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Archival description
South Africa Rivonia Trial (State v. Nelson Mandela and Others)
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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

South African Institute of Race Relations

South African Institute of race Relations press clippings 1928 (1940-1970)-1985 the collection has material on the ANC, treason trial, and Rivonia trial. Correspondence with Mandela Family between 1954- 1962; 1964- 1984

South African Institute of Race Relations

Bernstein Hilda and Rusty Papers 1931-2006

Rusty Bernstein's Papers includes 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.
On the contrary, there are large gaps. For example, there is very little in the collection relating directly to the Freedom Charter, in which Rusty played a major part in the organizing committee and was responsible for drafting the country-wide submissions that would become the Charter. Consideration should also be made for the possibility that Hilda is a more conscientious record keeper than Rusty was, or that due to persistent banning and arrest Rusty was forced to destroy evidence of his activities or resist the documentation of these activities. In truth, the reasons for the shape of this collection are too numerous and extensive to state. As it stands, the researcher can at best make this deduction - that Hilda's work and influence in the liberation struggle, particularly in the role assigned to woman, is vast and unique, and deserves attention beyond the shadow cast by Rusty's political career. In Hilda's case it is a matter of the biography that has yet to be written.

Hilda and Rusty Bernstein Papers

Brian Bunting Collection

Correspondence, pamphlets, newsletters, publications and press statements concerning the following:
The Rivonia Trial, including a summarized version of Nelson Mandela’s defence statement at the trial and the script of a radio broadcast on the Rivonia Trial (36 min.) (1964 - 1975). The World Campaign for the Release of South African Political Prisoners, and a summary of support for the campaign (1964). The persecution of Winnie Mandela (1971). Political prisoners in South Africa (1975). The Treason Trial, including schedules C and D of the indictment, a list of the accused and their association with certain speeches, gatherings and publications (1956 - 1961). Biographical profiles of Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mhlaba, Dennis Goldberg, Walter Sisulu, Lionel Bernstein, Elias Motsoaledi and Ahmed Kathrada. Appeals for the release of Nelson Mandela including an appeal to the people of South Africa smuggled out from Robben Island, with an introduction from Oliver Tambo (1980). A copy of the international declaration for the release of Nelson Mandela, initiated by Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, as well as a list of signatories to the declaration (1981). The Sunday Post campaign for Nelson Mandela’s release(1980 - 1981). United Nations notes on the Release Mandela Campaign, a statement by Chief Albert Luthuli on the sentencing of the Rivonia Trialists (1964), extracts from an address by H.E. Mr. B Akporode Clark to non-governmental organisations at UN headquarters (1980), biographical profiles on Nelson Mandela, and the Free South African Political Prisoners Campaign (1980). A survey of events and actions in honour of and for the release of Nelson Mandela, prepared by the British Anti-Apartheid Movement, October 1984. Observances of Nelson Mandela’s 60th birthday (1978).
The collection also consists of bound volumes of Spark, Guardian and New Age newspapers, for which Brian Bunting served as editor. They include newspaper reports on Nelson Mandela’s 1962 Africa trip showing photographs of Nelson Mandela together with Oliver Tambo in Algeria, Nelson Mandela’s tour of Algerian army camps and headquarters together with Robert Resha, Nelson Mandela meeting with Tunisian government representatives, and Nelson Mandela together with Colonel Tadenesse Biru in Ethiopia.

