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Records of the Rivonia Trial

Incomplete set of records of the State vs. Nelson Mandela and nine others. The collection includes charge sheets, the indictment, opening address, statements, evidence, evaluation of evidence and exhibits, including photographs, bail applications, sentencing. An important section of the collection relates to preparation of the defence. Also includes a VHS video (no soundtrack) of the cells and court room where the Rivonia Trial was held. This was filmed a long time after the trial. Its reference code is AD1844, D.

Missing volumes are: Volume 21: Walter Sisulu's Evidence (vol. 2); Volume 22: Walter Sisulu's Evidence (vol. 3); Volume 23: Walter Sisulu's Evidence (vol. 4); Volume 27: Denis Goldberg's Evidence; Volume 35: Exhibit: Plan of Liliesleaf and Rivonia. Incomplete: Volume 29: Elias Motsoaledi's Statement. It is not clear why these volumes are missing.

The records in this collection are the Defence set donated originally by Joel Joffe. They are part of the archives of the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR).

Joffe, Joel

Records of Secretary-General U Thant

Includes:
-Correspondence from U Thant to Mr Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidya (Chairman of the Afro-Asian Group and permanent representative to the UN) about the arrest of Nelson Mandela by the South African government, and the response received by U Thant from the South African government that the matter essentially falls within the jurisdiction of the Republic of South Africa, and that it is not accountable to the UN, 1962.
-Statements by anti-apartheid leaders about the racial policies of the South African government, including a statement by Nelson Mandela (quoted in the South African House of Assembly by Helen Suzman), Yusuf Dadoo and Duma Nokwe, 1963.
-Notes on the forthcoming discussion on the South Africa question in the Security Council by E S Reddy, including the expectation of death sentences for Nelson Mandela and other Rivonia Trialists, and the role of the UN beyond the Rivonia Trial, 1964.
-Notes on the Rivonia Trial, and a Security Council discussion on the South African question, with references to the adoption of the resolution on South African prisoners and the Rivonia Trial, a proposal for a separate emergency draft resolution on the Rivonia Trial, possible repercussions of death sentences in the Rivonia Trial, the advantages of adopting a resolution in advance of the sentences, the possibility of death sentences for Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and at least three other accused, Mandela and Sisulu reported to be disinclined to appeal their sentences with the implication that the time available for external pressure would be limited, and the possibility of long prison terms, 1964.
-A memorandum from E S Reddy (Principal Secretary, UN Special Committee Against Apartheid) to Vladimir Suslov (Under-Secretary General for Political and Security Council Affairs), enclosing a copy of a statement made by Chief Albert Luthuli on the Rivonia Trial, to be released immediately after the sentencing of the Rivonia Trialists, 1964.
-Letter addressed to Mr. Matthys I. Botha, South African representative to the UN about the death sentences imposed on Vuyisile Mini, Zinakile Mkaba and Wilson Khayinga, and the threats of the same penalty being imposed on other political trialists, 1964.
-Press statement issued by South African Prime Minister, HF Verwoerd concerning the sentences passed in the Rivonia Trial, 1964.

U Thant

Rivonia Trial

  • ZA CL-RU MR-RT-030
  • Collection
  • 1963 - 1964
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

Purchased from Microfile, Johannesburg. Records of the State vs. Nelson Mandela and nine others. Includes indictments, addresses, evidence and other trial records. Incomplete. There is no inventory so it is unclear which trial records are missing.

Department of Justice

Records of the Foreign Office: Rivonia Trial

These records fall under: Foreign Office: Political Departments: General Correspondence; African, West and Central (J): South Africa (JS) subseries.
Includes:
-CVs of Rivonia Trialists written by Nadine Gordimer (April 1964)
-Nelson Mandela speech from the dock (scheduled for 20th April)
-Analysis (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, no date)
-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, no date)
-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 of Nelson Mandela, May 1963)
-Note on Bram Fischer's defence statement (20 April 1964)
-The likely outcome of the Rivonia Trial (discussion document, no date)
-"The Revolutionary way out" (statement of the SACO, no date)
-"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

UK Foreign Office

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Conditions for political prisoners in 1960s

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-078
  • Collection
  • 1961 - 1964
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

General strike: Report of the 3 day strike in South Africa (May 29, 30,31, 1961) by Nelson Mandela (Secretary, National Action Council of South Africa); prisoners of Apartheid a biographical list of political prisoners and banned persons in South Africa (IDAF in cooperation with UN Centre Against Apartheid); South African Prisons and the Red Cross Investigation and examination by the International Defence and Aid Fund with prisoners testimony. Includes general recommendations of the ICRC sent to the South African Government (18 June 1964), the SA government reply, conditions at Leeuwkop, Robben Island, Victor Verster, Vooruitsig Prison Kroonstad, and other prisons, Robert Sobukwe on Robben Island. Relates to Rivonia Trial in terms of conditions in prison for trialists once convicted.

