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Mandela Materials United Kingdom
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Mandela First Television Interview

Nelson Mandela's first television interview on the 21- 6- 1961. Footage on some black workers defying stay away strike call by Nelson Mandela and going to work.

Naidoo, Neville

National Archives United Kingdom

Terrorism trial of Essop et al. Report ( 1972)
Arrest of Moumbaris et al- Report (1972)
Ahmed Timol inquest - Report (1972)
Release from Robben Island of M.D. Naidoo after having served his five-year sentence- Report (1972) Winnie Mandela breaking banning orders- Correspondence ( 28 April 1972) Mrs. Winnie Mandela' s brother in law had bought her groceries for her, when she went to the door to fetch them she was arrested for contravening her banning order : Mrs. Mandela wins appeal over grocery list case. Newspaper article from The Time London ( 26 April 1976).Prisoners study privileged. Correspondence from Lord Lothian to Dennis Healy (25 February 1972)
South Africa n government refusal to give Shantie Naidoo ' a passport to leave the country and refers it her refusal to testify against Winnie Mandela. Report from the U. N. Unit on Apartheid ( January 1972) Refusal for permission to study. Correspondence from the Commissioner of Prisons (Steyn) to the British Ambassador Arthur Shelley ( February 1972)

Arrivals for the Mandela Trial

Mr. Nelson Mandela former Transvaal president of the banned African National Congress, appeared in court on charges of incitement and leaving South Africa illegally. The trial transferred from Johannesburg to Pretoria on security grounds. The trial was adjourned for a week to give Mr. Mandela time to appoint defense counsel. Mr Mandela was remanded in custody. Mr Mandela was dressed in tribal dress. Attending the trial was his wife, Mrs. Winnie Mandela and his sister, Ms Leabi Mandela. The courtroom packed with supporters of Mr. Mandela, Mr Mandela that his counsel was unable to appear for him because he was confined to Johannesburg under the suppression of Communism act. Mr. Mandela said the sudden transfer of the trial to Pretoria had deprived him of his attorney services. 17 October 1962

National Archives United Kingdom

Mr. Kawawa, the vice president of Tanganyika appeals for Nelson Mandela's release. Tanganyika Standard (11 August 1962) Nelson Mandela's trial French newspaper article. Extracts from Nelson Mandela's address to the court and probably a posed photograph of him n suit (by Michael Peto). Article from the Observer (18 November 1962). Conversation with Mr. Blom-Cooper of Amnesty about Nelson Mandela's trial. Report ( 29 November 1962). Correspondence to the British M.P. on concerns about Nelson Mandela's trial and saying that the process is fair. Correspondence. Nelson Mandela's trial Report (16 October 1962. Nelson Mandela's sentencing. Report ( 9 November 1962)

National Archives (United Kingdom)

National Archives United Kingdom

Closing case against Nelson Mandela (includes information that Mr. L.J. Blom-Cooper from Amnesty saw the magistrate leaving for lunch with the Security Branch in their car. This led to Nelson Mandela to call the magistrate to recuse himself from the trial but he refused. Confidential report from the British embassy. ( 26 October1962). Nelson Mandela's trial. Report from British embassy. Arrest of Nelson Mandela (including biographical details)
Report from the British embassy, Pretoria to the Foreign office, London.

British Embassy, Pretoria

National Archives United Kingdom

David Astor correspondence to the British Ambassador Sir John Maud thanking him for helping him to get the books to Nelson Mandela (13 October 1962.) John Maud’s correspondence to David Astor confirming receipt the of Nelson Mandela letter's receiving the books (4 October 1962). Enclosed is a receipt from Nelson Mandela for the books (2 October 1962). Hand written note from Nelson Mandela confirming that he received the books via the embassy (14 September 1962). Correspondence from the resident commissioner , Mafikeng to the High commission, Cape Town. Nelson Mandela travels ( 20 January 1962). Correspondence from the High Commission in Cape Town to the Secretary of State Colonies. Arrival of Mandela in Lobatse and a charter to fly him to Tanganyika paid by a bank in Dar es Salaam (22 January 1962)

