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As South Africa commemorates over 30 years of democracy, Freedom Park Heritage Site, in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and embassies of European Union Member States, will unveil a groundbreaking exhibition titled 'Threads of Solidarity: European Support for the Struggle Against Apartheid'.

Opening on 2 December 2025, the exhibition explores how European Union (EU) Member States, organisations, and individuals supported South Africa’s struggle for liberation.

The exhibition offers a window into an extraordinary story that spans more than 70 years of engagement between European countries and South Africa. It traces how the Europe’s evolving identity as a union rooted in peace and human rights intersected with the fight against racial oppression in South Africa.

Through immersive storytelling, an interactive map, and evocative visuals, ''Threads of Solidarity: Europe’s Contribution to the Struggle against Apartheid'' captures the essence of a global movement that transcended borders and ideologies.

At its heart lies a large, quilt-like installation made up of 27 symbolic squares, each representing one EU Member State. Every square tells a unique story — of diplomats, citizens, artists, students, and activists who stood with South Africans in their darkest hour.

The exhibition layout invites visitors to walk through the narrative as participants, not just observers. The central interactive map allows visitors to explore how solidarity was expressed in the various countries.

Freedom Park CEO, Jane Mufamadi, notes: “This exhibition is not just a commemoration of the past, but a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to uphold human dignity and social justice everywhere.”

Ambassador of the European Union, Sandra Kramer, notes: “The exhibition shows how change is possible when people, institutions and countries stand in solidarity, across continents, to fight injustice. And it is a vivid illustration of the shared values that have been at the heart of the partnership between South Africa and Europe for the past 30 years: Democracy, human dignity, equality, freedom and the rule of law. We look towards the next 30 years not just as economic partners, but as reliable, strategic allies committed to sustainable growth, resilience and prosperity for our peoples.”

The exhibition will be at Freedom Park until March 2026, after which it will tour South Africa.

Issued by Freedom Park