Not available for inspection at time of this audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Hilda and Rusty Bernstein Papers

Rusty (Lionel) Bernstein's Papers include personal correspondence to family and comrades, professional documentation relating to his career as an architect and inventor, and a large collection of writing, including drafts and material for his political biography "Memory Against Forgetting" as well as articles, essays and literature relating to prominent events in the liberation struggle (the 1946 Mine Workers Strike, The Freedom Charter and the Rivonia Trial). The collection also includes written material relating to his political career in the Communist Party and involvement with the ANC and as editor/contributor to journals like Fighting Talk and The African Communist and a lecture series given in Moscow to young militants of the ANC. Hilda Bernstein's papers include a series of journals dating from 1967 to 2001 and personal diaries written whilst in prison, and on travels throughout South Africa and Europe. A large part of the collection marks her involvement with women's rights and work for the ANC Women's League. There is also a considerable collection of art records documenting her career in London and Europe. The bulk of the collection is comprised of records relating to Hilda's extensive writings - books, articles and political literature. Of particular prominence is material collected for her most recent book "The Rift", which captures the experiences of South African exiles. There is also a large collection of correspondence both personal and professional and political brochures relating to her position as City Councillor for the Communist Party in Johannesburg from 1943 to 1946. The records kept by Hilda (viewed as 'evidence' of Hilda's activities) far outnumber those kept by Rusty. It would be misleading to presume that this is in any way a complete archive of the Bernstein's activities.

Records directly related to the Rivonia Trial are:
D1.2 Sketches, Rivonia Trial done by Hilda on scraps of paper in black pen during the trial. There are drawings of the judge, Special Branch policemen, court scenes and the back of the heads of the accused.
F2.18 Article by Hilda: "The Rivonia Trial" (1 December 1963), 4 pages of a reflection on the trial
F2.23 Article by Hilda: "The Men Who Many Die" (8 March 1964)
F2.25 Article by Hilda: "Rivonia" Landmark in SA Liberation Struggle" (24 June 1964) detailing what happened at Rivonia
F3.36 Article by Hilda: "The Trials of Nelson Mandela" (undated)
R3.1 Article in Sechaba 1989: "Rivonia: Telling it as it was"
V2.1 Transcript of Judge's remarks when passing sentence in the trial (photocopy)
V2.2 "Rivonia: The Story of Accused No. 11" by Bob Hepple. Memoirs (manuscript) with letters from Sisulu and Joffe as appendix.

Minor references to the Rivonia Trial are:
B2.1 Diary notes where Hilda refers visiting Rusty in jail, going to court and consulting with lawyers amongst other things
I11.1.2 Letter addressed to Rusty from Hilda in Pretoria Jail. Aside from address, not reference to trial or Rivonia events.
N4 Correspondence re his inventions and other business between Rusty and Hilda while he was in prison during the Rivonia Trial
Q1 Draft Novel by Rusty written in Pretoria Local Prison during the trial in 1963/4. Content not related to Trial in any way.

Bernstein, Robert L

The State versus Nelson Mandela and Nine Others

Partial record of the State versus Nelson Mandela and nine others. Contains only State's Concluding Address: vol.1: A factual analysis of the documentary exhibits handed in and of the oral testimony given, by the state witnesses.

Department of Justice

Mandela Manuscripts

Presented to Lloyd Cutler by South Africa’s Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson in 1997. Lloyd Cutler was founding partner of the WilmerHale Law Firm and a civil rights activist in the US. They were to recognise the firm's role in the fight to end Apartheid.

Papers include transcripts of his speech at the 1963-64 Rivonia Trial, notes that Mandela made in his own handwriting both during his trial and as he sat in prison on the night before he heard the sentence on his life. These are copies of originals donated by President Mandela to Bram Fischer Library (now held at Historical Papers, University of Witwatersrand).

Untitled

Interview with Nelson Mandela

Part of Kairos collection.
Sound for film. Interview with Nelson Mandela re Rivonia trial (amongst other topics) in Dutch (?)

Untitled

UK: London: Anti-Apartheid Meeting Raises Funds For New World Campaign

Reuters programme from 28 February 1964 re "Torture in South Africa" - a meeting held in London to protest against Apartheid. Admission fees for the meeting went to new organisations "The World Campaign for the Release of South African Political Prisoners" formed after Rivonia Trial.

ITN Source represents the footage libraries of Reuters (including historic newsreel collections), ITN, ITV Productions, Fox News and Fox Movietone, Channel 9 News, UTV, Asian News International and other specialist collections.

Reuters

Joel Joffe Papers

Joel Joffe was one of the defence lawyers in the Rivonia Trial. This collection contains a copy of the book written by him on the Rivonia Trial, The Rivonia Story, accompanied by copies of documents in Nelson Mandela's handwriting. The documents include his application for remand in the Pretoria Regional Court on 15 October 1962, a typed account of his speech in the Pretoria Regional Court, first draft of his speech and notes to be used if he was sentenced to death.