Astor, David

National Archives United Kingdom

Death sentence in Rivonia trial "unlikely"
Note (4 June 1964)
Upcoming judgment and sentence in the Rivonia trial
Note (2 June 1964)
The Australian representative to South Africa has been instructed to register his government's concern over the Rivonia trial.
Note (9 June 1964)
U.K. should abstain in the vote on the Rivonia resolution by Ivory Coast and Morocco unless is amended ( Add as that America will also abstain)
Note ( 10 June 1964)
Verdicts in the Rivonia trial
Telegram (11 June 1964)
Analysis of evidence at the Rivonia trial
Report ( 10 June 1964)
Decision to defer any attempt by the U.S. to get a reduction in Rivonia trail sentences until the defence has lodged an appeal.
Note ( 14 June 1964)
Unsigned copy of the Rivonia trial judgment
Judgment: Rivonia trial (15 June 1964)

National Archives United Kingdom

The Summary of the opening of the trial against Neville Alexander et all. Report (13 November 1963)
The escape of Bob Hepple. Telegram ( 28 November 1963. Prison conditions with affidavits from Bernstein, Goldberg, Motsoaledi, Mbeki, Kathrada and Sisulu. Report (21 November 1963. Rivonia trial Newspaper articles (November 1963). Note from Mitford to the British consulate general requesting for political trials that might seriously affect the Rivonia trial closely monitored. Note ( 5 December 1963). Visit by John Arnold Q.C. a leading conservative barrister in London ( includes a summary of proceedings). Report (13 December 1963). Arrest, assault and torture of Isaac Tale of the ANC at the hands of security police who wanted him to testify against the Rivonia accused. Police claimed to him that Joe Slovo bought Nelson Mandela and Sisulu with money from the communists. Report/Affidavit ( no date) Report of John Arnold Q.C. at the international commission of Jurists on his visit to South Africa and includes a comment that he believed the Rivonia trial judge was fair and partial. Report (16 December 1963). Rivonia trial. Various news articles ( December 1963)

National Archives United Kingdom

Correspondence from the Nigerian diplomats on various British expatriates working at universities and hospitals who promise to resign from their positions if Nelson Mandela is sentenced to death.
Correspondence (29 May 1963)

Press Articles

National Archives United Kingdom

The trial and sentencing of Constable Johannes Arnoldus Greef for his role on helping Arthur Goldreich to escape. Newspaper article. Report on the substance of O.R. Tambo to the U.N. special committee about people accused of sabotage . Report 9 October 1963. Report on the proceedings of the Rivonia trial. Press reports. 222 Acts of sabotage between 10 August 1961 and 1963. Article from the Star (9 October 1963). Moves to raise Pretoria trial issue at U.N. Article from the Star ( 10 October 1963). Conversation with Bram Fischer about the Rivonia trial. Letter from Durossil to the Foreign Office, London ( 19 October 1963). De Wet quashed indictment "The Rivonia trial collapses.
Articles from the Rand Daily Mail. ( 30 October 1963)

Rand Daily Mail

Mandela Trials Papers

Photocopies of papers collected by Joel Joffe, lawyer acting for Nelson Mandela, relating to Nelson Mandela's trial in Pretoria 1962 and the Rivonia Trial (1963-1964) The collection includes Nelson Mandela's application to have the Pretoria trial postponed, October 1962; Nelson Mandela's address to the court in mitigation of the sentence of five years imprisonment detailing his political commitment and activities in the African National Congress (ANC), November1962; copy of the indictment in the Rivonia trial, initial statement made by Nelson Mandela to his lawyers, giving details of his early life, notes by Nelson Mandela on his life and his association; copy of Nelson Mandela's statement from the dock, signed by Nelson Mandela referring to an Imbizo.

