Telkom Foundation Relaunches Digital Long March to Freedom for Heritage Month

The Telkom Foundation  has relaunched a digitized version of the Long March to Freedom (LMTF) museum in celebration of Heritage Month, which is being marked under the theme “Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era.” The initiative aims to bring the centuries-long story of South Africa’s liberation into the modern era through a cloud-based platform that features AI-powered chatbots and a virtual tour capability.

The foundation explained that the new website is designed to enhance access and relevance by using digital tools to unlock knowledge of the country’s freedom struggle leaders, timed to coincide with Heritage Month in September 2025. South Africa’s liberation history, which spans three centuries of colonial rule and 46 years of apartheid, is central to the project.

The LMTF celebrates the leaders of this struggle as part of the National Heritage Monument. Described as “the world’s greatest exhibition in bronze,” it features 100 life-size sculptures of liberation icons displayed in Century City, Cape Town. The digital platform now complements this physical exhibition, allowing audiences—particularly young people and international visitors—to access South Africa’s cultural and political heritage more easily.

Through the virtual tour, users can explore each statue, from figures such as Autshumato and Sol Plaatje to Helen Joseph and Haile Selassie, while learning about their individual contributions to the freedom struggle. Additional resources, including manuscripts and stories about Shaka Zulu, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the country’s path to democracy, are also available online.

The project was established by Dali Tambo in memory of his father, Oliver Tambo, and his peers, with the goal of ensuring South Africa’s under-acknowledged liberation stories are shared more widely, especially with younger generations.

Judy Vilakazi, Head of the Telkom Foundation, which sponsors the LMTF, stressed the importance of a strong online platform.

“For LMTF to realise its full potential preserving our heritage, as well as in tourism and education, a strong and reliable digital presence is essential. The new website will be better able to engage audiences and support schools, as a landmark for cultural education and tourism.”

– Judy Vilakazi, Head, Telkom Foundation

She added that the new online platform represents a significant investment in South Africa’s heritage.

“We are proud to support the LMTF initiative, and we wish them well on the new phase of their digital journey. South Africa’s history is one of our most valuable assets. With a stronger digital presence, LMTF will be able to cement its legacy, engage younger generations, and expand its reach locally and around the world.”

– Judy Vilakazi, Head, Telkom Foundation