These records were donated by the Oppenheimer Family to the National Archives in 2008 from the Brenthurst Library in Johannesburg. The Oppenheimers acquired them from Dr Percy Yutar, the prosecutor in the trial.
They are not a complete record. Some witness testimony, and cross-examination are missing. See linked list for more details.
Included in the records are the indictment, opening address, statements, evidence by witnesses for the State and for the accused, evaluation of evidence of the trial, judgment and sentence, photographs, the diary Mandela kept when he left South Africa secretly at the beginning of 1962 to undergo military training and to garner support for the banned ANC. Also included is Mandela's statement from the dock. A significant component of the material is the working papers of the prosecution that were used to build up the State's case against the Rivonia Trialists. There are also photocopies and microfilm copies.
There are also prosecution records from the Yutars in the personal collection of Douw Steyn and at Liliesleaf Farm.
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.
In Special Collections section of the UNISA Library. The records of the Supreme Court of South Africa (Transvaal Provincial Division) on the proceedings of the Rivonia Trial. The collection contains: Indictment: Annexures and Opening address (1 volume); State's Concluding Address (volumes 1-4): vol.1: A factual analysis of the documentary exhibits handed in and of the oral testimony given, by the state witnesses, vol.2: The persons who were parties to the conspiracy and the implementation thereof, vol.3: n Kritiese ontleding van sekere dokumentere bewysstukke, vol.4: A factual analysis of the defence case and of the further documentary exhibits produced in the course thereof; and Judgment and Sentence (1 volume).
Freedom Park has conducted oral history interviews with many veterans of the struggle for freedom in South Africa, including with the remaining veterans of the Rivonia Trial. Transcription in progress.
Collection of South African newspapers. Focus is newspapers from Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounds. Collection includes coverage of the transfer of Mandela to Pretoria before the Trail, the arrests, Rivonia Trial, sentencing etc. Request relevant dates or publications. Newspapers which covered the trial extensively include Sunday Times, Pretoria News, Rand Daily Mail, Die Vaderland etc.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
The Museum contains evidence and documentation related to high profile police investigations. Rivonia Trial material is as follows: Artefacts taken as evidence during the raid on Liliesleaf Farm: -Three duplication machines (Roneo 750) -Two radio transmitters -Typewriter Incomplete. These came to the Museum from John Vorster Square Police Station. They were then transferred back to the Police Station. When they were finally returned to the Museum, some artefacts and evidence was missing.
Archival files contain: -One page on artefacts and their significance when transferred from John Vorster Square Police Station to the Museum in 1984. -Labels from artefact evidence -Pamphlets collected as evidence -Instruction manual for duplication machine -Press clippings from trial -State's Concluding Address III (Afrikaans) All 639.29-2/2A
Inventory accessed contains one manuscript (bound photocopy in three parts) in Nelson Mandela's handwriting: "How to be a Good Communist; Dialectical Materialism; Political Economy". Preceding the manuscript are two pages from Mandela's Statement from the Dock (pages 45 and 46) and a photocopy of a sub-file indicating what the manuscript is about and that is was seizd at Rivonia.
There may be other records related to the Rivonia Trial in this archive
African National Congress rally celebrating Nelson Mandela 90th birthday. Jacob Zuma, Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, ANC Officials, ANC, NEC, and dignitaries.
One of South Africa's National Orders. Awarded to Mandela for his exceptional and unequalled contribution to the liberation struggle, national reconciliation and nation-building in South Africa, and for his unwavering commitment to peace and justice in the world. Presented by President Thabo Mbeki. Mandela was the first recipient of the order in the Platinum class.
Service Radio RSA general- Class actuality- meeting between the SA government and ANC. Concept news conference in Pretoria after a meeting between the SA government. The ANC- concept news - conference in Pretoria after meeting between the South African Government and the African National Congress.
Radio South Africa actuality on violence in Worcester, deputy President of the ANC Mr Nelson Mandela spoke about the violence throughout the country during a rally in Worcester.
Records of the State vs. Nelson Mandela and nine others (Walter Sisulu, Dennis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Lionel Bernstein, Raymond Mhlaba, James Kantor, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni).
The Treason Trial. The State versus F Adams and others. In Special Criminal Court constituted in terms of government no. 1701 of 1958. The collection includes the Proceedings 1959 - 1961 (sixty-one volumes) Exhibits 1960 (three volumes)Reasons for Judgment 1961 (four volumes).
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.
