The programmes and documents in this collection illustrate what life was like for ordinary South Africans under Apartheid, as well as documenting key political moments.
Items related directly to the Rivonia Trial: -BBC Television programme: Panorama: Race Problems Around the World. The documentary deals with the growth of racial tension in the Britain and the USA as Mandela is imprisoned for life. This programme was first broadcast on 15 June 1964. 50 minutes, 25 seconds in length. Contains a report by Robin Day from Pretoria where Mandela and others have been sentenced in the Rivonia Trial. Includes interviews with those who condemn the trial and sentencing: Helen Suzman, Alan Paton, Winnie Mandela. -Letter from a cameraman about "Panorama" programme (28 June 19964). This letter was sent by Ernest Christie to the series producer David Wheeler on South African press reaction to Robin Day's segment in the "Panorama: Race Problems Around the World" which he had filmed.
The Mandela Materials Database is a guide to the Mandela archive located with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and Dialogue and elsewhere. Both local and international repositories have been surveyed for any material on Mr Mandela to include in the database. The purpose of this database is to point researchers to the relevant repositories holding the actual archival material. Although much of the material identified in the database does not relate directly to the Rivonia Trial, it has been referenced here as Mandela was one of the main protagonists in the Rivonia Trial. Any material directly related to the Rivonia Trial as been cross-referenced in this database.
Contains: -Books and other published material related to Rivonia Trial including "Rivonia Unmasked" by Lauritz Strydom (Voortrekker Pers, Johannesburg). Published in January 1965 immediately after the Rivonia Trial, this book puts across the State's view of the trial. It has a Foreword by B J Vorster and an Introduction by Percy Yutar. -Archival documents, maps and photographs from other institutions used as research and/or for displays -Documents re Liliesleaf Farm development.
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, Liliesleaf Farm Audio-Visual Collection, Liliesleaf Farm Artefact Collection, James Kantor Papers, Percy Yutar Papers.
The papers consist of correspondence and printed material relating to South Africa and Namibia and document E. S. Reddy's work with anti-apartheid organizations around the world. Subject file entitled "Rivonia Trial 1964" (Box 7, folder 342).
Online selection of images and caption stories from the pages of the Sunday Times including the following from Rivonia Trial: -ANC, POQO, Spear, smashed says Col. V.d, Bergh (14 July 1963) re arrests at Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia -Rivonia: The Inside Story (14 June 1964) re outcome of the Trial Sunday Times newspapers can also be accessed at the National Library in Pretoria and Cape Town.
Consists of oral history testimonies of 132 members of the ANC about their participation in the struggle for liberation. The Oral History project of the ANC archive unit is in partnership with the University of Connecticut. Contains audio tapes and transcripts of interviews. Rivonia Trialists who were interviewed are: Andrew Mhlangeni, Denis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, Nelson Mandela.
African National Congress (ANC) Archives Oral History Project
Programmes and programme segments broadcast on National Public Radio. Includes reports on the following: -Restoration of Mandela’s 1964 Rivonia Trial speech by the British Library. -Death of South African anti-apartheid leader, Walter Sisulu, at the age of ninety. -Audio history of Mandela’s life premiered on NPR programme All Things Considered in week April 26-30 2004.
SAFM documentary in two parts for The Inner Ear Programme. Details the role played by Nelson Mandela and the ANC in the struggle for freedom in South Africa. Compiled by Joe Richardson and Sue Johnson and presented by Will Bernard. Dated 9 May 2004.
Part 1 deals with the call for armed struggle, the creation of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the arrests at Rivonia. Mandela as the first witness in the Trial, four hour statement from the dock made at the Trial, sentencing to life imprisonment, meaning of Rivonia Trial.
This archive will eventually contain the digital reproduction of every page, article and advert published in the Guardian (since 1821) and the Observer (since 1791). Currently it is up to 2000. A search for Rivonia Trial reveals articles from both newspapers.
This collection is in two accessions. The first accession contains mainly prison correspondence, study materials from jail, other manuscripts and documents from Kathrada’s prison years, a large number of ANC and other documents from the years following his release, as well as a number of books and artefacts. There are microfilm copies of the prison letters. The only material related directly to the Rivonia Trial in this section is 11. 5, a copy of part of the Rivonia Trial record signed by Mandela, Sisulu, Kathrada and Motsoaledi given to them after their move to Pollsmoor Prison.
The second accession consists of prison artefacts, correspondence, documents and study materials from imprisonment (1964- 1989), as well as records from his release reflecting a number of the positions he held in public office and his various interests (1989-2002). There are only a few items from the period prior to his imprisonment. Records related to the Rivonia Trial are: A2.8: part of Rivonia Trial record (unsigned and unbound) with Robben Island Prison stamp on it (Judgement); A1.6.3.10: Letter to The Head of Prisons Pollsmoor Maximum Prison requesting permission to spend his 60th birthday with Rivonia Trial colleagues (4 August 1989) and follow-up letter (20 August 1989); and B3.6.3: Information re documentary called "Rivonia" from 1990s.
Programmes and programme segments broadcast on channels such as ABC, CBC, CNN, NBC and Nightline. The archive only started recording US national news in 1968 so it doesn't cover the arrests and Rivonia Trial but rather material indirectly related to Rivonia through the Trialists. Includes footage and reports on: -Nelson Mandela's political imprisonment -Reports on Mandela and Walter Sisulu -The possibility of Govan Mbeki being released from prison. -Mandela's relocation to Victor Verster Prison -Visits to Mandela by Winnie Mandela and other family members -The possible role played by the Central Intelligence Agency in Mandela’s 1962 arrest -Interviews with Mandela about his prison years -A recording of Mandela’s Statement from the Dock at the Rivonia Trial
Court records and other documents relating to trials in which Kuny (an advocate) was involved, including the Rivonia Trial where Denis Kuny was junior counsel. One box of Rivonia Trial material contains: A1.1 Indictments 1963 ; A1.2 Motion to quash the indictment 1963 ; A1.3 Defence requests for further particulars and the State's reply thereto; A1.4 Documents relating to Accused no 8 (James Kantor) including affidavit, request for particulars, petition, notes and a press cutting.
GALA's Oral History Project was launched in co-operation with journalist Mark Gevisser to provide background material for Gevisser's film biography of Cecil Williams (The Man who Drove with Mandela). Williams was a well-known theatre director in South Africa in the 1950s. He was also a communist, underground activist and gay. These interviews form the bulk of the collection (Series A). It consists of more than 60 interviews on audio cassette with lesbians and gay men older than 60 at the time of the interview. Some of the interviews have been transcribed, and include some photographs and memorabilia. The interviews keyworded "Rivonia treason trial" are A1.12, A1.18, A1.32 and A1.49. A.1. are all interviews with gay men and lesbians about their lives in South Africa in the 1950s and 1960s. Restrictions apply.
This collection does not have material directly related to the Rivonia Trial. It contains material from after Goldberg was released (IDAF correspondence, ANC documents, press clippings, publications etc.). It has been included as it speaks to the post-prison involvement of one of the Trial's main accused.
Memoranda and other documents on political trials, conscientious objection, detentions, repression and the ANC Constitutional Committee. Section P1 Political Trials contains reports and documents concerning political trials in South Africa, including amongst others: -Treason Trial (from: Political Science Quarterly) -Mandela speech from the Dock (Rivonia Trial 1964) -State vs. Dean of Johannesburg (1972) -The trial of the 13 (Ngkungwana and others) By Shauna Westcott -Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim vs. the Apartheid State. By Rudi Boon -The Passtoors trial. By Willem C van Manen -Political Trials, South Africa 1976-1979. By Glenn Moss -Security and related Trials in SA July 1976-May 1977 (SAIRR) -Security Trials 1978 by Linda Ensor -Letter from Judge Didcott to John Dugard re Andrew Zondo -Delmas Trial 1980s -Upington (Paballelo) 1989 -‘The Sun Will Rise’ statements from the dock by SA political prisoners (Sobukwe, Mandela, Sisulu, Motsoaledi, Mlangeni, Mkwayi, Fischer, ja Toivo, Tuhadeleni, April, Lekota, Mokoape, Suttner, Sexwale, Tsiki, Ramokgadi, Seko, Nkosi, Mothlanthe) Ed Mary Benson, 1981 -Political trials seminar. 19-21 May 1989 -Political prisoner status: Namibia 1989/1990
Gathered from various repositories and private sources to preserve records and memories of activism in the United States in support of the struggles of African peoples against colonialism, apartheid, and social injustice from the 1950s through the 1990s.
