CNBC Africa and Liliesleaf Trust announces Partnership

Mon, 24 Aug 2009

CNBC Africa, in conjunction with the Liliesleaf Trust, is proud to announce its partnership in documenting one of the most important, yet least recorded stories of South African history. Together they will endeavour to shed light on the story surrounding Liliesleaf and the important role it played as a head quarters of the newly formed MK during the height of Apartheid.

Former President Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Harold Wolpe, Raymond Mhlaba, Amed Kathrada and Walter Sisulu, were among the struggle icons that utilised Liliesleaf as a meeting place for committee gatherings and as a high command. A key event was the raid on Liliesleaf, which led to the Rivonia Trial where Nelson Mandela and several other co-accused were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Together with Liliesleaf, CNBC Africa will produce a three-part documentary that captures the events of Liliesleaf from a unique perspective. Viewers will experience a first-hand account of the events and circumstances leading up to the infamous raid of Liliesleaf, as well as insights into some of the revolutionary personalities who helped shape South Africa’s democracy.

Rakesh Wahi, Vice Chairman of CNBC Africa, who conceived this project with the Liliesleaf Trust is pleased that the channel can be the platform to tell the story of this historical landmark. “The importance of Liliesleaf should never be forgotten. We are able to document this in film and broadcast it throughout Africa – making sure that the story is remembered long after the heroes are gone,” says Wahi.

Gary Alfonso, Chief Operating Officer of CNBC Africa, believes that the documentaries are in line with the channels’ philosophy to tell unique stories from an African perspective. Alfonso says, “By providing a platform for a part of history that shaped the South African democracy to what it is today we are not only growing awareness of the people who made a difference in the battle against Apartheid, but also how individual contributions can ultimately make a lasting historic difference.”

Nicholas Wolpe, Chief Executive Officer of the Liliesleaf Trust and also the son of Harold Wolpe, is excited about revealing a piece of history that has never been told before. “I’m pleased. Finally a dedicated documentary will tell the story of this unique historical site and it is being captured before it is lost forever. CNBC Africa will be the first to tell the story of Liliesleaf,” adds Wolpe.

Pre-Production on the documentary is already underway and is set to be completed within months. An official launch of the documentary will be announced at a later stage. The Department of Arts and Culture has given the project its official support and has expressed interest in being involved in the launch of the documentaries, scheduled for early 2010.