Collection NMAP 2015/14 - Mac Maharaj Collection

Identity area

Reference code

ZA COM NMAP 2015/14

Title

Mac Maharaj Collection

Date(s)

  • 1964 - 1976 (Creation)

Level of description

Collection

Extent and medium

6 sheets. 2 photographs, 2 backing boards and 2 digital images of letter.

Context area

Name of creator

(1935 -)

Biographical history

Academic, politician, political and anti-apartheid activist, political prisoner and MP. Leading member of the ANC, SACP and MK. Convicted of sabotage in 1964 and sentenced to twelve years’ imprisonment which he served on Robben Island. Helped to secretly transcribe Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, and smuggled it out of prison when he was released in 1976. Commanded Operation Vulindlela (Vula), an ANC underground operation to establish an internal underground leadership. Maharaj served on the secretariat of CODESA. Minister of transport, 1994–99. Envoy to President Jacob Zuma.

Archival history

Part of the manuscripts that were smuggled out of Robben Island by Maharaj when he was released.

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Mac Maharaj

Content and structure area

Scope and content

1. 2 sheets of manuscript (written on both sides) consisting of Mandela's Robben Island autobiography and essays on Black Consciousness transcribed by Maharaj in minute handwriting.
2. 3 sheets and 2 backing boards with notes (written on one side only) by Ahmed Kathrada for secret communication between the ANC and Robben Island.
3. 1 sheet of manuscript (written on one side only) consisting of one paragraph, content and author unknown.
4. 1 photograph of Irene Mkwayi stuck onto a backing board
5. 1 photograph of woman from the Andaman Islands.
6. 2 pages of digital copy of letter by Joey to her father Maharaj, undated.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Conditions governing reproduction

Language of material

Script of material

Language and script notes

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Photo of Irene Mkwayi is slightly torn and stuck onto a backing board.

Finding aids

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

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Related descriptions

Notes area

Alternative identifier(s)

Access points

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Description control area

Description identifier

Institution identifier

Rules and/or conventions used

Status

Final

Level of detail

Full

Dates of creation revision deletion

Description created on 01 Dec 2015 by Saleh, Razia

Language(s)

Script(s)

Sources

Accession area

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