A search for Rivonia Trial material yields: -Photographs of demonstrations outside the South African Consulate in New York protesting the outcome of the Rivonia Trial (from private collections and American Committee on Africa) -Buttons: "Free Motsoaledi", "Free Kathrada" "Free Mandela", "Happy birthday Motsoaledi" (from Netherlands Institute for Southern Africa)
Series of radio and television reports on South Africa broadcast from the 1960s through the first democratic elections in 1994. Items related to the Rivonia Trial are: -Escaped lawyer describes apartheid's brutal laws (from CBC Radio, Nov. 17, 1964): Harold Wolpe defended oppressed blacks until he was imprisoned. Guest: Harold Wolpe, host: Bob Wilson, narrator: Paul Wright, duration: 25:57 -Mandela and seven colleagues sentenced colleagues sentenced (from CBC Radio, National Radio News, June 12, 1964): Reporter Patrick Keatley is in London to explain why the defendants likely avoided a death sentence. Host: Alex Trebek, reporter: Patrick Keatley, duration: 2:58.
Mainly correspondence between Benson and fellow South African activists and large amounts of newspaper cuttings collected by Benson relating to South Africa and the struggle against Apartheid.
Records related to the Rivonia Trial: -Nelson Mandela’s statement from the dock at the Rivonia Trial (ICS6/5/3) -Elias Motsoaledi's statement (ICS6/5/7) - Correspondence, reports and statements about the treatment of political prisoners in South Africa, including reports by the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) and Amnesty International - 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. There is also correspondence between Benson and others, 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 prisoner -News clippings concerning Mandela, mainly from British newspapers. Subjects covered in particular detail include the Rivonia Trial and campaigns for Mandela's release (ICS6/8)
The records of the Office of the ANC President were initially listed so that they could be used to complete the writing of Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom. They were sent to his house in Houghton, and were returned to the ANC in 2004. The records cover the period from the time Nelson Mandela was ANC Deputy President (1990), ANC President (1991) to the time when he stepped down as ANC President (1997). It also however includes the few 1998-1999 records that were generated. The Nelson Mandela collection is divided into the following main series: Correspondence, Discussion Documents, Minutes of meeting, Reports, Statements, ANC departments, ANC Mission offices, ANC structures, Embassies, Negotiation/Elections, Organizations, Notebooks, Publications, Manuscripts, Memorabilia, and Braille material.
Although this collection does not relate to the Rivonia Trial, it has been included as it speaks to the post-prison involvement of the Trial's main accused.
The papers were collected by Stephen Clingman while researching his biography entitled "Bram Fischer: Afrikaner Revolutionary" (1998). They are mainly photocopies of correspondence and newspaper cuttings.
The Rivonia Trial material appears in section relating to legal and political cases in which Bram Fischer was involved (boxes 20-21), Shelfmark: MSS. Afr. S. 2444 / 21, 1 box (285 folios): fols. 1-157) the Rivonia Trial (1963-6). Includes newspaper cuttings and typescripts entitled: -Operation Mayibuye' -'The Voice of the African National Congress' -'A Call To The Youth' (issued by the Johannesburg District of the South African Communist Party)
Archive of the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) and predecessor material including the Boycott Movement. Material directly related to the Rivonia Trial includes: O.7 Political Prisoners Campaigns, 1956-95: -O.7.1.b Correspondence, 1962-70: Correspondence concerning the Rivonia trialists and other condemned South African leaders, 1964 (MSS AAM 1791) -O.7.5.e General files, 1961-95: Information on the Rivonia trial and trialists, 1963-90 (MSS AAM 1953)
W.2 African National Congress (ANC) posters, 1978-95: 'We salute our leaders. Sentenced to life imprisonment. Rivonia 1963. Mandela, Sisulu, Mbeki, Mhlaba, Motsoaledi, Mlangeni, Kathrada, Goldberg.' 1980s? Mainly black and white; photographs (MSS AAM 2512/2/4), 1 poster
Rivonia Trial references might also appear in other parts of this collection for example, the campaigns the AAM took relating to the Trial might appear in the minutes of the Executive Committee and in annual reports.
Correspondence, diaries, articles, speeches, photographs, notes, press clippings and printed items relating to her years in parliament as an opposition MP. Subjects are detentions, bannings, restrictions, political prisoners, removals, homelands, urbanisation, labour, women, education, health and social welfare, politics, economics and Namibia. There is no direct reference to the Rivonia Trial but there are records related to prison conditions at Robben Island and Pretoria Central (where the trialists were incarcerated) in 1960s, 70s and 80s (Aa1.2.1, Aa4.1, Ab5). Records include correspondence with relevant authorities and Suzman's own personal notes from visits. Also newspaper report ten years since Rivonia Trial (Aa4.1), and other press cuttings re prison conditions (Aa9). Also correspondence with indirect references to Denis Goldberg (Ab1.1, Ab1.2).
These papers are from Walter Sisulu's office when he was the Deputy President of the ANC. Includes: memorandum from CODESA negotiations, ANC address by Nelson Mandela, correspondence. Although this collection contains material from after Sisulu was released, it has been included as it speaks to the post-prison involvement of one of the Trial's main accused.
Include his songs and music from Robben Island, artefacts such as his beloved guitar with its Island-built case. The collection holds his correspondence, manuscripts of his books, some of which was written on toilet paper and smuggled out of prisons, and a record of his life on the Island and after his release. 'Oom Gov' also gave to the University his own library in a ceremony at his house weeks before he died. Many of the books are those given to him by the authors.
Although most the material does not relate to the Rivonia Trial, this collection has been included as it speaks to the character of one of the Trial's main accused. Rivonia Trial material is: Part One of the State’s Concluding Address at the Rivonia Trial.
The files reflect Denis Goldberg's activities and interaction with VIPs in the country and abroad on uplifting the educational and socio-economic status of previously disadvantaged South Africans. Includes files on a wide range of issues from 1983-1995.
Although there is no material related to Rivonia Trial in this collection, it has been included as it speaks to the subsequent activities of one of the main protagonist in the Trial.
Collection of audio recordings, some of which were recorded by the London-based International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) for their documentary film productions. Rivonia Trial related material includes: -Mandela Statement (excerpts): Reading of excerpts from Nelson Mandela's Statement from the Dock at the Rivonia Trail used in the film Isitwalandwe (IDAF, 1980). Open-reel tape only. (MCA5-105). -Denis Goldberg Interview: Oral history interview with Denis Goldberg conducted by Wolfie Kodesh on 6/8/93. Includes detailed description of Rivonia Trial and experiences in prison over 22 years. 6 tapes and transcript. (MCA6-279). -Hazel Anne Goldreich Interview: Oral history interview with Hazel Anne Goldreich (owner of farm in Rivonia) conducted by Wolfie Kodesh on 24/8/93. 2 tapes. (MCA6-281). -Joel Joffe Interview: Oral history interview with Joel Joffe, lawyer for defence in Rivonia Trial, conducted by Wolfie Kodesh on 18/9/93. 2 tapes. (MCA6-292). -Walter Sisulu Interviews: Three series of interviews with Walter Sisulu conducted by Herbert Shore in September 1995, January 1996 and January 1997. Topics include the Defiance Campaign, Freedom Charter conference, split with the PAC, Rivonia Trial and Robben Island. 26 cassette tapes. (MCA18-098).
In the mid-1970s, an appeal by IDAF to the exiled community in the United Kingdom led to the gradual retrieval of outstanding amateur film footage - largely unedited 8mm and 16mm material of key events of South African political history. Most of these films and videos were banned in South Africa before 1990. A few relate to the Rivonia Trialists, after their release from prison: -Generations of resistance I: 1980, produced by United Nations, directed by Peter Davis, 56 min 16mm film. Contains section on the armed struggle and the Rivonia Trial (000766) -Mandela 70th birthday event, London: 1991, produced by IDAF, 20 min, 13/5 Betacam, 13/8 umatic low band time coded. Contains O R Tambo thanking Anti-Apartheid Movement on behalf of Rivonia prisoners. (000758) -Free Mandela: produced by IDAF, directed by Barry Feinberg, 20 min, 7/34 umatic BVU. Contains section on adoption of armed struggle and the Rivonia Trial. (000218).
DISA is a freely accessible online scholarly resource focusing on the socio-political history of South Africa, particularly the struggle for freedom during the period from 1950 to the first democratic elections in 1994.