Joffe, Joel

Rivonia Trial

Records of the State vs. Nelson Mandela and nine others. Microfilm, 35 mm. Originals in South African Institute of Race Relations Archive at University of Witwatersrand (see AD1844). The microfilm is identical to the set of records at Wits and is missing the same volumes. Includes charge sheets, the indictment, opening address, statements, evidence, evaluation of evidence and exhibits, bail applications, sentencing. An important section of the collection relates to preparation of the defence as this was the defence team's set of records pertaining to the trial.

Department of Justice

The State versus Nelson Mandela and Nine Others

  • ZA ASC-UNISA MR-RT-028
  • Collection
  • 1963 - 1964
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

In Special Collections section of the UNISA Library. The records of the Supreme Court of South Africa (Transvaal Provincial Division) on the proceedings of the Rivonia Trial. The collection contains: Indictment: Annexures and Opening address (1 volume); State's Concluding Address (volumes 1-4): vol.1: A factual analysis of the documentary exhibits handed in and of the oral testimony given, by the state witnesses, vol.2: The persons who were parties to the conspiracy and the implementation thereof, vol.3: n Kritiese ontleding van sekere dokumentere bewysstukke, vol.4: A factual analysis of the defence case and of the further documentary exhibits produced in the course thereof; and Judgment and Sentence (1 volume).

Department of Justice

Records of the Foreign Office: Rivonia Trial

These records fall under: Foreign Office: Political Departments: General Correspondence; African, West and Central (J): South Africa (JS) subseries.

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

It was not possible to verify the existence of these records at the time of this audit.

UK Foreign Office

Rivonia Trial Records

Contains papers relating to Rivonia Trial made available by Joel Joffe. Copies housed in the Bram Fischer Library. Originals at Historical Papers, University of Witwatersrand, A2519 Nelson Mandela Papers: Handwritten speeches and papers by Nelson Mandela for the Pretoria Regional Court Trial (1962) and the Rivonia Trial (1963-1964). The collection includes further notes by Nelson Mandela for his defence; the application for the remand of the trial; an application challenging the right of the court to try him and his preparatory notes. Rivonia Trial records are a typed copy of Mandela's statement from the dock (signed); final clause of statement from the dock (manuscript); notes that Mandela intended to use if he were sentenced to death when asked if he had anything to say (manuscript).

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Mandela Vigil St Paul's June 1964

Correspondence (June 1964) concerning the vigils held at St Paul's and outside the South African embassy in London to coincide with the sentencing of the Rivonia trialists. Correspondents includes Canon Collins, Manuela Sykes, Dorothy Robison, Archbishop of Canterbury. Campaigns by Christian Action and the Anti- Apartheid Movement. Lists of suggested contacts in connection with the vigil.

Not available for inspection at time of this audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Biographical notes on Rivonia Trialists

Part of International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers. Biographical notes on some of the people persecuted by the South African government for their opposition to the policies of apartheid, 30 May 1964. The list includes Nelson Mandela and other Rivonia trialists.

Available for inspection at time of audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Liberal Party of South Africa Collection

Special topics/memoranda: State vs. Nelson Mandela and others. Section SV6 of the trial. Contains evidence and address in mitigation of sentence where Alan Paton is examined first by Mr Hanson for the Defence and then by Dr Yutar for the State (12 June 1964). Also description of Alan Paton 's evidence and address (seems to be a typed chapter from a book).

Liberal Party

South African Police Museum and Archives Collection

The Museum contains evidence and documentation related to high profile police investigations. Rivonia Trial material is as follows:
Artefacts taken as evidence during the raid on Liliesleaf Farm:
-Three duplication machines (Roneo 750)
-Two radio transmitters
-Typewriter
Incomplete. These came to the Museum from John Vorster Square Police Station. They were then transferred back to the Police Station. When they were finally returned to the Museum, some artefacts and evidence was missing.

Archival files contain:
-One page on artefacts and their significance when transferred from John Vorster Square Police Station to the Museum in 1984.
-Labels from artefact evidence
-Pamphlets collected as evidence
-Instruction manual for duplication machine
-Press clippings from trial
-State's Concluding Address III (Afrikaans)
All 639.29-2/2A

Untitled

The Voice of Nelson Mandela

Extracts from his famous Statement from the Dock. Produced in 2001.

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Mandela Trials Papers

Photocopies of papers collected by Joel Joffe, lawyer acting for Nelson Mandela, relating to Mandela's trial in Pretoria (1962) and the Rivonia Trial (1963-1964); including Mandela's application to have the Pretoria trial postponed, October 1962; 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), November 1962; copy of the indictment in the Rivonia Trial, initial statement made by Mandela to his lawyers, giving details of his early life; notes by Mandela on his life and ANC association; copy of Mandela's statement from the dock, signed by Mandela, manuscript notes by Mandela to use if he were sentenced to death, and manuscript notes by Mandela referring to the tribal council called Imbizo.

