On the second day of their visit, the representatives of the Institute of National Remembrance headed by President Karol Nawrocki paid a visit to the National Museum of Military History in South Africa. The program included a meeting with Director Sandi Mackenzie and representatives of the Museum, during which future cooperation between the two institutions was discussed. This was followed  by a tour of the Museum and its permanent exhibition. Since 3 May 2022, the Museum is hostin the IPN’s "Trails of Hope" exhibition, which is part of the "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” project planned to be presented in 50 countries around the world.

The South African National War Museum was officially opened on 29 August 1947 by the then Prime Minister of South Africa, Field Marshal J.C. Smuts. It serves as a reminder of the past, of great deeds of heroism and sacrifice, as well as a pointer and warning to the future.

In 1975, the Museum’s name was changed to the South African National Museum of Military History and its scope was expanded to include the history of all military conflict in which South Africans have played a part. The Museum also serves as a popular venue for conferences and other functions. The mission of the Museum is to be a memorial for all South Africans who have died in or as a result of military actions and to preserve the nation’s military history for future generations.

The Museum, headed by  historian Sandi Mackenzie, is also regarded as the spiritual and symbolic home for all soldiers and veterans in South Africa. As a result, a number of veterans’ organisations use the Museum as their headquarters. The South African Military History Society, the South African Arms and Ammunition Collectors Association, the South African Arms and Armour Society, the Gold Reef Scale Modelers and the Warsaw Flights Commemoration Committee use the Museum for monthly and annual meetings.

Related news: The inauguration of the IPN "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" project in Africa