16 mm Film with separated sound, unedited footage of interviews with former Robben Island prisoners. The footage used in the making of the documentary, "Voices from Robben Island." Interviewees include Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Govan Mbeki, Mac Maharaj, Neville Alexander, Eddie Daniels Kwedie Mkallipi, Jacob Zuma, Seth Mazibuko, Terror Lekota, James Gregory, Mike Green, Sisulu's and Mlangenis visiting the island,Wild Sounds buzz, Wedding cake, Maqoma burial, and Steve Tshwete. Also includes scenes of prison life on Robben Island, and interviews with warders.
Documentary describing the milestones in the life of Nelson Mandela- from his younger days through his political activities for the ANC, his long imprisonment up to the achievement of the Nobel Peace Prize and his nomination to be the first black president of South Africa.
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.
Correspondence on the opposed bail application Lionel Forman, Dorothy Stanley, Reginald September, Nelson Mandela, G.M Naicker and Lawrence Nkosi versus the Attorney General.
Witwatersrand Local Division of the Supreme Court (Johannesburg)
Kop en skouers foto van gllimlaggende Nelson Mandela, hoogaangeskrewe leier van die ANC ( African National Congress) en stigterlid van Umkhonto we Sizwe= Head and shoulders photo of smiling Nelson Mandela, acclaimed leader of the ANC (African National Congress) and founder member of Umkhonto we Sizwe. 12cmX17 cm
Mrs Winnie Mandela supports Govan Mbeki, one of the leaders of Umkhonto we Sizwe leaders arrested in Rivonia on 11 June 1963, after his release by the government.
Photograph of a document from the company Mandela and Tambo attorneys at law requesting the lifting of restriction on Nelson Mandela to enable him to appear on behalf of a client in Hammanskraal Native Commissioner's court. 9 x 12cm
Ex parte application by Nelson Mandela for admission as an attorney in the Supreme Court of South Africa, Transvaal Provincial Division. The application includes: A transcript from the University of South Africa (UNISA) confirming Mandela's completion of requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree. An affidavit by Lazar Sidelsky declaring Mandela fully qualified to act as an attorney. Confirmation of Mandela's completion of the Attorneys Admission examinations. Character references; Affidavits by Mandela confirming his date and place of birth and academic qualifications. Certificates The attorney's oath signed by Mandela. A declaration by Justice Steyn of the Transvaal Provincial Division that Mandela is qualified to practice as an attorney.
Transvaal Provincial Division of the Supreme Court (Pretoria)
Ex parte application of the Incorporated Law Society of the Transvaal versus Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela, for the removal of Mandela's name from the list of attorneys, based on his involvement in the Defiance Campaign and other political activities.
Transvaal Provincial Division of the Supreme Court (Pretoria)
Refused bail application after arrests for high treason. Lionel Forman, Dorothy Stanley, Reginald September, Nelson Mandela, GM Naicker and Lawrence Nkosi versus the Attorney General of the Transvaal.
Witwatersrand Local Division of the Supreme Court (Johannesburg)
Opposed bail application of Lionel Forman, Dorothy Stanley, Reginald September, Nelson Mandela, GM Naicker and Lawrence Nkosi versus the Attorney-General of the Transvaal.
Witwatersrand Local Division of the Supreme Court (Johannesburg)
In this, the opening of the Defence case, Mandela states that his experiences in South Africa and his pride as an African underlie his actions. He details how and why Umkhonto we Sizwe was formed and what its strategies were. He also responds to the allegations of the State one by one and includes an explanation of both his ideological influences and his ideals.
UN International Drug Control Programme South Africa's legal workshop on sub-regional cooperation against drug trafficking. Speech delivered by Minister of Justice Dullah Omar on behalf of the President
![Streeter, Chris : Interviewed by Tony Trew, 2015, Pretoria : [Transcript]](/uploads/r/nelson-mandela-centre-of-memory-south-africa/7/5/f/75fe5ca49be5406356eec87cfdba3365db0a9780be7c7e16ca0bc1c955739124/ZA-NMCOM-TPY-13_142.jpg)
![Mazwai, Thami : Interviewed by Tony Trew, 2015, Sandton : [Transcript]](/uploads/r/nelson-mandela-centre-of-memory-south-africa/f/7/5/f75b2005d5eafbde7a67d407918a5b8f300e5992c5d5a180ae4fadaaeef7371e/ZA-NMCOM-TPY-20_142.jpg)
![Viljoen, Constand : Interviewed by Tony Trew, 2015, Pretoria : [Transcript]](/uploads/r/nelson-mandela-centre-of-memory-south-africa/c/b/0/cb0eedc40869b25b088f96a5afb87d8d69a44a64ebd7c77276386a5b0897496c/ZA-MNCOM-TPY-19_142.jpg)