Joffe, Joel

UK: Protest Against South African Sabotage Trial Sentence - Petition for United Nations

Reuters programme from 15 June 1964 re Mr Butler, Britain's Foreign Secretary, telling that the South African government were aware of British government's objection to the Rivonia Trial but that the matter should not be taken further while there was still a question about whether they would appeal. Also re petition to the UN calling for release of all political prisoners in South Africa.

ITN Source represents the footage libraries of Reuters (including historic newsreel collections), ITN, ITV Productions, Fox News and Fox Movietone, Channel 9 News, UTV, Asian News International and other specialist collections.

Reuters

Nelson Mandela Papers

Handwritten speeches and papers by Nelson Mandela for the Pretoria Regional Court Trial (1962) and the Rivonia Trial (1963-1964). The collection includes further notes by Nelson Mandela for his defence; the application for the remand of the trial; an application challenging the right of the court to try him and his preparatory notes. Rivonia Trial records are a typed copy of Mandela's statement from the dock (signed); final clause of statement from the dock (manuscript); notes that Mandela intended to use if he were sentenced to death when asked if he had anything to say (manuscript). There are copies of these in the Legal Resources Centre, Bram Fischer Library, Johannesburg.

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla

Records of Secretary-General U Thant

Includes:
-The General Assembly Resolution 1761 (XVII) of November 1962, requesting that the South African government abandon all arbitrary trials and release all political prisoners.
-The General Assembly Resolution A/RES/1881 (XVIII) on the policies of apartheid of the government of South Africa, with reference to reports of the upcoming Rivonia Trial, with the possibility of death sentences for a large number of prisoners, 1963.
-Notes on the question of apartheid in South Africa, including a review of recent UN proceedings that call for the release of all political prisoners, 1964.
-Security Council resolutions calling for the release of all political prisoners, 1963-1964.
-Security Council resolution S/5761, calling for the ending of the [Rivonia Trial], and the granting of amnesty to all political prisoners and detainees, particularly the defendants in the Rivonia Trial, 1964.

U Thant

Records of Secretary-General U Thant

Includes:
-UN press statement calling for the abandonment of the Rivonia Trial and the release of leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu.
-Letter from Chief Albert Luthuli, President of the African National Congress, to the UN Secretary-General, U Thant, about the South African crisis. Luthuli makes reference to the Rivonia Trial and the danger that some or all of the accused may be given the death sentence, and requests that the UN help to save the lives of the Rivonia Trialists.
-Statement by the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid, with reference to the Rivonia Trialists.
-Record of the 1128th meeting of the UN Security Council, with commentary from Mr. Hsuch, the Chinese representative, saying that the Rivonia accused are "on their way to becoming apartheid martyrs."
-International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) memorandum about relief for the victims of political persecution in South Africa, with reference to the ongoing Rivonia Trial of Mandela, Sisulu and others.

U Thant

Collectie Komitee Zuidelijk Afrika

Correspondence, memoranda, campaign materials and lists. The collection includes:
-Correspondence between the Komitee Zuidelijk Afrika and the African National Congress (ANC) London office concerning the Rivonia Trial and pressure being placed on the Dutch government to condemn the trial.
-Campaigns for the release of the Rivonia Trialists, and about 5000 political prisoners in South Africa.

Komitee Zuidelijk Afrika

Rivonia Trial

Records of the State versus Nelson Mandela and nine others. Contains: the first and second indictments, bail applications, opening address, index to state witnesses and exhibits. The records of state witnesses are: general, from East London and from Port Elizabeth. Also contains the opening address of the defence, Mandela's statement from the dock, the argument by the state, analysis of defence evidence, the judgement, evidence in mitigation of sentencing and judgement on sentence.

Department of Justice

Records of the Foreign Office: Rivonia Trial

These records fall under: Foreign Office: Political Departments: General Correspondence; African, West and Central (J): South Africa (JS) subseries.

Includes:
Kantor has said the Nelson Mandela will be convicted and sentenced (internal note, 29 May 1964)

UK Foreign Office

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Release of RivoniaTrialists

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-076
  • Collection
  • 1962 - 1964
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

Pamphlets (international) calling for the release of the Rivonia trialists; campaigns to save lives of the Rivonia Trialists by Anti Apartheid Movement; original letter dated 5/11/1962 from Nelson Mandela to Canon Collins, acknowledging support received from Christian Action. Also records related to 1962 trial of Mandela.

