A life-size bronze statue of the late Prof Kader Asmal, a struggle veteran and former post-apartheid cabinet minister, has joined the other 101 resistance leaders and freedom fighters showcased in Long March to Freedom at Century City.
Asmal (1934 – 2011) was a celebrated South African lawyer, academic, and human rights activist whose life was devoted to justice, equality, and democracy. In his early years in KwaZulu-Natal, Asmal cultivated a deep passion for learning and social justice.
His commitment to fighting apartheid took him abroad, where he became a founding member of the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement. During his 27 years in exile, Asmal was a respected professor at Trinity College Dublin, inspiring a generation of students while using his platform to advocate for the liberation of South Africa. His leadership and eloquence made him a key voice in the global anti-apartheid campaign.
Returning to South Africa in 1990, Asmal played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future. As a member of Nelson Mandela’s cabinet, he served as Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry and later as Minister of Education, implementing progressive policies that transformed both sectors. A key architect of South Africa’s Constitution, he was deeply committed to the protection of human rights and environmental sustainability.
A passionate defender
Throughout his life, Asmal remained a passionate defender of democracy and education, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual rigor, moral courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of collective action to create a better world.
“It had always been planned to include Kader Asmal in Long March to Freedom,” says Dali Tambo, CEO of the National Heritage Project NPC, developers, owners, and operators of the Long March to Freedom.
“We are deeply grateful to the National Lotteries Commission for supporting Long March to Freedom and funding the making of the sculpture. Kader was an exceptional individual; he was hands-on, a committed freedom fighter and revolutionary lawyer, and a man with a deep love for the country of his birth. His contribution to the fight against apartheid on the international stage, to the making of the constitution, and later to the new democratic South Africa cannot be underrated. The honour is ours to be able to include him in Long March to Freedom’s pantheon of national pride.”
Tambo continues: “It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Kader’s beloved wife, Louise, on 23 November. It adds a poignancy to the event which will now also be a tribute to her, and to their incredible partnership.”
The sculpture is created by Cape Town artists Cristina Salvoldi and Tania Lee and cast by the Loup Fine Art Foundry in White River, Mpumulanga.
Explore your heritage
This holiday season, the children can explore South Africa’s rich heritage with a touch of adventure. At the Long March to Freedom, young visitors can engage with history through fun activity worksheets. Follow the clues among the 102 bronze statues of South Africa’s historical heroes, uncover the answers, and earn a sweet chocolate treat as a reward.
“It’s an educational and entertaining way for families to celebrate the festive season while learning about the incredible figures who shaped our nation’s story.”
Long March to Freedom is open daily from 10:00 to 16:30. They will be closed on Christmas Day, 25 December and New Year’s Day, 1 January.
For more information visit https://www.nhc.org.za.