Joffe, Joel

National Archives United Kingdom

Nelson Mandela's life sentence
Reactions various 1963. Foreign reaction to the Rivonia trial judgment and sentences. Statement in parliament by H.F. Verwoerd (16 June 1964). Rivonia trial judgment ( includes newspaper cuttings). Correspondence ( 16 June 1964)
Rivonia trial sentence Summary from press articles (1964)
Question whether the British government should ask the South African government to reduce the life sentences handed down in the Rivonia trial.
Correspondence ( 26 June 1964)
Libyan embassy in London will ask the UK secretary of state to intervene and have the Rivonia trial life sentences reduced.
Report ( 15 June 1964) The U.S. state department will not ask for a reduction in the Rivonia trial.
Correspondence Internal British foreign office (27 June 1964) Secretary of the state talking about the RivoniaSpeech to the House of Commons ( July 1964) The Canadian Ambassador asks that the Rivonia trial sentences be reduced
Report (22 July 1964) Rivonia trial accused decide not to appeal Report (27 July 1964)
The German government approaches South Africa about the Rivonia trial sentences
Report ( 2 September 1964) Book on Rivonia trial by Judge De Villiers
Report (24 September 1964)

National Archives United Kingdom

Winnie and Nelson Mandela
Correspondence from A Fleming to British Prime Minister James Callaghan ((14 August 1976). Political situation in South Africa - refers to Winnie and Nthato Motlana seeking an interdict in restraining Mr. Shabangu of Soweto, UCB from molesting children and property.

Mrs. Mandela Winnie Mandela on husbands 'sentence

British members of Parliament taking part in the campaign to mobilise world opinion over the sentence of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Petition with 91000 signatures from groups representing 258 million people in 29 countries calling for the release of all South African political prisoners. In South Africa Mrs. Mandela spoke about her husband, Nelson Mandela, the leader of the banned African National Congress who is imprisoned for life with seven others. 15 June 1964

Palace of Justice as verdict on Mandela and others is given

All eight men found guilty in South Africa's sabotage trial were sentenced to life imprisonment. Nelson Mandela the 46 year old former chief of banned African National Congress and the other seven were found guilty of sabotage and plotting to overthrow the government. Mr. Justice Quartus De Wet pronounced the guilt of eight men. A crowd of some 500 people stood silently outside the court as police stood ready to quell disturbances. In the crowd were Nelson Mandela 's wife Winnie and Mrs. Sisulu. Mrs. Mandela was allowed into the court after an argument with a police officer. When she came outside she explained to the Africans waiting outside, that the sentences would be announced on that day. When the crowd heard the verdict they raised their fists. The sign of Amandla the African National Congress party and chanted- 12 June 1962

Commonwealth Office

Records of the Commonwealth Office and Foreign Commonwealth Office: Southern African Department and predecessors includes material on the Treatment of prisoners including Nelson Mandela in South Africa

African National Congress Papers

The collection of the African National Congress includes the Defiance Campaign, the Treason trial. ANC leaders in exile and in prison.

African National Congress (ANC)

National Archives United Kingdom

The end of the SASO trial
Correspondence ( 23 December 1976) The South African situation. Press release by SSRC released by Khotso Seatlholo ( 29 October 1976)

SASO

John Mendelson

Correspondence, circulars reports to South Africa including letter from the British Consulate- General in Johannesburg on the Rivonia treason trial (1963) letter from John Mendelson to David Astor regarding Nelson Mandela and his colleagues (1974).

Mendelson, John

Nelson Mandela Campaign

African National Congress leader has gone on a campaign trial in Natal ahead of the elections that begins on the 26-04-1994.