A search for 'The State versus Nelson Mandela' yields the following scanned documents: Bruno Mtolo's extract of evidence (vol. 15 and vol. 16), Walter Sisulu's extract of evidence (vol. 20), Ahmed Kathrada's extract of evidence (vol. 24), Raymond Mhlaba's extract of evidence (vol. 25), Lionel Bernstein's extract of evidence (vol. 26), Govan Mbeki's extract of evidence (vol. 28), judgement, judge's remarks when passing sentence. These documents were selected and scanned from the collection at Historical Papers, University of Witwatersrand (AD1844).
A search for 'Rivonia Trial' yields a poster (linked from SAHA Poster Collection entry) and an extract from the Rivonia Trial Statement made by Nelson Mandela which appeared in the journal Dawn (Volume 7 Number 6 June 1983 page 20). There are other articles too which make mention of the significance of the Trial in passing, mostly from the African Communist magazine.
Collection of Nelson Mandela posters, most of which were produced by international anti-apartheid organisations. The posters cover campaigns for the release of Nelson Mandela and all South African political prisoners, Mandela birthday tributes, as well as profiles of the Rivonia Trialists. The collection also includes ANC election campaign posters.
The clippings relate to a great variety of subjects. Rivonia Trial material is under Political Trials 197.3 and 197.4. 197.3 has clippings from the Star and Rand Daily Mail Newspapers and subjects include: Harold Wolpe, details of the evidence being presented in the trial, Denis Goldberg and his alleged involvement in training camps, the independence of the judiciary, details of the case and the indictments. 197.4 has clippings mainly from the Star. Subjects include: sabotage and justifications for it, Joel Joffe leaving South Africa after the trial, the fact that the trialists would not appeal sentences, prison conditions, indemnity of Rivonia Trial witnesses, Bernstein leaving South Africa.
Working papers of The International Confederation of Trade Unions. Rivonia Trial related records: 4873 Correspondence concerning the Rivonia trial. 1963-1965. 1 folder. 4874-4875 Correspondence concerning the Treason Trials. Including correspondence with the South Africa Defence and Aid Fund. 1956-1969. 2 folders. 48741956-1962. 48751963-1969.
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
The ANC US Repatriation was responsible for the repatriation of ANC comrades. Includes: -"Nelson Mandela and the Rivonia Trial ", a radio drama by Mary Benson in two parts - Nthabiseng Mabuza talks about Nelson Mandela - Levine and Vilakazi talk about Nelson Mandela - Winnie Mandela at the Twelfth Baptist church 1990
Correspondence, minutes of meetings, media strategies, pamphlets, newsletters, statements and news clippings concerning the following: -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 Mandela. Correspondents include Ismail Ayob, Helen Suzman, and the law firm Frank, Bernadt and Joffe.
Not available for inspection at time of this audit (c2010).
Prison letters and writings, unpublished manuscripts, and a proposal for documentary on Govan Mbeki (1992). There is no material directly related to the Rivonia Trial but this collection has been included as it provides insight into the life and personality of one of those involved in the Trial.
Reports, pamphlets, minutes, publications, statements and photographs relating to NUSAS and SASPU, as well as miscellaneous information on various anti-apartheid and other organisations. A19.3 Publications and Media contain two items on Rivonia: A19.3.4: Rivonia - Tweny Years: A Resource Pack (published by ADAC) and A19.3.7: An Overview: Rivonia Trial (pamphlet).
Students' Resource Centre, University of the Witwaterand
The collection has been arranged in four series: A. Personal Documents, B. Office of the President, C. Special Topics, and D. Press Cuttings (not microfilmed).
Only a few records relate indirectly to the Rivonia Trial: - 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) - A letter from the ANC London office concerning the arrests of Mandela and Walter Sisulu - Reports on campaigns for the release of political prisones - Correspondence from Mandela, written from Pollsmoor Prison, to Oliver Tambo and a number of other individuals - 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) - Correspondence and statementsre international calls for 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. - Drafts of plays and books on Mandela, including" 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 - Biographical notes onMandela
Sir Patrick was Vice Chairman of the British Section of the Inter Parliamentary Union (1974 - 1984) and Chairman of the British Bahrain, British Maltese, British South Africa and British Taiwan Groups. He represented Britain at the 17th General Assembly of the United Nations in 1962. The introduction of the General Law Amendment Act, the Rivonia Trials and the United Nations conference on sanctions are some of the more significant topics on which files were accumulated in the early 1960s [DPW/48/484; 487; 486 & 488].
Established in 1983 to coordinate opposition to the Apartheid State's reforms, the UDF promoted links between various organisations, region and parties. The UDF Collection was created by adding together material from various sources: individuals, the UDF Information Office and UDF offices from around the country. Gaps are evident. The National Reception Committee which was created to deal with the release of the Rivonia trialists operated from the UDF offices. There is a small amount of material related to this: A1.13.4 Statements and Press Releases (1988, 1989) including on the release of Rivonia leaders (1 file, 10 items) and A1.18.8 Profiles of various people including of Rivonia leaders (1 file, 8 items).
Acquired from the Yutar family. -Eight scrapbooks labelled "The Rivonia Trial 11 July 1963-12 June 1964 as reported by the press from 28 August 1963 to 13 June 1999". They contain a timeline of events, clippings labelled with the date. Also seven scrapbooks labelled "Soweto Riots". It is unclear whether Yutar compiled the scrapbooks or only collected the clippings. -One lever arch file containing a manuscript for a book by Percy Yutar entitled "The Rivonia Trial - The Facts (based in authentic documentary exhibits)". The manuscript contains a preface and a breakdown of chapters but the bulk does not read like a book but rather appears to be a reproduction of the State's trial records (indictment, State's opening address, evidence for the State, evidence for the Defence, judgement, evidence in mitigation of sentence etc). -One volume: A factual analysis of the documentary exhibits handed in and other oral testimony given at the so-called Rivonia Trial. Inscribed: "With appreciation from B G Fourie, Secretary for Information" -Scrapbook with clippings, photographs etc. Mostly of Yutar's career after the Rivonia Trial but a few clippings relate to the Trial from May 1964. -Press clippings in folder in plastic sleeves re Yutar's legal career, Rivonia Trial, Excelsior case, Moodie case and others.
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, James Kantor Papers. There are also prosecution records from the Yutars in the personal collection of businessman Douw Steyn and in the National Archives (transferred from Brenthurst Library).
This directorate was responsible for classifying documents for censorship or banning post 1970. The references below are not the actual documents but rather reports and notes written by those classifying them. Also see Records of the Publications Control Board in this database. P89/04/08, volume 3/255: Statement from the dock, Rivonia Trial: Objectionable Literature (1989) P84/6/15, volume 1/104: Pamphlet: Release Mandela Campaign Remembers Rivonia: Objectionable Literature (1984) P83/2/26, volume P83/2/26: Sticker: The People's Leader, Denis Goldberg: Objectionable Object (1983)
This collection consists of files, kept by prison authorities, on all political prisoners held in prisons in South Africa. The list for these files is in three parts but only the first two relate to Rivonia Trialists. List A reflects files of nine people, including Kathrada, Mandela, Mbeki, Mhlaba, Mlangeni of the Rivonia Trialists. These files contain correspondence.
List B has many more political prisoners' files. These files contain general correspondence re prisoners, transfers etc. The only Rivonia Trialist in List B is Denis Goldberg.
List C deals with specific issues such as medical attention and education of prisoners but does not include any of the Rivonia Trialists.
Forms part of Struggles for Justice Archival Collection at SAHA. In the formative years, SAHA was managed by non-archivists, who applied library techniques to their collection, arrangement and description activities. Materials were catalogued by subject and/or physical medium, with very little attention paid to preserving documentation in accordance with its original context or what is referred to as ‘provenance’ in archival discourse. This approach saw the emergence of six collections one of which was the Poster Collection. The collection dates mainly from the 1980s and 1990s. There are duplicate copies for a substantial proportion of the items. Posters acquired by Historical Papers are also included in this collection. All items are retrievable on a database. The book Images of Defiance: South African Resistance Posters of the 1980s (Raven Press, Johannesburg, 1991) reproduced 327 items from the collection. Slides of the latter are also available (see AL2432). A few individual posters relating to the Rivonia Trial are: Poster 181 (SN1096) "Release Mandela Campaign Remembers Rivonia Trial" from 1985 (?) from Release Mandela Campaign and Poster 1049 (SN599) "We remember Rivonia and life-serving prisoners: Release all political prisoners" from Release Mandela Campaign, UDF, COSATU, SAYCO from 1987 (?).
