Sarah Haines, Director of the Long March to Freedom at Century City, and Barbara Sixtus of Veldskoen, explain on the Arts Round up how traditional South African footwear brought them together at the world's largest collection of life-sized bronze sculptures! And they will reveal what special event will be happening on 7 July.
Veldskoen – a Uniquely South African Cultural Heritage Icon
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Sara Haines introduces us to Barbara Sixtus of Veldskoen, a company that reinvented this traditional local footwear that has been part of our history for the past 400 years. Sarah explains that they realised that there is a synergy between The Long March and Veldskoen. Barbara tells us that Veldskoen is a brand that they reinvented a South African icon with a beautiful history. adding pop-up colour for a modern and global audience. In September they will be celebrating their 10th birthday. The veldskoen is part of our cultural heritage and visitors want to buy a pair to take back a piece of South Africa, and a story to tell of their visit to Cape Town.
What's in line for us on 7 July? Sarah realised that some of the bronzes, dating back to the 1700's, were of people wearing veldskoen. Sarah and Barbara decided to formalise some form of a collaboration that would deal with this heritage. They have put together a beautiful information panel which gives the history of veldskoen as an iconic South African product. And they have installed this next the ancients in the procession actually wearing bronze veldskoen. This Veldskoen Plaque will be unveiled on Tuesday 7 July at 10:00 with a great deal of pomp and ceremony. It is an invitation only event, but if you are particularly interested, please send an email toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Louis van Mauritius David Stuurman
Sarah also focuses on the importance of the Long March to Freedom as a prime tourist attraction in Cape Town. At Centurty City, close to the city centre, with a magnificent Table Mountain backdrop you have this unique procession of bronze sculptures that covers our history and brings us technically to 1994, but actually takes us further than that. It's a 100% South African product. More information panels have gone up, guides have received more training, and it all makes for a great visit.
If you want to know more about veldskoen and our South African history, you will have to visit Long March to Freedom! Together we will honour a story of craftmanship, culture, and proudly South African innovation.
NEWS FLASH! Veldskoen is rebuilding their showroom at their Paarden Island office and opening a mini museum to honour and celebrate the history of Veldskoen dating back 400 years. They will launch this museum at our 10th anniversary celebration on 2nd September 2026.
WHAT: Veldskoen at Long March To Freedom
WHERE: Long March to Freedom, Century Boulevard, Century City, Cape Town
WHEN: 7 July 2026 | 10:00
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