Not available for inspection at time of this audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Rivonia Trial, South Africa, 1963-4: Nelson Mandela Dictabelt Dubbings

Dubbings of seven dictabelts loaned by the National Archives of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, of court recordings made at the Court of Justice in Pretoria on 20 April 1964. The blue 'dictabelts' are a type of audio recording, developed by the Dictaphone company, which was mainly used in offices between the 1940s and the 1960s. The short broad plastic belts were capable of being flattened and posted but could not be wiped and reused. It appears that the whole Rivonia Trial was recorded on dictabelts in line with normal court procedure at the time. These dubbings comprise only the opening of the defence case by Defence Counsel Bram Fischer, followed by interjections from Justice Quartus de Wet and Prosecutor Percy Yutar, then a three-hour speech by Accused Number One (Nelson Mandela). Extracts from the recordings have been published by SABC entitled 'The voice of Nelson Mandela: extracts from famous speeches', SABC/EMI, 2002 (EMI 724353736521; NSA shelfmark 1CD0189137).

Transcripts available.

Untitled

Rivonia Trial

Partial record of the State versus Nelson Mandela and nine others. Bound volumes. Provenance unknown. Contains: State's Concluding Address (volumes 1-4): vol.1: A factual analysis of the documentary exhibits handed in and of the oral testimony given, by the state witnesses, vol.2: The persons who were parties to the conspiracy and the implementation thereof, vol.3: n Kritiese ontleding van sekere dokumentere bewysstukke, vol.4: A factual analysis of the defence case and of the further documentary exhibits produced in the course thereof; and Judgement and Sentence (1 volume).

Department of Justice

Prosecution Records

  • ZA NARSSA MR-RT-005
  • Collection
  • 1963 - 1964
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

These records were donated by the Oppenheimer Family to the National Archives in 2008 from the Brenthurst Library in Johannesburg. The Oppenheimers acquired them from Dr Percy Yutar, the prosecutor in the trial.

They are not a complete record. Some witness testimony, and cross-examination are missing. See linked list for more details.

Included in the records are the indictment, opening address, statements, evidence by witnesses for the State and for the accused, evaluation of evidence of the trial, judgment and sentence, photographs, the diary Mandela kept when he left South Africa secretly at the beginning of 1962 to undergo military training and to garner support for the banned ANC. Also included is Mandela's statement from the dock. A significant component of the material is the working papers of the prosecution that were used to build up the State's case against the Rivonia Trialists. There are also photocopies and microfilm copies.

There are also prosecution records from the Yutars in the personal collection of Douw Steyn and at Liliesleaf Farm.

Yutar, Percy

Records of the Foreign Office: Export of Arms to South Africa: Internal Security Operations: Rivonia Sabotage Trial of ANC Leaders

These records fall under: Foreign Office: Political Departments: General Correspondence; Africa, West and Central (J): South Africa (JS) subseries.

Contains:
-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)
-Newspaper articles on the Rivonia trial (November and December 1963)
-Note from Mitford to the British Consulate General requesting that political trials that might seriously impact the Rivonia Trial to be closely monitored (5 December 1963)
-Visit by John Arnold Q.C. a leading conservative barrister in London (includes a summary of proceedings, 13 December 1963)
-Arrest, assault and torture of Isaac Tlale 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 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 (16 December 1963)
-Nelson Mandela's life sentence: reactions (1963)
-Foreign reaction to the Rivonia trial judgment and sentences
-Statement in parliament by H.F. Verwoerd (16 June 1964)
-Rivonia trial judgment (correspondence and press cuttings)
-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 Rivonia (speech 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)
-Death sentence in Rivonia trial "unlikely" (note, 4 June 1964)
-Upcoming judgement 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 (America will also abstain) (note, 10 June 1964)
-Verdicts in 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 Trial sentences until the defence has lodged an appeal (note, 14 June 1964)
-Unsigned copy of the Rivonia trial judgement (15 June 1964)

UK Foreign Office

Rivonia Trial: Quartus De Wet/Bram Fischer/Dr Percy Yutar

SABC English Service broadcast. Recordings of the proceedings during the Rivonia Trial. Includes recordings of Judge President Quartus De Wet, the prosecutor Dr Percy Yutar and counsel for the defence Bram Fischer. Mandela appears as Accused number 1. Dated 3 December 1963.

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Records of ANC Morogoro Office

Four publications relate to the Rivonia Trial:
-On Trial for Their Lives, Mary Benson, 1965
-Reasons for Plunging South Africa into Guerrilla Warfare, Walter Sisulu, 1964
-On Violence in South Africa, Ahmed Kathrada, 1964
(all Box 18, folder 167)
-An Afrikaner against Apartheid, Bram Fischer, 1966 (Box 8, folder 69)

African National Congress (ANC) Morogoro Office

Records of the Foreign Office: Export of Arms to South Africa: Internal Security Operations: Rivonia Sabotage Trial of ANC Leaders

These records fall under: Foreign Office: Political Departments: General Correspondence; Africa, West and Central (J): South Africa (JS) subseries.