Bunting, Brian Percy

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

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers

Pamphlets calling for the release of the Rivonia Trialists (international)
Campaigns to save lives of the Rivonia Trialists- Anti Apartheid Movement
Original letter dated 5/11/1962 from Nelson Mandela to Canon Collins, acknowledging support
received from Christian Action. News clippings and campaign material re: Mandela's 5 year prison sentence. Nelson Mandela's testimony at his first trial, 1962 in which he talks extensively about his African trip. Copies and pamphlets calling for 3 day strike in 1961. Newsclippings from Observer, November 1962 re: Nelson Mandela's sentencing to 5 years in prison.
State versus Nelson Mandela 1962: main count particulars to the charge, list of publications,
documents and pamphlets presented as evidence, 1st alternative charge, 2nd alternative charge. Letter to the chief magistrate 16 October 1962 from Kantor Zwarenstein and partners re: conduct
by members of staff concerning State versus Nelson Mandela trial. Correspondence between Harold Wolpe and Canon Collins, October 1962 Correspondence with Canon Collins re: account in the Mandela trial. Correspondence include Ruth Finkelstein, Alex Hepple
Correspondence concerning the trial (Harold Wolpe)
Application for a remand of the trial for two weeks due to Adv. Slovo not being able to present because of his banning orders, 1962
Explanation of charge against Mandela
Extracts from Canon Collins chairperson's report at the AGM of Christian Action, November 1962, where he talks the betrayal of Nelson Mandela the remarkable Black Pimpernel Letters to the editor of the Times, London and the Guardian 1962 concerning the imprisonment of
Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu
Press statement issued by the Anti- Apartheid Movement August 1962 calling for messages of
support to be sent to Nelson Mandela.
Pamphlet with Mandela's call for a three day stay away, on behalf of the National Action Council
Draft biographical sketch of Nelson Mandela
All in African National Action Council- appeal to the people of South West Africa, written by Mandela
on behalf of NAC.
As above: appeal to students and scholars
As above: to members of the Transkei Territorial Authority

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Joel Joffe

A copy of the book written by Joel Joffe, 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, and a typed account of his speech in the Pretoria Regional Court.

Joffe, Joel

Nelson Mandela

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. Application for the remand of the trial. Application challenging the right of the court to try him and his preparatory notes. Notes written by Nelson Mandela and intended to use if sentenced to death.

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla

Oliver Tambo Papers

The personal papers of Oliver Tambo. The collection includes:
News clippings from South African and international newspapers concerning the arrest of Nelson Mandela in 1962, his court appearances, and calls for his release from prison (1962 -1988). Correspondence concerning the PAFMECSA conference held in Ethiopia addressed to all member governments, a letter from the ANC London office concerning the arrests of Mandela and Walter Sisulu, and a cable from the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs to Tambo re: Mandela’s arrest (1962). News clippings in the build up to and aftermath of Mandela’s release from prison (1990 - 1991). News clippings, programmes and itineraries concerning Mandela’s visits to the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, India, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Geneva, Botswana and other countries (1990 - 1991).
Reports on campaigns for the release of political prisoners, including reports from Robben Island, and on Lord Nicholas Bethel's meeting with Mandela. Also includes a 1970 report by Mandela about prison conditions on Robben Island (1970 - 1989). Correspondence from Mandela, written from Pollsmoor Prison, to Oliver Tambo and a number of other individuals. Original letters to Tambo, as well as transcripts of letters written to Nthato Motlana, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Sheila Weinberg and Desmond Tutu, amongst others. Also included is a letter of thanks to Mrs. Bhalla of the Indian Council for the 1979 Jawaharlal Nehru Award and a letter of sympathy on the death of Seretse Khama (1978 - 1989). Media reports concerning Mandela, including cables. Includes reports by Radio RSA, internal media monitoring, an African National Congress (ANC) statement on Mandela’s health, and of a visit to Mandela by Robert Brown (1985 - 1990). Correspondence, reports and messages concerning international support for Mandela’s release from prison. Subjects covered include tributes on his 60th and 70th birthdays, and awards and honours conferred on Mandela, particularly through the work of the British Anti-Apartheid Movement (1984).
Statements and correspondence concerning the assassination of Chris Hani (1993). Video recordings of various events before and after Mandela’s release from prison. These include the 1990 Free Mandela Concert at Wembley Stadium and Mandela’s 1990 visit to Lusaka (1988 - 1990).
Correspondence, lists and statements by Oliver Tambo concerning awards and honours conferred on Mandela. These include honorary degrees, Freedom of the City awards, artistic attributes and facilities named after Mandela. The correspondence is primarily between Oliver Tambo and heads of / representatives of awarding countries and institutions. The awards include the Simon Bolivar Prize, the naming of a road in Mandela’s honour in Botswana, and awards conferred by the Sandinista National Liberation Front of Nicaragua, the Jamaican Human Rights Organisation, the University of Carabobo of Venezuela, and the Karl Marx University of the German Democratic Republic (1983 - 1990). Correspondence and statements concerning international calls for, and, Mandela’s release from prison. These include correspondence about a resolution passed by the African Symposium on African Orality in Nigeria, and a statement by the president of the Republic of Senegal after Mandela’s release. Other correspondents include Senator Michael J Williams of Trinidad and Tobago, OJ Masire of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), and the Communist Party of Sweden (1989 - 1990). Correspondence from Tambo to Mandela and to the Mandela family (1991 - 1992).

