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In commemoration of our shared history in the fight against apartheid, the Norwegian Embassy, in collaboration with Lilieslief, has curated an exhibition that highlights the solidarity between African liberation movements and their Norwegian allies, named “African Independence. Norwegian Solidarity”. This impactful exhibition will live at Constitution Hill, once a place of oppression and now a symbol of justice, shows the exhibition “African Independence. Norwegian Solidarity.”
Running from the end of July 2025 to the end of January 2026, the exhibition will open at Number Four before moving to the Women’s Jail, tracing decades of Norwegian solidarity with African liberation movements.
This compelling exhibition explores the deep historical ties between Norway and the struggle for freedom in Southern Africa. Norwegian Solidarity highlights how Norway’s solidarity and human rights-based foreign policy played a key role in supporting resistance to apartheid and colonial oppression across the continent.
When Chief Albert Luthuli was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960, this sparked global awareness, including in Norway, of the brutality of apartheid. His recognition became a turning point: Norwegian church leaders, trade unions, students and political parties mobilized to stand with African allies. Through financial and humanitarian aid, international diplomacy and grassroot activism, Norway became a committed partner in the fight for equality and justice.
The exhibition tells the story of Norway’s engagement, from grassroots boycott campaigns and solidarity with liberation movements to its diplomatic role at the United Nations and strong ties with civil society. With visually powerful panels, personal testimonies and rare archival footage, the exhibition reminds us of what is possible when international solidarity is grounded in justice, equality and peace.
South Africa and Norway hold annual Human Rights Consultations. This gives us an opportunity to work together in order to promote and protect human rights on the bilateral and the international arena.
Housed at one of South Africa’s most symbolic sites of resistance and now UNESCO World Heritage and Nelson Mandela Legacy Site, Constitution Hill. This exhibition is both a tribute to the past and a call to action for the future. It invites visitors to reflect on the legacy of shared struggles and the ongoing need to stand together in the work of protecting universal human rights and freedoms.