Contains records on Rivonia Sabotage Trial of ANC leaders, including:
-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 (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 newspaper 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)

UK Foreign Office

Tanganyika Standard

Articles on South Africa in Tanzanian daily newspaper, 1963. Include the following related to the Rivonia Trial:
-Four escape S.A. police
-Escape trio on way
-Cell guards coshed in escape - police: SA. Exits watched
-Mystery fire at airport delays Goldreich's arrival in Dar
-Escapers due in second freedom flight
-Airline doubts over safety: EAA recalls rescue plane: flight to Mbeya
-Goldreich and Wolpe fly out: Stops in Federal territory avoided
-ANC fearful of another kidnap plot
-Goldreich and Wolpe "evil traitors"

Tanganyika Standard

National Intelligence Agency Archive

Inventory accessed contains one manuscript (bound photocopy in three parts) in Nelson Mandela's handwriting: "How to be a Good Communist; Dialectical Materialism; Political Economy". Preceding the manuscript are two pages from Mandela's Statement from the Dock (pages 45 and 46) and a photocopy of a sub-file indicating what the manuscript is about and that is was seizd at Rivonia.

There may be other records related to the Rivonia Trial in this archive

Untitled

Harold and Annemarie Wolpe Papers

Donated by Annemarie Wolpe.
-Mostly newscuttings scrapbooks, albums and folders re Harold Wolpe's escape, Annemarie's arrest, Kantor's arrest and refused bail application, family reaction to arrests, Kantor's acquittal etc. Also cuttings re Rivonia Trial generally.
-Documents including escape story, pamphlets, articles, manuscript of Annemarie's book "The Long Way Home", documents re the Wolpe's becoming citizens of the UK, Harold Wolpe's academic papers, Annemarie Wolpe's prison file.

These papers do not necessarily form a collection discrete from other Liliesleaf Farm collections but have been listed as such for ease of reference. Also see entries for James Kantor Papers, Liliesleaf Farm Audio-Visual Collection, Liliesleaf Farm Artefact Collection, Liliesleaf Farm/Rivonia Trial Research Collection, Percy Yutar Papers.

Untitled

Toni Strassburg Papers

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-064
  • Collection
  • 1950 - 1960
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

One folder of press cuttings on Treason Trial, bannings and arrests, and Rivonia Trial. Rivonia Trial reports in New York Times and South African newspapers. Also article on Bernstein escape after rearrest after acquittal and escape of Wolpe and Goldreich.

Strassburg, Toni

Africana Collection

The Library collection of roughly 200,000 books, pamphlets, maps and microform units covers all areas and disciplines. There is an emphasis on the socio-economic development and history of sub-Saharan Africa, with special emphases (reflecting faculty interests) on Ethiopia/Eritrea, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Sahel region of West Africa, and Nigeria (especially the Eastern Region).

Materials related to the Rivonia Trial include:
- A number of video recordings relating to the life story of Nelson Mandela and thus mentioning the Rivonia Trial in the Audio-Visual Materials on Africa
-Microform and photocopies of Kathrada Collection (originals at UWC-Robben Island Mayibuye Centre) in Special Collections. Over 100 fiche in 13 boxes. DT1949.K38A4 1996; also on film: SPEC COLL RARE BOOKS XX 27823 Microfilm. Guide (1995) available at DT1949.K38S35 1995
-The Voice of Nelson Mandela (SABC, 1999), which includes extracts from the Statement from the Dock. In general library holdings (MSU DIGITAL/MEDIA AUDIODISC, 4 WEST - PT1974 .M36 1999 Audio disc)

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James Kantor Papers

There are legal documents relating to the Rivonia Trial and to Kantor's law firm, personal papers, correspondence and notes from prison, and research and manuscripts for his book. The papers are not fully sorted or listed but some are in numbered folders. They do not necessarily form a collection discrete from other Liliesleaf Farm collections but have been listed as such for ease of reference. Also see entries for Harold and Annemarie Wolpe Papers, Liliesleaf Farm Audio-Visual Collection, Liliesleaf Farm Artefact Collection, Liliesleaf Farm/Rivonia Trial Research Collection.

Legal papers from the Trial include cross examination of Makda in the Rivonia Trial, charges, request by defence for further particulars, replies to request for further particulars by accused #9 and 10, motion to quash the indictment (with ms notes) 26 October 1963, bail application for Kantor and Yutar's reply, Annexure A to the indictment, Annexure B to the indictment, extract of evidence of Kantor. Also Yutar's reply to application to quash, bail application for Kantor and for Bernstein, judgment on bail application (p.1-90 and p.140-144 missing), comments on the evidence by Sergeant C D van Rensburg and Lieutenant Victor, statements by Berman, Fine, Greef, Tlale, Van Niekerk, Williams.