Speeches delivered in Mandela’s honour.
Drafts of plays and books written about Nelson Mandela, the drafts include No Easy Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela and the Rivonia Trial and What is to be done’.
Published and unpublished statements and speeches of Mandela, 1962 - 1991.
Correspondence and memoranda relating to the Nelson Mandela National Reception Committee (1989 - 1990).
Biographical

Tambo, Oliver Reginald

Records of the Rivonia Trial

Incomplete set of records of the state vs. Nelson Mandela and nine others. The collection includes the indictment, opening address, statements, evidence, evaluation of evidence and exhibits including photographs. An important section of the collection relates to preparations of the defence. As well as Nelson Mandela, the accused include Dennis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mhlaba, James Kantor and Elias Motsoaledi.

The Nationalist (Tanzanian newspaper)

1964, Race war in S.A. imminent
S Africa accuses UThant of partiality. Churches urged to act on South Africa. Widespread police raids follow Job bombing. ANC praises Mwalimu's stand on South Africa. Freedom leader asks for S.A. action including the release of Nelson Mandela, South African issue, South African police resume raids on Cape Town Homes increased prison repression on political prisoners. We regret to announce their deaths, Vuyisile Mini, Wilson Khayingo, Zinakile Mkaba ( Dulcie et decorum) Hanged in Pretoria.

Nationalist

Criminal Court Case No. 253/1963 (State Versus N Mandela and Others)

Records of the Rivonia trial, State versus Nelson Mandela and nine others. The accused are Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Dennis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Lionel Bernstein, Raymond Mhlaba, James Kantor, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni.
The collection includes the indictment, opening address, statements and evidence by witnesses for the State and for the accused. Evaluation of evidence, exhibits including photographs. An important component of the collection includes material confiscated at Lilliesleaf farm in Rivonia, such as Mandela's 1962 diary and other documents in his handwriting, most of them relating to armed struggle. It also includes Mandela's statement from the dock, and the State's concluding address.
A significant part of the collection includes materials used to build up the State's case against the Rivonia Trialists.

The Tanganyika Standard (Daily Newspaper in Tanzania )

Newspaper articles on South Africa 1963
Hard bargaining between western powers and South African States: Arms embargo on South Africa. Liberation a burden for all Africa, More arms support arms embargo to South Africa, End trading with South Africa Nyerere, South Africa urged to heed U.N. and strive for racial harmony: Uthant attacks apartheid, S.A. on brink of disaster, Four escape S.A. police, Escape trio on way, Cell guards coshed in escape - police: SA. Exits watched, Expel S. Africa call to U.N.: Arms blockade suggested, 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, Beware of the avalanche South Africa told. The Hodgsons in Tanganyika and fighting on, Goldreich and Wolpe "evil traitors, Scandinavians give Verwoed a chance: Find alternative to apartheid. Daily Newspaper in Tanzania on South Africa.