SABC English Service broadcast. A short summary of the Rivonia Trial case, the verdict and the passing of sentence by Judge President Quartus De Wet. Dated 11 June 1963.
Sound recordings and interview transcripts. Julie Frederikse worked as a journalist for National Public Radio (NPR) in the USA covered politics in South Africa. The collection includes a taped interview with Denis Goldberg and a file on him. The file contains newspaper clippings of his release in 1985; stickers re his release and release of all political prisoners; transcript of the interview (mostly on his life including rationale behind joining armed struggle) and a biography. The interview does not go into detail about the Rivonia Trial itself.
Forms part of Struggles for Justice Archival Collection at SAHA. This collection was opened by Julie Frederikse whilst researching her book The Unbreakable Thread. The 1210 photographs she collected, form the bulk of this collection. SAHA photographs are incorporated into the broader Historical Papers photograph collection stored in the Ephemera room. A few individual photographs relating to the Rivonia Trial are in this collection under 21A including the front page of "The Argus" newspaper with a report on the verdict (21A.10).
There is no direct link between this material and Harold Wolpe's political activities at the time of the arrest at Rivonia, his subsequent arrest on the border of British Bechuanaland (now Botswana) or his ultimate escape but it is included as it speaks to the interests of one of those involved in activities at Liliesleaf farm. In fact, Harold Wolpe handled the purchase of the famous Rivonia farm.
This collection comprises material, mostly academic papers and articles related to law, sociology, development, economic theory, ethnicity, race, nationalism etc. It was delivered in box files (Section A), plus 21 drawers and boxes of index cards (Section B).
A collection of pamphlets from African, South American, Latin American, Asian, European, and North American countries which include material relating to politics, economics, social conditions, agriculture, legal topics, religious activities, history, government operations, education, and other areas. The collection is particularly strong in the area of African materials, with several nations represented. This collection is keyworded as containing Rivonia Trial material but the references are unclear.
Correspondence, memoranda, reports, minutes, interviews, photographs and posters relating to the following organisations: Black Sash, Detainees' Parents Support Committee, End Conscription Campaign, Institute for a Democratic Alternative in South Africa, Jews for Social Justice, Johannesburg Democratic Action Committee, Mass Democratic Movement, National Education Union of South Africa, National Education Crisis Committee, NUSAS and the United Democratic Front. Subjects are Namibia, education, trade unions, women, detentions, protest theatre and the Black liberation struggle. B. Political Organisations include Mandela's statement from the dock at the Rivonia Trial (B11.8.3).
Newspaper cuttings collected by Barry Streek. Topics that include material on Rivonia include: "Biographies", "Extra Parliamentary Politics", and "International."
Includes interviews, political documents, political trial material, trade union documents and biographical files covering the political scene from 1964-1990. Many are photocopies. There is no Rivonia Trial material in the political trial material but there are biographies on the accused: Mandela (reel 91), Kathrada (reel 90), Sisulu (reel 96), Mbeki (reel 92), Wolpe (reel 98) and supplementary biographical files on Motsoaledi, Goldberg and Bernstein.
This collection was built up by the London-based IDAF, which was the nerve centre of the international anti-apartheid information campaign from the 1960s, and its photographs have been used in countless publications and productions over the past three decades.
The photographs related to the Rivonia Trial are all black and white photographs. The photographers are largely unknown. Subjects include: -Scenes at the Rivonia Trial (LA55-33; LA271-2-4; LA272-2-1 and LA272-2-2: protestors with police; A42-6-1: protests on hearing verdict; A21-1-3: Winnie Mandela outside court; A14-4-1; A14-4-5; H10-2-1: Ruth First addressing post Rivonia rally; A1-3-1: Mandela's mother and Zinzi Mandela with Sheila Weinberg outside court; LA793-2-1: Joe Slovo and Yusuf Dadoo with placards during Trial; LA856-3-3: June Mlangeni wife of Andrew Mlangeni) -Photographs of all the Trialists (LA242-6-4; LA271-2-5) -Media reports (LA56-1, LA56-2) -Photographs of the accused (LA26-3 and LA271-4-5: Denis Goldberg in disguise; LA26-5 and LA271-4-2: Rusty Bernstein; LA26-6: Ahmed Kathrada in disguise; LA26-9 and LA271-5-3: James Kantor; LA271-2-1: Walter Sisulu in disguise; LA271-2-2: Nelson Mandela; LA271-3-2: Bob Hepple; LA271-3-3: Arthur Goldreich; LA271-4-1: Raymond Mhlaba; LA271-4-3: police photo of Ahmed Kathrada; LA271-4-4: police photo of Govan Mbeki; LA271-5-4: Elias Motsoaledi; LA271-5-5: Andrew Mlangeni; EW21-1-2 and EW21-2-1: portrait of Ahmed Kathrada) -Others involved or present (LA271-1-1: T B Vorster; LA271-1-2: Luit. Van Wyk; LA271-1-3: Dirker; LA271-1-4: Judge De Wet; LA271-1-5: Percy Yutar; LA271-3-1: Joe Slovo; LA271-7-5: security forces inspect Liliesleaf) -Rivonia/Liliesleaf Farm (LA271-5-2: map of Rivonia area; LA271-6-2: interior of Liliesleaf House; LA271-6-3: plan of Liliesleaf Farm; LA271-7-4: Radio transmitter found by security forces) -Miscellaneous (LA271-7-2: Mountainview house; LA271-7-3: Cover of 'Rivonia Masker AF!' book; LA272-1-1: petrol bomb; LA272-1-5: outline of Operation Mayibuye; LA272-1-2: diagram of weapon; LA272-1-3: weapons; LA272-1-4: diagram of hand grenade; LA272-2-3: letter of support to Sisulu from Canon Collins; LA272-2-4: house damaged by bomb blast; LA272-2-5: electricity pylons damaged by bomb blast)
Includes correspondence, minutes of meetings statement, briefings, press releases, press clippings, Amandla, publications.
Records related to Rivonia: 2.1.1. Minutes of meetings 1964: Contains reference to lobbying around Rivonia Trial 2.4. Dealings with Irish Press: Contains references to Rivonia Trial in statements and press conferences 31.1.1 Correspondence with ANC: Contains brief references to Rivonia Trial 39 Press cuttings 1963-1994: Cuttings are in date order and include cuttings from Irish press re arrests at Rivonia, escape of Wolpe and Goldreich and trial.
Drafts, memos, Treason Trial Defence Fund correspondence, various Treason Trial documents. Apparently also includes Rivonia Trial brief, Rivonia Trial extracts of records.
Not available for inspection at time of this audit.
Part of Documentation Centre for African Studies at UNISA Library. Denis Goldberg donated sound cassettes and videos about his life during the Struggle, as well as on his work after he was released. The only part of the collection directly related to the Rivonia Trial are the sound cassettes which have been put on CD (CD numbers correspond with cassette numbers). CDs re Rivonia Trial: 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (1985): Interview of Denis Goldberg by John Pampallis including discussion of start of armed struggle, Liliesleaf, Rivonia Trial, imprisonment and release. 7A, 7B (1985/6): Discussion with R and C Boon re struggle time, Rivonia Trial, armed struggle. 26A, 26B (1993): Reconstruction of Rivonia for Radiowerf Amsterdam (?). New owners of Liliesleaf talk. Dutch narrative with English in background.
There is no direct link between this material and Harold Wolpe's political activities at the time of the arrest at Rivonia, his subsequent arrest on the border of British Bechuanaland (now Botswana) or his ultimate escape but it is included as it speaks to the interests of one of those involved in activities at Liliesleaf farm. In fact, Harold Wolpe handled the purchase of the famous Rivonia farm. This collection mostly comprises academic papers and articles related to economics, sociology, women, development labour etc. It also contains reports and journals.