Financial statements from Kantor, Zwarenstein and Partners Law Firm. Payments shown by Kathrada, Wolpe, Hodgson, Ezra. Shows deposit for Liliesleaf Farm. Also other legal documents including transfer of Liliesleaf Farm in November 1961 from D B Fyfe to Novian Pty Limited. Also, a copy of letter from Kantor to staff at his law firm that he had to close it due to the Trial

Personal documents of James Kantor: passport, Defence Force Card, handwritten statement entitled "Details of my trip to Liliesleaf Farm" (5 pages with diagram of farm), personal history and career summary, correspondence (including from prison while being tried), will and other personal papers. Handwritten biographies of Trialists apparently written for Kantor while they were in prison during the trial (laminated), notes written in prison during the trial some on scraps of a chocolate box. One note reads: "Welcome! If that's the right word. What the hell are you doing here? You should be out defending us. Here's a pencil. Guard it with your life. It's worth its weight in gold"

Original typed manuscript for book "A Healthy Grave", various versions of this book some with manuscript additions sometimes called "The Reluctant Revolutionary", research for the book.

Articles: "Introduction to demolition and theory of explosives", newspaper clippings about Wolpe and Goldreich's escape.

These papers do not necessarily form a collection discrete from other Liliesleaf Farm collections but have been listed as such for ease of reference. Also see entries for Harold and Annemarie Wolpe Papers, Liliesleaf Farm Audio-Visual Collection, Liliesleaf Farm Artefact Collection, Liliesleaf Farm/Rivonia Trial Research Collection, Percy Yutar Papers.

British Library Newspaper Collection

Collections includes all UK national daily and Sunday newspapers from 1801 to the present, most UK and Irish regional and local newspapers, selected newspapers from around the world in European languages, a range of UK and Irish popular periodicals, mostly published weekly and fortnightly.

These would include coverage of the Rivonia Trial.

British Library

South African Newspaper Collection

Collection of South African newspapers. Focus is newspapers from Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounds. Collection includes coverage of the transfer of Mandela to Pretoria before the Trail, the arrests, Rivonia Trial, sentencing etc. Request relevant dates or publications. Newspapers which covered the trial extensively include Sunday Times, Pretoria News, Rand Daily Mail, Die Vaderland etc.

National Library of South Africa

South African Newspaper Collection

Collection of South African newspapers. More comprehensive than collection in Pretoria branch. Request relevant dates or publications to find coverage on Rivonia Trail.

National Library of South Africa

Liliesleaf Farm Artefact Collection

Artefacts and fragments from archaeological dig conducted at Liliesleaf Farm; artefacts in exhibits in the Museum; Hinterland truck used to smuggle arms into South Africa in 1980s and documentation on it; Awaiting Trial card from 1963 and notes passed between accused and lawyers during the Trial. For example, "Jimmy Kantor, Jolly Good Work. Denis"

These artefacts do not necessarily form a collection discrete from other Liliesleaf Farm collections but have been listed as such for ease of reference. Also see entries for Harold and Annemarie Wolpe Papers, Liliesleaf Farm Audio-Visual Collection, James Kantor Papers, Liliesleaf Farm/Rivonia Trial Research Collection, Percy Yutar Papers.

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Records of ANC Australia Mission

Audiocassettes of Govan Mbeki, Paul Murphy and Nelson Mandela (date unclear).

Also videos that make reference to Rivonia Trial:
-Generations of Resistance
-I Shall Never Lose Hope - interview with Winnie Mandela
-Spear of the Nation - a history of the ANC

African National Congress (ANC) Australia Mission

Rivonia Trial

  • MR-RT
  • Record Group
The Rivonia Trial, arguably the most significant political trial in South African history, generated a vast archive, ranging from the official court records to media coverage of the trial. This database, and the records audit on which it is built, constitutes a first step towards documenting the archive. The need for the database was determined by the fragmentary and scattered nature of the archive.

Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: The Rivonia Story

Includes typed manuscripts of "The Rivonia Story", two other manuscripts and photocopy of manuscript entitled "The State vs. Nelson Mandela and nine others", copy of the indictment signed by Nelson Mandela, statement from the dock with notes (looks like for a book?) and, notes on 1962 trial. Note on folder: " Barry I thought you should have these photocopies for your records. Nice to talk to you again. Joel 6/12"

Available for inspection at time of audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Liliesleaf Farm Audio-Visual Collection

VHS, Betacams, DVDs, audio cassettes, CDs. Interviews with various people including Arthur, Hazel and Paul Goldreich, Caroline Motsoaledi, Vivian Ezra (re purchase of Liliesleaf Farm), Bob Hepple, Annemarie Wolpe, Raymond Mhlaba, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg. Transcripts available for some interviews. Also two reels of tape from Arthur Goldreich. It is not clear what it contains.