Ruth First Papers

The personal papers of Ruth First
The collection is made up of background material, correspondence and reviews concerning "No Easy Walk to Freedom" edited by Ruth First. Printed copies of Nelson Mandela’s speech at the Rivonia Trial. Drafts of sections of the book, and a typescript of Mary Benson’s statement before the UN Special Committee on Apartheid in 1964, with handwritten alterations. Correspondence, mainly between Ruth First and Heinemann Publishers, as well as clippings of newspaper reviews.
Material on political detention between 1963 and 1970, including a copy of the 1963 Detention Act, a radio script by Mary Benson entitled "Nelson Mandela and the Rivonia Trial," and notes produced by Ruth First. Press releases and conference papers concerning the Symposium on the exploitation of Blacks in South Africa and Namibia, organized by the United Nations in 1978, with observances of the 60th birthday of Nelson Mandela.
Transcripts of interviews with Robben Island political prisoners. Correspondence from friends and acquaintances, and materials from South African newspapers concerning the Rivonia Trial.

First, Ruth

Nelson Mandela

Television pictures of Nelson Mandela, the jailed South African nationalist leader, taken on the 13 February 1986.These were taken by an American camera crew at Medipark Clinic in Cape Town where Mandela was being taken for a medical check up.

Winnie Mandela

Winnie Mandela, wife of the jailed ANC leader and comments on what she stands for - Interview

Madiba -1990

RSN Class actuality- concept report by Freek Robinson on the Mandela tribute concert at Wembley in London with the actuality of Mr Nelson Mandela who attacks the Thatcher government's stand on sanctions.

RECORDBC 19900416

SABC Sound Archives

Mary Benson Papers

The personal papers of Mary Benson. The collection includes:
Nelson Mandela’s statement from the dock at the Rivonia Trial. Correspondence, reports and statements about the treatment of political prisoners in South Africa; Reports by the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) and Amnesty International. Attempts to publicise the conditions of prisoners, particularly Nelson Mandela, and information about the medical treatment of prisoners.
Papers related to Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment, collected by Benson when writing her biography of Mandela, "Nelson Mandela: the Man and the Movement."
Correspondence between Mandela and Mary Benson and between Benson and others people mainly related to Mandela and campaigns for his release from prison. Correspondents include Helen Suzman, Elinor Birley, Hilda Bernstein, Oliver Tambo, Winnie Mandela, Denis Healey and Ismail Ayob.
Typed notes on Mandela and other prisoners, as well as lists of political prisoners. News clippings concerning Mandela, mainly from British newspapers. Includes reports on the dropping of negligence charges against Mandela in 1967.

Benson, Mary

Papers of Justice ( British Section of the International Commission of Jurists)

Country files compiled by Tom Sargant arranged by country and reflecting related aspect of justice and law in the British colonies and dependent territories. Events in South Africa are covered in some depth over three decades and the most file focuses on the Rivonia trial and opponents of Apartheid. The records detail a large proportion of the ANC leadership detained, including its president , Chief Albert Luthuli, Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu as well as other opponents of Apartheid such as Helen Joseph the secretary of the South African Women's Federation. Also includes schedule of the charges faced by the defendants in the first treason trail.

Sargant, Tom

Mandela- Buthelezi Meeting

Nelson Mandela president of the ANC and chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Inkatha Freedom Party have agreed of measures to end the violence between their supporters, but they remain split on political issues. They failed to agree on election date for the country's first multiracial elections. The leaders had not met for two years 23-6-1993

Western Province Cricket Board

Nelson Mandela Inauguration

ANC leader Nelson Mandela inaugurated as the first black president of South Africa on 1--05-1994. The ceremony passed without incident despite a heavy security operation. Britain was represented by the Duke of Edinburg and foreign Sec Douglas Hurd.

South Africa: Internations Mediation Fails

Mediators Lord Carrington and Henry Kissinger today admitted defeat in their attempts to get Inkatha to take part in the forthcoming elections. Both the ANC and the government insisted that there could be no discussion of Inkatha ' s demands that the elections date be delayed. The news comes on the day that the ANC president Nelson Mandela and President De Klerk have been appearing in their one and only television debate on how parties are waging their election campaigns.

Mandela- Elections

The African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela has alleged that widespread sabotage is taking place in the current election. Polling stations in areas predominated by black voters have run out of ballot papers and voting has been extended for an extra day.

Nelson Mandela Parliament Speech

Opening session of the South African Parliament 17-02-1995. President Mandela said government money was not limitless and that care has to be taken. He warned anarchists that they would not be tolerated.