This collection provides primary source documents describing U.S. relationships to apartheid including implementation, enforcement, and violations of the U.N-sponsored sanctions against South Africa. Including the following that relate to the Rivonia Trial: -United States Embassy (South Africa) reports that the African National Congress (ANC) was created to carry out sabotage, stating that the arrest of Nelson Mandela occurred after he planned subversive activities (1962). -A memorandum issued by the Summit Conference of Independent African States held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (1963), agreeing to provide funding to help South African liberation movements and calling for the release from prison of Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe and all other political prisoners. -A memorandum on the Rivonia Trial providing biographical information on the Rivonia Trialists, and in which Nelson Mandela argues that opposition groups resorted to armed struggle only after avenues for peaceful change were blocked (1964). -A report in which ANC and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Michael Harmel and Walter Sisulu are described as Communists, and documents presented during the Rivonia Trial are cited as evidence of the contacts between the ANC, PAC, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China (1964). -A memorandum of conversation in which Cecil Eprile characterises black leaders like Nelson Mandela as careless and prone to bad judgment (1965). -A cable relating to Resolution 473 of the United Nations Security Council urging South Africa to release all political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela (1980). -Biographic sketch information on Nelson Mandela provided by the US Department of State (1983). -A cable on the awarding of the international Simon Bolivar prize to Nelson Mandela by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) (1983). -Correspondence to the South African Ambassador to the United States, calling for the release of Nelson Mandela (1984). - A cable about the Johannesburg Star Newspaper reports that the arrest of Nelson Mandela 25 years ago occurred after he was betrayed by a US Central Intelligence Agency agent posing as a diplomat of the United States Consulate General in Durban (1986). - A statement in which Chester A. Crocker calls for the release of Nelson Mandela (1986). - A report in which the US Department of State Secretary of State's Advisory Committee on South Africa asserts that the first steps taken by South Africa must be the release of Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki and all other political prisoners (1987).
The National Security Archive is a non-profit research institute and library providing public access to declassified government documents obtained through the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These are then published as declassified document sets (as this one on South Africa), are produced in microfiche, and digitised to become part of the Digital National Security Archive database which some universities subscribe to (Monash University in South Africa).
File: Rivonia Trial correspondence, statements, finance etc: -Correspondence by Bram Fischer to Canon Collins and vice versa re: the guilty verdict and responding to the messages of sympathy on death of Molly Fischer. File: Rivonia Trial 1963-1964 -Walter Sisulu statement on which his evidence was led with handwritten annotations -Press clippings -Walter Sisulu: extracts of evidence: Examination by Bram Fischer and cross examination by Percy Yutar -Extracts of evidence by Govan Mbeki -Notes made by Govan Mbeki regarding his interrogation whilst under 90 day detention. -Ahmed Kathrada: extract of evidence examination by Vernon Berrange -Elias Motsoaledi statement at the Trial -Lionel Bernstein extracts of some evidence: cross examination by Percy Yutar -Pamphlet entitled " My fight is for all: Mandela tells court of ANC objectives" extracts of Mandela's statement from the dock as printed by the Rand Daily Mail
File: Collins2/6 mainly concerning the Rivonia Trial (1964): -Handwritten notes -Correspondence . Correspondence include Freda Nuell, J Hadebe, Canon Collins, E.S. Reddy, Hugh Lewin, Joel Joffe Raymond Kunene, Rica Hogdson -Typescript- biography of Nelson Mandela -Draft articles concerning the imprisonment of Mandela and the Rivonia Trialists -Rivonia Trial - statements of accounts and annexure of monies received -Decision by Trialists not to appeal against their sentence -Statements against the Rivonia Trial sentences by Canon Collins and others -Christian Action article entitled " Mandela: a message from prison" -Press statements on the sentence issued by the Africa Bureau and by Canon Collins -Correspondence concerning the sentencing -Typescript of Mandela statement from the dock " Why I am ready to die" with original annotations -Articles on the Rivonia Trial -Statement issued by Mr. Tom Kellosk at a press conference called by Christian Action January 15 1964 concerning the Rivonia Trial -Statement by Canon Collins on behalf of Christian Action -Anti- Apartheid Movement profile of Mandela and reproductive extracts from his statement from the dock -Notes for adverts and letters re: Rivonia Trial
Also includes: -Typescripts of draft articles on the Rivonia Trial some of them written by E.S. (Solly) Sachs -A pamphlet entitled the " Message of Rivonia"
Not available for inspection at time of this audit.
Black and white negatives from Rand Daily Mail and Sunday Times newspapers. Selected prints also available. Rivonia Trial photographs consists of: police roadblocks stopping people on their way to hear judgement (11 June 1964); crowds outside the court awaiting judgement; Winnie Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Mandela's mother, Leslie Minford, Annie Goldberg, Hilda Bernstein arriving to hear judgement (11 June 1964); police and Winnie Mandela outside the courtroom, pictures of the accused (Mandela, Sisulu, Mhlaba, Mlangeni, Motsoaledi, Bernstein, Hepple, Kathrada, Mbeki, Goldberg) and others (Ben Turok, Moses Kotane, J B Marks, Tennyson Makiwane, Dr Arthur Letele, Joe Slovo). Also one picture of police at Liliesleaf Farm (PH2003-773).
Copies of records of the Delmas Treason Trial. Members of the 22 accused included Patrick Baleka, Popo Molefe, Patrick "Terror" Lekota and Moses Chikane. The records include references to, and police reports on the Release Mandela Campaign of the 1980s, Rivonia, and campaigns for the release of all political prisoners. The records also include state prosecution assessments of witness statements.
Political biography of Nelson Mandela and his unique role in the liberation struggle in South Africa. Includes archive material of the Treason trial, the Rivonia trial and a filmed interview while underground. Directed by Lionel Ngakane and Niven Howie. Produced by Divemay Films. Edited by Julia Beer.
Constitution, minutes, reports, resolutions, Treason Trial legal records, press statements, speeches, correspondence, press clippings, pamphlets, periodicals, notes, and items on the A.N.C. Youth League and the A.N.C. Women's League together with other organisations such as the All African Convention, All African People's Conference and the South African Congress of Democrats. Subjects are apartheid, African nationalism, passes, education, Freedom Charter and the activities of the ANC in exile. Forms part of the archives of the South African Institute of Race Relations. Two items relate to the Rivonia Trial under Fa: Policy statements by ANC and related organisations (1946-1973): Fa46 "Stand by our leaders" (1964, 1 p.Ts. Asking for a boycott for 12 June when Rivonia Trialists will be sentenced) and Fa47 "The message of Rivonia" (1964, 1p. Ts.).
Benjamin Pogrund was a journalist. The collection includes correspondence, telexes, memoranda, press cuttings, printed items re the Rand Daily Mail, black rights and attitudes, riots, political prisoners, apartheid, the homelands, labour legislation, race relations, the Schlebusch Commission, treason trials, detentions, bannings, forced removals, labour, education and trade unions. See I3.1 for 2 files related to the Rivonia Trial: Index to witnesses and The State vs. Abram Fischer and Others.
35mm. Originals at the Amistad Research Centre, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Documents the pioneering anti-apartheid group in the US from its establishment in the 1950s. Reels related to Rivonia Trial are: 4:0827: Campaign against South African Apartheid: Memos, draft letters to and lists of sponsors, resolutions and declarations, flyers, clippings and notes 1963 (1960-1964). 87 frames. Major topics: Appeal for action against Apartheid, Rivonia arrests and trials, international boycott of South African goods etc. 15:1071: 108/5: African National Congress Pamphlets. 27 frame. Includes 1072: South African on Trial: Behind the Rivonia Case (no date). 13 frames. 22:1205: 111/12. Mandela, Nelson (ca. 1964). 31 frames. Major topic: Rivonia trial. 41:0798: 118/35. World Campaign for the Release of South African Political Prisoners: Rivonia Trial: Newsletters, statements, press releases, brochure (1963-1964). 31 frames. 42:0784: 119/23. Writings: Chief Albert Luthuli (1957 and 1964). 9 frames. Major topics: Racial situation, Rivonia trial, ANC. 42:0841: 119/26. Writings: Nelson Mandela (1961 and 1964). 70 frames. Major topics: 1961 Stay-at-home demonstration, Rivonia trial.
Documents the pioneering anti-apartheid group in the US from its establishment in the 1950s. Documents related to Rivonia Trial are: -Campaign against South African Apartheid: Memos, draft letters to and lists of sponsors, resolutions and declarations, flyers, clippings and notes 1963 (1960-1964). Major topics: Appeal for action against Apartheid, Rivonia arrests and trials, international boycott of South African goods etc. -African National Congress Pamphlets. Includes: South African on Trial: Behind the Rivonia Case (no date). -Mandela, Nelson (ca. 1964). Major topic: Rivonia trial. -World Campaign for the Release of South African Political Prisoners: Rivonia Trial: Newsletters, statements, press releases, brochure (1963-1964). -Writings: Chief Albert Luthuli (1957 and 1964). Major topics: Racial situation, Rivonia trial, ANC. -Writings: Nelson Mandela (1961 and 1964). Major topics: 1961 Stay-at-home demonstration, Rivonia trial.