Various photographs of James Kantor and family, aerial photographs of Liliesleaf Farm in 1950s and 1960s

Newspaper clippings of the Rivonia Trial, photocopies of Rand Daily Mail coverage at the time of the arrests in 1963.

These records do not necessarily form a collection discrete from other Liliesleaf Farm collections but have been listed as such for ease of reference. Also see entries for Harold and Annemarie Wolpe Papers, James Kantor Papers, Liliesleaf Farm Artefact Collection, Liliesleaf Farm/Rivonia Trial Research Collection, Percy Yutar Papers.

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International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Rivonia Trial

Correspondence, finances, statements (1964). Charges against thirteen in Supreme Court (July 1963), Walter Sisulu'a statement (48 typed pages), Rivonia records (extra set).

Not available for inspection at time of this audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Magnus Gunther Collection

Collection contains research for book he intended to write on the National Committee for Liberation (NCL)/African Resistance Movement (ARM). The book was not completed before his death. Four items in the collection relate to the Rivonia Trial:
PC170/7/3/3/3: Copy of interview with Bob Hepple by Lt. Swanepoel, Lt. van Wyk and D/Seargent van Zyl at the Grays, Johannesburg (9-8-63). Hepplie furnished information to these three on three conditions: 1. Information would not be used against him in any prosecution; 2. He would not be used as a State Witness; 3. He would be protected from disclosure as a source of information.
PC170/7/3/3/4: Copy of notes on Bob Hepple (in Afrikaans)
PC170/7/3/2/14: Copy of interview with Denis Goldberg by Howard Barrell, London, 7 February 1990
PC170/7/3/2/16: Copy from National Archives of a classified telegram (now declassified)) from Department of State Control no. 14548. Summary of information on Denis Goldberg, 19 May 1964

Gunther, Magnus

Freedom Park Oral History Collection

Freedom Park has conducted oral history interviews with many veterans of the struggle for freedom in South Africa, including with the remaining veterans of the Rivonia Trial. Transcription in progress.

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Bob Hepple Papers

An article on the Rivonia Trial written by Bob Hepple, including notes on his arrest, solitary confinement interrogation and escape.

Hepple, Bob

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Bram Fischer

-File on Bram Fischer. It is unclear whether this file has to do with Bram Fischer's involvement in the Rivonia Trial or his own subsequent trial.

Not available for inspection at time of this audit

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Africana Video Collection

A number of video recordings relating to the life story of Nelson Mandela and thus mentioning the Rivonia Trial. Including:
-Mandela (968 M271Zma), vhs, 135 minutes; c1987; directed by Philip Saville. Contains a dramatic reenactment of his unjust trial for treason, lengthy imprisonment.
-Mandela: The First Accused (968 M271Zmandl), vhs, 109 minutes; 1999; director, Clifford Bestall; producers, Indra de Lanerolle, David Fanning.

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Interviews: Denis Goldberg

Interviews with Denis Goldberg on his life. Also interview with George Bizos on Goldberg's role and involvement in the Rivonia Trial. Forms part of individual's research. Transcription in process.

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Ahmed Kathrada Interviews with Nelson Mandela

These recordings were generated in the preparation and editing of the "Long Walk to Freedom" book and Anthony Sampson's authorised biography. In both of these projects, Ahmed Kathrada worked closely with Sampson and Stengel (who provided professional support for "Long Walk to Freedom") and Mandela. Transcription and digitisation is in process.

One transcribed extract (extract 5) relates to the Rivonia Trial as Mandela tells Kathrada about a conversation he had with a warder at Pretoria Local Prison during the trial about the fate of the accused.

There may be references to the Rivonia Trial in other recordings and in NMPP2009/57 Rick Stengel Interviews with Nelson Mandela.

Kathrada, Ahmed Mohamed (Kathy)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Prisons

Correspondence, affidavits, reports and statements on treatment of prisoners in 1960s in South Africa and documentation concerning the World Campaign for the Release of South African Political Prisoners. Of particular relevance to the Rivonia Trial is a typed and signed original affidavit by Bob Hepple (5 November1965) concerning the abuse and torture of African prisoners at Pretoria Local Prison as witnessed by himself in 1963 (in file 2). Also, includes Kurt Danziger and R C Albino's typed statement: The Effects of Isolation and Solitary Confinement. The Defence was going to call these two psychology professors (Dr Danziger from UCT and Dr Albino from Natal) as expert witnesses to discredit the State's use of witnesses who had been held in solitary confinement prior to testifying. The judge did not allow them to testify. The statement has some handwritten corrections on it and is marked "For Mr Berrange's (?) attention"

Available for inspection at time of audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

African Writers' Club: BBC Africa Services Collection

Talk about the struggle of black people of South Africa living under apartheid. The speaker talks about the role of the African National Congress (ANC) in the fight for freedom. The names of many freedom fighters are listed. There is also a detailed discussion about the 'Rivonia Treason Trial'.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

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