our founding story

our founding story

born on the 5th of december 2024

The Visionaries of Freedom Festival was born from a profound moment of reflection and creation.

On 5 December 2024, as the world marked 100 years since the birth of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, we gathered in Graaff-Reinet not only to remember, but to plant something new.
That day, what started as a centenary tribute became the genesis of this festival, an annual gathering to carry forward Sobukwe’s legacy in dynamic and creative ways.

We proudly honour Bhut’ Dini Sobukwe, Founder of the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Trust and the visionary behind the future Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Museum and Learning Centre. Though the Museum is yet to open its doors, this festival carries its flame advancing the work of remembering, educating, and inspiring future generations.

"We must, therefore, appreciate our role. We must appreciate our responsibility. The African people have entrusted their whole future to us. And we have sworn that we are leading them, not to death, but to life abundant."

Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe

The 5th of December is not only Sobukwe’s birthday. It is the birthday of the Visionaries of Freedom Festival itself a living movement that gathers again from 5–7 June 2025 to honour freedom, dignity, and self-determination.