City introduces free shuttle bus service to Liliesleaf Farm

10 November 2016

 

In a new bid to attract more visitors to Johannesburg, increase tourism and create more job opportunities, Joburg Tourism, Bryanston Organic & Natural Market and the Liliesleaf Farm heritage site have jointly introduced a free shuttle bus service between selected Sandton hotels and the two prime tourist attractions in northern Johannesburg.

 

Joburg Tourism is the City of Johannesburg’s tourism promotion and marketing entity.  The free shuttle service allows tourists to combine a visit to Liliesleaf Farm, which during struggle years was used as the African National Congress's hideout, and an unforgettable shopping experience at a well-established market in a tranquil and leafy outdoor setting Laura Vercueil, Joburg Tourism’s Public Relations Manager, says this initiative is in support of the development of tourism and “giving our visitors reasons for extending their stay in the city”.

 

“It is our belief that we all need to play a role in building tourism in the city,” she says.

 

Liliesleaf Farm, in Rivonia, was an ANC secret base, where its leaders planned the overthrow of the apartheid government.

Several ANC leaders – including Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Raymond Mhlaba and Walter Sisulu – were arrested during a police raid in July 1963.   Liliesleaf Farm is widely regarded as the birthplace of Umkhonto weSizwe, the then outlawed ANC’s military wing.

 

Fascinating stories and events that helped shape South Africa’s democracy are told through dynamic and cutting-edge exhibits.

For over 40 years the Bryanston Organic & Natural Market has pioneered and supported the movement towards conscious and healthy living.  More than 130 stalls offer visitors quality and artisanal food and crafts made locally from organic and natural ingredients and materials.  “It is a magical place removed from the rush of everyday life offering inspired crafts and wholesome food.

 

The free shuttle bus service offered by Joburg Squirrel provides visitors with a hassle-free and reliable door-to-door service,” says Vercueil.  The free shuttle bus service – which is run on Thursdays and Saturdays – caters for guests at hotels such as Maslow, Hilton, Radison Blu, Holiday Inn, Balalaika, Michelangelo, Da Vinci Suites and Sandton Sun.

 

There are three pickups on each of the two days – at 9am, 10am and 1pm. Return trips take place at 12.15pm and 3pm.