness. This year’s global theme resonates deeply with the exhibition’s message: that solidarity across borders can reshape nations and rewrite histories.
Exhibition information
Location: Freedom Park, Corner Koch Street and 7th Avenue, Salvokop, Pretoria
Dates: Now open through 30 June 2025
Museum hours: Open 7 days a week from 08:00 – 16:30 (ticket office closes at 16:00)
Entry Fees:
- R80: South African, African, and Malagasy adults
- R55: Students, Scholars, Pensioners, and People with disabilities
- R160: International visitors