Queen attends Parliament : Meets Mandela

The Queen' s visit to South Africa since 1947. On the 21st March 1995 the Queen awarded the honorary order of Merit upon Nelson Mandela, and told the Parliament that South Africa's spirit of reconciliation was shining example to the world.

Nelson Mandela: State Visit

Nelson Mandela's arrived in Britain for a four day state visit. The visit was designed to persuade business to invest in South Africa

Edinburg: Commonwealth leaders meeting/ Lockerbie trial

Commonwealth leaders meeting / Lockerbie trial : Nelson Mandela has caused a controversy by siding with Colonel Gaddafi in the diplomatic wrangle over how to bring the Lockerbie bombers to justice. He has called for a fair trial in a neutral country for the two Libyans accuses of the attack.

Archbishop Trevor Huddleston

Trevor Huddleston collection includes correspondence on Nelson Mandela, speeches, addresses, newspaper cuttings , Free Mandela Campaigns and 1990 concert . Celebration of the Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday held at Wembley Stadium. Includes correspondence and papers relating to a service celebrating the release of Nelson Mandela (broadcast February 1990).
Audio visual collection, metering on the inauguration of Nelson Mandela. BBC program on Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa.

Huddleston, Trevor

Black Theatre Forum (BTF)

Malcolm Frederick folder includes a letter to Whoopee Goldberg and Nelson Mandela's response to Miriam Makeba regarding the Children of Africa charity event.

Bernie Grant

Bernie Grant collection documents the concerns of numerous oppressed peoples of and diverse communities the material includes an official invitation and programme to the inauguration of Nelson Mandela, footage and newspaper articles.

Grant, Bernie

Anthony Sampson

Papers of Anthony Sampson has a section on "Materials relating to Mandela: The authorised biography.'' This material comprises of research notes made by Sampson it ranges from photocopies and papers, mainly relating to Nelson Mandela’s life. The collection also has audio visual material.

Sampson, Anthony

National Archives United Kingdom

Written by Nadine Gordimer- Biographies of Rivonia Trialists ( April 1964)
Nelson Mandela speech from the dock ( scheduled for 20th April) Analysis of the Rivonia Trial (8 April 1964) Rivonia trial- Notes from Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign affairs (10 April 1964)
Nigerian government's concern for the Rivonia accused - Notes (10 April 1964)
Potential intervention by the British government-Discussions (various n.d.)
Possible intervention by German government in Rivonia trial - Note (16 April 1964)
Rivonia trial defence- Newspaper articles ( various April 1964)
Kenyan's government's anxiety about Rivonia trail- Note (n.d)
African leaders plan on demonstrations if Nelson Mandela is executed -Notes ( 7 May 1964)
Ethiopia asks for Belgium to exert pressure on South African government - Note (6 may 1964)
Nelson Mandela's speaking in Addis Ababa- exhibit R13 in the Rivonia trial
Notes on Nelson Mandela ( May 1963)
Notes on Bram Fischer's defence statement Notes ( 20 April 1964)
The likely outcome of the Rivonia trial Discussion document (n.d.)
" The Revolutionary way out"
Statement of the SACO (n.d.)
"Should the British Prime Minister send a private message to Verwoed about Rivonia?"
Correspondence ( 7 May 1964; reply on 14 May saying it would be inadvisable)
Letter enclosing Nelson Mandela's statement from the dock. Correspondence from (6 May 1964)
Van den Bergh of Boss does not expect a death sentence to be passed in the Rivonia trail
Note 20 May 1964.

Mandela: The Living Legend

This two-part documentary series stands as the definitive film biography of Nelson Mandela. Each program meticulously chronicles his powerful story through archival footage and exclusive interviews, while unprecedented access to Mandela offers an intimate look into his life today. Friends and world leaders interviewed include former President Bill Clinton, Fidel Castro, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A BBCW Production. 2-part series, 51 minutes each.

BBC Press Office