Microfilm versions available at Manuscripts and Archives, University of Cape Town.
The entire collection at Bailey's emanates from Drum Magazine. It includes a full set of South African Drum (1951-1984), issues of its sister publications, Drum from other African countries, and an extensive archive of Drum photographers.
A number of articles in various issues of South African Drum relate to the Rivonia Trial: -August 1963 "The Raid" accompanied by artist Lennie Saks' drawings, re the arrests at Liliesleaf. -December 1963 "South Africa goes on Trial" with photos and text about main protagonists (Vorster, Mandela) -January 1964 entitled "They made the news in 1963" and "While the world watches 40 fight for their lives" about the three sabotage trials (Rivonia Trial in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg) with photographs and captions about each person (available online). -June 1964 "The Rivonia men" with a profile of Mandela, Kathrada, Bernstein, Goldberg, Sisulu, Mbeki and "Rivonia - the three mystery men" profiling Mhlaba, Mlangeni, Motsoaledi. -July 1964 "After the Trial - Sabotage!" and "I'll never forget Rivonia" by Aggrey Klaaste -August 1964 "The strange world after Rivonia"
An article in the Post related to Rivonia: -September 1963 "Kill Goldreich Plot - The one who got away" (available online)
Photographs are arranged under subject headings and are by Drum photographers: Envelope under subject of "Rivonia Trial/Winnie Mandela/Liliesleaf Farm, Drum December 1963-January 1964": -Includes photos of family members outside the court in 1963, mostly Winnie Mandela, Mrs Mandela (Mandela's mother), contact sheets, various shots of the crowd and police cordoning off crowd with dogs, policemen at Liliesleaf Farm entrance.
Two envelopes under subject " Winnie Mandela" -Various pictures of Winnie Mandela and children at different times, these include some from the outside the court during Rivonia Trial (mostly same as in Rivonia Trial envelope)
No Rivonia Trial photos were found under other trialists' names in subject folders. The photographs that exist of them come mostly from the Treason Trial.
Photographs online include ones mentioned above and photo of Lionel Bernstein and photographs of Liliesleaf Farm (search "Rivonia" in online search).
The collection includes personal material of First and her immediate family such as correspondence and financial records, papers relating to First's work as a journalist in South Africa, as a university lecturer, an anti-apartheid activist, and as an author and editor of numerous books and articles on Africa and other political topics. Also included are research papers and printed material relating to First and her family, collected both during her lifetime and after her death.
Material related to the Rivonia Trial: -Background material, correspondence and reviews concerning "No Easy Walk to Freedom," edited by Ruth First. Includes 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. Also includes correspondence, mainly between Ruth First and Heinemann Publishers, as well as clippings of newspaper reviews (RF/1/6/2) -ANC publications includes introductory pamphlets on the ANC and the Rivonia trial, copies of magazines: Sechaba and Mayibuye.(RF/1/17/2/3) -Materials on political detentions 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 First (RF/1/18/2) - Transcripts of interviews with Robben Island political prisoners (RF/1/18/1). -Newspaper cuttings from both British and South African newspapers, mainly covering issues relating to politics in South Africa including the Rivonia Trial (RF/1/19) -Correspondence (Feb 1964-Aug 1965) covering subjects such as the Rivonia Trial and First's exile to Britain. Correspondents include Govan Mbeki, Molly Bernstein and Julius Lewin (RF/2/1/2).
The collection is on indefinite loan to the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and remains the property of the Ruth First Memorial Trust.
Rivonia Trial materials include: Unit 66 Ref 0398 -News clippings in English from newspapers in the US and UK concerning the situation in South Africa during the 1960's -Text of Nelson Mandela's Rivonia Trial speech published by Christian Action and printed by A G Bishop & Sons Ltd (Kent, UK)
Unit 85 Ref 0494 -Correspondence on "Free Mandela" appeals from the Committee of Southern Africa and responses from the US Department of State -Correspondence on "Free Mandela" appeals from Centre against Apartheid -Correspondence "Free Mandela" appeals from Africa Resource Center (CA, USA) -Correspondence "Free Mandela" appeals from General Theological Seminary (NY, USA) -Correspondence from The Episcopal Churchmen for Southern Africa (NY, USA) to among others, the US President, advocating for freeing of South African and Namibia political prisoners -Several leaflet copies of the "Free Mandela" campaign -Text of Nelson Mandela's Rivonia Trial speech published by Christian Action and printed by A G Bishop & Sons Ltd (Kent, UK) -News clippings on Mrs. Helen Suzman's visit of Robben Island and meeting Mr. Nelson Mandela and Mr. Toivo Ja Toivo, restricted family visits by Winnie Mandela, free Mandela campaigns conducted both in South Africa and around the world.
This large collection of records of the Anglican Church contains, amongst other things, much about the Church’s confrontation with the State over the issue of apartheid, notably the effects of the Group Areas Act on black churches in white areas and the admission or all races to church schools. Other topics are conscientious objection and the refusal of young Anglicans, both lay and clerical, to serve in the South African Defence Force and the question of Namibia’s independence and the expulsion of Bishops Mize and Winter for promoting it. C85 Current legislation (1957 - 1978) includes: 1964 correspondence re death sentence and long imprisonment for those convicted in the Rivonia Trial.
This extensive collection was purchased by UNISA from Cooperative Africana Microfilm Project (CAMP). It is housed in Documentation Centre for Africa Studies. A microfilm reel guide is also available there. Rivonia Trial material is found at 2:YR2:84, 92, 97, and 99. It contains reaction to Rivonia, the States' "A factual analysis of the documentary exhibits handed in and of the oral testimony given at the so-called Rivonia Trial", documents seized in searched connected with the Rivonia Trial, and newspaper clippings.
This extensive collection reflects the immense contribution made by the Simons' to the political, trade union and intellectual life of South Africa. F9.3 Trials: Treason and terrorism, 1957-1989 has one item related to the Rivonia: an ANC booklet entitled "South Africa on Trial: Behind the Rivonia Case." It outlines the trial, the history of the case, defendants' biographies. The aim was to encourage pressure not to impose the death penalty. It was printed in the UK. A further item may be related to the Rivonia Trial or to previous trials (it is undated): Typed notes (with manuscript additions) on High Treason and the South African Law.
Documents and press clippings concerning various topics related to South African politics and government. Includes press clippings on four political trials: Bram Fischer Trial, Rivonia Trial, Trial of 22, Breyten Breytenbach Trial.
SACP and ANC history. Includes correspondence, newspaper cuttings, papers, bound volumes of the Guardian (1937-1948), New Age (1957). Subject file on: "Rivonia and other political trials". 2.39.1 on Rivonia contains biographies of nine accused, press clippings from The Economist and Statist (June 1964), The AA Movement: Nelson Mandela, Focus on Resistance, Southern Africa Feature Service: The Rivonia trial, UN Unit on Apartheid notes and documents: The Rivonia Trial - ten years after, World Campaign for the release of South African political prisoners: The Men of Rivonia (press statement 12 June 1964).
Also newspaper clippings (1.38 box 88) on Rivonia and Fischer Trials; Government publications 5.2.2 has a copy of Nelson Mandela's speech at the Trial with notes and marking; Correspondence 11.4.2 includes letters by Govan Mbeki from 1970s to his family (not directly related to Rivonia) and 11.5 includes letters re Robben Island and former prisoners ((not directly related to Rivonia).
Forms part of archives of South African Institute of Race Relations. Photographs mainly from Drum Magazine relating to politics and political figures. Photographs related to Rivonia Trial are under 15 personalities: 2. Arthur Goldreich (bearded), 3. Goldreich with Abdulhay Jassat (29/9/63), 4. Goldreich with ? (possibly Harold Wolpe) as refugees in Francistown? 1963, 5a Arthur Goldreich, 5b-d Contact prints of Goldreich and others; 26. Trials: 6-7 Women demonstrating during the Rivonia Trial 1964.
Press summaries and bulletins of the Treason Trials' Defence Fund 1958-1961; press clippings on the Rivonia Trial (including on Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu) 1964, Abram Fischer 1965-1966, trial of 22 (including Winnie Mandela) 1969-1970, S Cooper and others 1975, Breyten Breytenbach 1977, Solomon Mahlangu 1977-1978; record of proceedings of W W Twala and Others in the Supreme Court of South Africa (Transvaal Provincial Division) 1978-1979 (pages 1-2554).