Tanganyika Standard

PACSA Collection

PC 11/1/7/1
Rivonia Treason Trial 1963 - Biographies of the accused including Nelson R. Mandela

Norwegian Action Against Apartheid

Correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, pamphlets, reports, publications and other campaign materials concerning:
The World Campaign for the Release of South African Political Prisoners (1964 - 1967). The Rivonia Trial, and a call to save South Africa's resistance leaders, including Nelson Mandela, from the death penalty. Nelson Mandela's statement from the dock at the Rivonia Trial, translated into Norwegian.
Amnesty International reports on prison conditions in South Africa (1965).

Norwegian Action Against Apartheid

Govan Mbeki Papers

The personal papers of Govan Mbeki, including:
Part one of the State’s concluding address at the Rivonia Trial. A memorandum concerning prison conditions on Robben Island. Nelson Mandela’s 1996 address to the British parliament. Supreme court: Govan Mbeki and Nelson Mandela
Mandela visit to Tanzania 1990

Mbeki, Govan Archibald Mvuyelwa

The Treason Trial and other Trials

Rivonia Trial. The State versus Nelson Mandela and nine others, in the Supreme Court of South Africa Transvaal Provincial Division. The collection includes the Indictment; Annexure and Opening address; State's Concluding Address (part 1 to 4); and Judgment and Sentence.

Supreme Court of South Africa

Files of United Nations Secretary-General, U Thant

Files of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, U Thant, include:
Text of a statement by Achkar Marot, the representative of Guinea, to the UN, refers to Nelson Mandela's imprisonment on Robben Island. Response by the South African government to two articles published in the "UN Monthly Chronicle," which discusses the South African government's position on the Rivonia Trial, including Nelson Mandela's statement from the dock. The conclusion and recommendations of the International Seminar on Apartheid, Racial Discrimination and Colonialism in Southern Africa held in Kitwe, Zambia (1967). The conference recommended special campaigns around the incarceration of outstanding leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Robert Sobukwe and Bram Fischer.

U Thant

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers

Correspondence, minutes of meetings, media strategies, pamphlets, newsletters, statements and news-clippings concerning: Nelson Mandela’s 60th birthday, The Nelson Mandela International Reception committee convened by Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, Political imprisonment in South Africa, Helen Suzman’s visit to Mandela (1983) Legal action by Mandela against the Minister of Prisons (1981) Legal work undertaken on behalf of the Mandela family. The Rivonia Trial. Honours conferred on Nelson Mandela. Correspondents include Ismail Ayob, Helen Suzman, and the law firm Frank, Bernadt and Joffe.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

African National Congress India Mission Records

Records of the African National Congress Indian Mission.
The collection includes:
Personal letters of support for Nelson Mandela from Indian schoolchildren, diplomats, clubs and organizations. Conference proceedings and resolutions relating to Mandela’s imprisonment and release, and the full text of Mandela’s address in Cape Town on the day of his release from prison. Correspondence, addresses and proceedings concerning awards conferred on Mandela. These include lists of awards, declarations and medals conferred on Mandela by organisations in India and elsewhere. Correspondence, texts of speeches, poetry and photographs concerning Mandela’s visit to India in October 1990.
Photographic albums created as tributes to Mandela by the Bluebells School in New Delhi, by the government of West Bengal to commemorate Mandela’s visit in 1990, and photographs of news clippings of the Treason and Rivonia Trials.
- Letters written to Nelson Mandela
- Awards presented to Nelson Mandela

African National Congress (ANC) India Mission

Episcopal Church People for Southern Africa

Collection of materials including:
News clippings on the situation in South Africa in 1991 regarding, among others, ANC National working committee nominations, reports of spies within the ANC. Discussion document on structures and principles of a constitution for a Democratic South Africa. Press statements by the ANC. Statements by Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo during an ANC national conference held between second and 7th July 1991 in Durban, South Africa. ANC resolutions on various issues including strategy and tactics, building the ANC, violence, negotiations, and foreign policy. Correspondence with Jennifer Davis of the Africa Fund.

Episcopal Church People for Southern Africa

Hepple, Bob Prof

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

Hepple, Bob