Letters, circulars, reports relating to South Africa including letter from the British Consulate-General in Johannesburg re the Rivonia Treason Trial (1963), copy of a letter from David Astor to Harold Wilson (1965), letter from Stop the Seventy Tour re possible resumption of arms sales (1970), letter from John Mendelson to David Astor re Nelson Mandela and his colleagues (1974).
Transcripts of political cases. Peripherally related to the Rivonia Trial is File 4: Inquest to establish cause of death of Looksmart Ngudle. It contains: transcript of complete proceedings. Pretoria, 21st Oct. 1963 - 23rd Dec. 1963. Looksmart Ngudle, a ninety-day detainee held under the Sabotage Act, was found dead, hanging in his cell at Pretoria Central Police Station, on September 5th, after 16 days in detention. He had been arrested in Cape Town and was found in possession of a firearm and some African National Congress leaflets. The four witnesses, held at the same time as Ngudle, said when cross-examined by the Defence that they had been tortured with electric shocks and severe beatings. One said that he was forced to sign a statement claiming that Ngudle was an important Umkonto we Sizwe leader (Ngudle was named in the Rivonia Trial as a co-conspirator). Each of the witnesses stated that Ngudle had told them that he was being tortured. The state claimed that Ngudle hanged himself because he had betrayed his comrades and had been told that he was going to be sentenced to death anyway. Further evidence of torture was ruled irrelevant: the court refused to accept the Defence's contention that torture (which the police denied) was a contributing factor to Ngudle's suicide. The hearing was adjourned.
Minutes, correspondence, memoranda, printed items (including the Garment Worker), press clippings and photographs relating to the Garment Workers Union and its predecessor, the Witwatersrand Tailors Association. One paragraph in one item mentions the Rivonia Trial in Bba2.2.11 General correspondence 1951-1973. It is contained in a letter written by Violet Weinberg to Anna Scheepers re Weinberg's dismissal from the Industrial Council for the Clothing Industry (August 1964). Weinberg voices disagreement with Scheepers on a number of political and union-related points. It is in this context that political developments like the Trial are mentioned.
The sections of the collection related to the Rivonia Trial are press cuttings concerning political protest, especially the Treason and Rivonia Trials c 1958-1962. Related collection also at Institute of Commonwealth Studies, London University.
The documents related to the Rivonia Trial described below are from Record Group 59 which reflects the diplomatic work of the Department of State and embassies in southern Africa, particularly in South Africa. References to these records were identified, inventoried and made searchable as part of the South African Research and Archival Project (SARAP) at Howard University in Washington, D.C. designed to identify, locate, inventory and disseminate information pertaining to the involvement of Americans in the liberation struggle of South Africans, especially during the anti-apartheid movement. The records themselves can only be accessed at the National Archives repository listed below. These may not be a comprehensive listing of all State Department records related to the Rivonia Trial.
Box 2637: Political 30-2 S AFR: Documents pertaining to various individuals and organizations, including ANC, UNIAS, OAU, African Liberation Committee [ALC], PAFMECA, ANC, SWAPO, SWANU, and PAC. A report on ANC's statement on the Rivonia Trial and a PAC representative in Ghana, Matthew Nkoana. Airgram memoranda with the following subjects, "First Issue of Pan Africanist Congress Information Bulletin," "ANC Statement on Rivonia Trial Verdict," "Report on Political Exiles from South and South-West Africa," and "Representative of Pan Africanist Congress Begins Writing for Ghanaian Newspaper" (1964-1966). Discussed or referenced: James Hadebe, Jacob, Nyoase, E.L. Ntloedibe, Raymond Kunene, Robert Resha, Tennyson Makewane, Jacob Nyoase, Colin Legum, Jariretundu Kozunguizi, Sam Nujoma, and John Eldridge of the African-American Institute. Box 2636: POL 29 S AFR 8/1/64: Documents pertaining to the Rivonia Trial, including a memorandum of conversation with Abraham Fischer, Attorney General for convicted saboteurs; kidnapping of Rosemary Wentzel from Swaziland to South Africa; Eastern Cape communism trial of 74 Africans; and sentencing of Pascal Ngcane, Chief Albert Luthuli's Son-in-Law. Box 2636:POL 29 S AFR 6/1/64: Documents pertaining mostly to the Rivonia Trial; reactions from around the world on the trial, including protests from the US National Council of Churches and ANC statement from Tanzania on the trial; criticism from Jomo Kenyatta of Britain and US support for South Africa. Box 2636: POL 29 Arrests, Detention S AFR 5/1/64: Documents pertaining to trials and detentions in South Africa including the Rivonia trial and detention of Chief Albert Luthuli; mentioned in the reports include Raymond Mhlaba, Ahmed Kathrada, Walter Sisulu and Lionel Bernstein; a report on a Nigerian government official regarding problems that would erupt if Mandela and others were given death sentences; a letter to the President of the UN Special Committee on Apartheid regarding trials in South Africa and memorandum on the reply from the President. A confidential memorandum and report on "The Apartheid Trials in South Africa," including a discussion of the Rivonia Trial. Several telegrams concerning the Rivonia trial. Discussed or referenced: Govan Mbeki, Albert Luthuli, Nelson Mandela, Lionel Bernstein, Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada, Walter Sisulu, African National Congress, the Pan Africanist Congress, and the Communist Party of South Africa. A telegram with abridged statistics on black and white land use, salaries, malnutrition, and morbidity in South Africa. (1963).
Panorama Series. Very short clip where Winnie Mandela greets the crowds with a raised fist and the BBC reporter Robin Ray reads out the statements made at the Rivonia Trial, including that of Nelson Mandela. FA8576: Complete 16mm print on one reel; FA5093: Reel one of two; FA5094: Reel two of two. Also on VHS.
This board was responsible for classifying documents for censorship or banning pre 1970. The references below are not the actual documents but rather reports and notes written by those classifying them. Also see Records of the Department of Home Affairs, Director of Publications, Cape Town (Complaints and Appeals) in this database 966/66, volume 71: Book: L'Apartheid: on Nelson Mandela: Objectionable Literature (1966) 418/66, volume 67: : Nelson Mandela versus The State: Objectionable Literature (1966) 1319/45, volume 61: I am Prepared to Die, Nelson Mandela: Objectionable Literature (1965)
The National Security File was the working file of President Johnson's special assistants for national security affairs, McGeorge Bundy and Walt W Rostow. Vol. 1, 11/63 - 10/64; vol. 2, 11/64 - 9/66; vol. 3, 10/66 - 9/68 contain scattered references to the Rivonia Trial.
This repository may include other references to the Rivonia Trial in Presidential correspondence, National Security Memoranda, White House Central Files, Office Files of White House Aides. These were not confirmed in this audit.
Translated from Norsk Aksjon Mot 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. -Mandela's statement from the dock at the Rivonia Trial, translated into Norwegian. -Amnesty International reports on prison conditions in South Africa (1965).
Text of Resolution 2 (XXIII) as adopted by the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights at its 914th meeting on 6 March 1967, including a request that statements delivered by Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia Trial, and by Bram Fischer in his recent trial, be given the widest publicity.
Includes: -The text of a statement by Achkar Marot, the Guinea representative to the UN, with reference to Nelson Mandela's imprisonment on Robben Island. -A 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.
Small collection of 1 hanging file. Includes copies of 1960s Umkhonto we Sizwe and ANC flyers signed in 1993 by Mandela. Although not directly related to Rivonia Trial, material like this was evidence used by state against the accused in the trial.
Includes: - UN Security Council resolutions on decolonisation and apartheid, many of which call for the release of all South African political prisoners, 1964-1965. - UN Special Committee Against Apartheid recommendations to the Security Council, including calls for the release of all political prisoners, 1962-1969. - A report to the Secretary-General by the Expert Group on South Africa, with reference to opposition to South Africa being constituted as a republic, and Nelson Mandela's role in the call for a nation wide stay-at-home strike as a means of protest. - Mandela's renewal of the call for a national convention, following the call made at the All in Africa Conference of African Leaders (Pietermaritzburg, 1961), and a quote by Mandela against racism from his 1962 trial, 1961-1964. - The text of a letter from Mary Benson to the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid enclosing a statement made by Abram Fischer, Q.C., with reference to the Defiance Campaign, Congress of the People, Treason Trial, Mandela in hiding, the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the purchasing of the Lilliesleaf Farm and the Rivonia Trial, 1966.
The material includes fragments of the Rivonia Trial Transcript concerning the details of the charges; news sheets and press releases about the Rivonia Trial; a statement by Kellock on the Trial; information sheets on South African legislation; minutes and circulars from the World Campaign for the Release of South African Political Prisoners. Other material includes Anti-Apartheid Movement correspondence, and national and executive committee meeting minutes for 1965 - 1966; correspondence relating to the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee and its officials; and papers relating to the Nyasaland emergency of 1959.
Judge Kellock, (formerly Mr. Thomas Oslaf Kellock, Q.C.) was Chairman of the National Committee of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in Britain from 1963-65. This group of papers is mostly concerned with the period when Mr. Kellock was sent to South Africa by Christian Action to act as an observer for the Defence and Aid Fund at the Rivonia Trial in 1964.
Collection of news clippings, mostly in Norwegian, that include: -Historical profiles of Mandela -Rivonia Trial, with references to Mandela and Percy Yutar (1964), and reports on Mandela and others being found guilty on charges of sabotage -Telegram sent to Verwoerd by 21 Norwegian youth organisations, in protest against the life sentences imposed on Mandela and other prisoners -Reactions to the Rivonia Trial judgement by the Foreign Minister of Great Britain, Richard Butler, as well as a statement by Verwoerd that Mandela and his men are in the category of spies, and that they have a communist plan to take over the world
UNISA bought the microfilm from CAMP (Cooperative Africana Microfilm Project). These were transferred from the Archives and Special Collections.
Reel FI4059: -Starts on list of evidence and exhibits (incomplete) -Charge -First indictment -Annexure B to Indictment: The defence request for further particulars and State's reply thereto Part I and II -Notice of application to quash indictment (27 October 1963) -Heads of argument re application to quash by Bram Fischer and Percy Yutar's reply -Second indictment -Annexure A to indictment: Particulars to the counts set out in the indictment -Annexure C -Annexure B -Notice to quash (22 November 1963) -Heads of argument -Bail applications of Bernstein and Kantor and judgment on application -Opening address by Percy Yutar -Index to state witnesses and exhibits -Statements by witnesses including, amongst others, Makda, Mtolo, Davids, Mashiloane, Sulliman, Jaantjies, Jelliman. Card -Notes on state witnesses evidence taken by defence (volumes 1-4 and extra piece in volume 5). Incomplete.
Reel FI4060: -Continuation of witness statements including Mtolo, -Notes on state witnesses evidence taken by defence -Record of state witnesses in regard to James Kantor: Makda, Gibson, Kleynhans, Cox, First, Fenn, van Rensburg -Analysis of state evidence by defence -Defence opening address and Nelson Mandela's (sic) Statement from the Dock -Walter Sisulu's evidence volume 1 (p.1-155), volume 2 (p. 156-296)
Reel FI4061: -Walter Sisulu's evidence volume 3 (p. 297-356), volume 4 (p. 357-464) -Ahmed Kathrada's evidence -Raymond Mhlaba's evidence -Lionel Bernstein's evidence (with notes) -Denis Goldberg's evidence and cross examination by Mr Krog -Govan Mbeki's evidence (includes notes passed between defence (?) team
FI4062: -Elias Motsoaledi's statement (4 pages) -Andrew Mlangeni's statement -Analysis of defence evidence and notes on argument -Judgement -Evidence in mitigation of sentence and judgement on sentence -Photographs of Rivonia -Index of accused and co-conspirators and photographs -Plans of Mountain view and Liliesleaf Farm -List of documents found by police in raids -Statement prepared by Nelson Mandela in his handwriting -Evidence prepared by Sisulu in his handwriting -Handwritten statement prepared by Sisulu in event of receiving the death sentence
It appears that these microfilms are a defence set and, according to the archivist, the originals came from Joel Joffe. However, they are not identical to the defence set of trial records at Wits (AD1844). That set contains some material that these microfilm do not and this set contains some material that Wits' does not (most notably, Sisulu's evidence and Goldberg's evidence are both complete in UNISA's and not at Wits). The reason for the differences are not known.
Manuscript of "South African Political Prisoners: The Life We Led 1963-1966" by Mahlubi L Mrwetyana. Reference to Robben Island prison conditions including for Rivonia Trialists. File on Race Relations with completed questionnaires and extensive notes on prison conditions in South Africa 1956-1961; file with material on families; biographical notes on some of the persons persecuted by the government of the Republic of South Africa for their opposition to the policies of apartheid, 30 May 1964. The list includes Nelson Mandela and other Rivonia Trialists. The list is fairly extensive. File re IRC visits to South African prisons 1964; copies of the letter and reports sent to B J Vorster (Minister of Justice) by the ICRC, June 18 1964 re: conditions in South African prisons (Robben Island, State farm prison, Victor Verster, various police stations in Pretoria and Johannesburg, Pretoria Prison, Leeuwkop, Prison Vooruitsig, Kroonstad, Pretoria Prison, T B Hospital Sonderwater).
Not available for inspection at time of this audit.
The records of the Supreme Court of South Africa (Transvaal Provincial Division) on the proceedings of the Rivonia Trial. Transferred to National Archives in 1994. Incomplete on transfer. Existent records are:
File cover with handwritten notes, including the sentences that were passed. The clerk of the court recorded the sentences that were passed together with the names of the accused on the cover of a file in blue ink.
Extracts of evidence by state witnesses (3 vols). These volumes include records by the attorney for the accused, Mr. B Fischer, applying for the postponement of the proceedings and the reply by Dr Yutar, the State’s main prosecutor. Further records include the verbatim transcriptions of evidence given by state witnesses.
Evidence for defence (1 vol.). Include verbatim transcriptions of evidence given by Ahmed Kathrada, Raymond Mhlaba, Lionel Bernstein and Govan Mbeki.
Rivonia Exhibits (1 vol.). The exhibits include documents seized by the police at Liliesleaf and deals with topics such as the Transkei; Operation Mayibuye; the new draft programme of the South African Communist Party (SACP); names and addresses of ANC and SACP members; a copy of Sibanye, a newsletter; documents discussing problems in the democratic movement, the Nationalists invasion scare, the general predictions for 1963; handwritten notes on freedom movements elsewhere in Africa; an article by E Rosenthal on General De Wet; a syllabus on the fundamental principles of Marxism; a pamphlet named 'A Call to the Youth'; a manual on rock blasting; the rules of the SACP; sketch of Tunisia; handwritten notes on the Kenya Youth Wing Organisations; SACP newsletter on the China/India border dispute; statement by the SACP on conditions in South Africa; document on the differences in the communist movement; invoices from Ace Auto electricians; press statement by Nelson Mandela on 26 June 1961.
State’s Concluding Address (4 vols). These volumes are divided into three parts. The first part deals with a factual analysis of documentary exhibits handed in, and of oral testimony given, by state witnesses. Part two deals with a factual analysis of the documentary exhibits handed in, and of the oral testimony given, by state witnesses (continued). The third part deals with the Rivonia exhibits.
Two volumes consisting of Judge’s remarks in passing sentence; the Attorney General for the Transvaal’s statement explaining which of the accused was found guilty of what offences; a part of the judgement and verbatim transcriptions of the court proceedings
Judgement (1 vol.).
Dictabelts covering the whole case (8 vols). These are digitised and accessible from NARSSA.
These records, together with the Prosecution Records received from Brenthurst Library, will at some stage become one group.
Partial record of the State versus Nelson Mandela and nine others. Contains: State's Concluding Address : Part 2: The persons who were parties to the conspiracy and the implementation thereof (OP12099), Part.4: A factual analysis of the defence case and of the further documentary exhibits produced in the course thereof (OP12100); and Judgment and Sentence (1 volume: OP12098).
This South African material at this repository was collected by Thomas Karis for "From Protest to Challenge" and is in the Karis-Gerhart Collection of South African Political Trials. It contains the following on the Rivonia Trial: -MF-451 Neg. MF: Rivonia Sabotage Trial: Not an official transcript. File consists of defence attorney's detailed notes on transcript, analyses of evidence and exhibits. Also includes the indictment. 4 reels -MF-2611 Neg. MF-966: The Rivonia Trial, J G Joffe and M Koff. Microfilm of typescript. 1 reel. -MF-10791 reel 35 item 6: Rivonia: Operation Mayibuye: A Review of the Rivonia Trial, H H W de Villiers with a foreward by Francis Napier Broome.
