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Records of the Publications Control Board

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)

Publications Control Board

Records of the Department of Home Affairs, Director of Publications, Cape Town (Complaints and Appeals)

  • ZA WCARS MR-RT-084
  • Collection
  • 1975 - 1990
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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)

Director of Publications

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Photographic Collection

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-123
  • Collection
  • 1940 - 1990
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

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

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

Available for inspection at time of audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Oral History and Sound Archive

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-085
  • Collection
  • 1955 - 1995
  • Part of Rivonia 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).

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

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

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

Not available for inspection at time of this audit

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Nelson Mandela Papers

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-082
  • Collection
  • 1963 - 1967
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

Untitled

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

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-081
  • Collection
  • 1963 - 1989
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Trials

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-080
  • Collection
  • 1956 - 1989
  • Part of Rivonia 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.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: South African Political Prisoners: The life we led 1963-1966

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-079
  • Collection
  • 1956 - 1964
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

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

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

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

Not available for inspection at time of this audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

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

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

Not available for inspection at time of this audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

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

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

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

Not available for inspection at time of this audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

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

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

Not available for inspection at time of this audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Bob Hepple Papers

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

Hepple, Bob

Denis Goldberg Collection

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-069
  • Collection
  • 1988 - 1999
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

Untitled

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Prisons

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

Available for inspection at time of audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Harold Wolpe Papers

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-066
  • Collection
  • 1980 - 1989
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

Wolpe, Harold

South African Press Clips Collection

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-065
  • Collection
  • 1970 - 1990
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

Newspaper cuttings collected by Barry Streek. Topics that include material on Rivonia include: "Biographies", "Extra Parliamentary Politics", and "International."

Streek, Barry

Toni Strassburg Papers

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

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

Strassburg, Toni

Govan Mbeki Papers

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-063
  • Collection
  • 1960 - 1992
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

Mbeki, Govan Archibald Mvuyelwa

Ahmed Kathrada Collection

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-062
  • Collection
  • 1954 - 2002
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

Kathrada, Ahmed Mohamed (Kathy)

Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement (IAAM) Collection

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-061
  • Collection
  • 1961 - 1989
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement (IAAM)

Brian Bunting Papers

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-057
  • Collection
  • 1930 - 1980
  • Part of Rivonia 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).

Bunting, Brian Percy

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

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

Available for inspection at time of audit.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers: Miscellaneous

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-004
  • Collection
  • 1978 - 1993
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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).

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Film Archive

  • ZA UWCRIMA MR-RT-003
  • Collection
  • 1955 - 1995
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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).

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers

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

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund Audio Collection

Audio recording of an African National Congress (ANC) rally held at the Cape Town Civic Centre on the 13th of September 1993. The speakers included Nelson Mandela, Allan Boesak, Salie Manie and Melanie Verwoerd.

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF) Papers

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

International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF)

Hepple, Bob Prof

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

Hepple, Bob

Brian Bunting Collection

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

Bunting, Brian Percy

Records of the ANC French Mission

Video on the history of the ANC, 1949-1960s, entitled Viva Mandela that refers to Rivonia Trial.

African National Congress (ANC) French Mission

Records of ANC Australia Mission

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

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

African National Congress (ANC) Australia Mission

Records of ANC Morogoro Office

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

African National Congress (ANC) Morogoro Office

Nelson Mandela Collection

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.

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla

African National Congress Oral History Interviews

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

Walter Sisulu Papers

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.

Sisulu, Walter Max Ulyate

African National Congress US Repatriation Collection

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

African National Congress (ANC)

Govan Mbeki Papers

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.

Mbeki, Govan Archibald Mvuyelwa

Oliver Tambo Papers

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

Tambo, Oliver Reginald

Denis Goldberg Papers

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.

Goldberg, Denis Theodore

Oliver Tambo Papers

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

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

Tambo, Oliver Reginald

Govan Mbeki Papers

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

Mbeki, Govan Archibald Mvuyelwa

African National Congress India Mission Records

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

African National Congress (ANC) India Mission

Records of the United Democratic Front (UDF)

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).

United Democratic Front (UDF)

South African History Archive Poster Collection

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 (?).

South African History Archive (SAHA)

South African History Archive Photograph Collection

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).

South African History Archive (SAHA)

Hilda and Rusty Bernstein Papers

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

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

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

Bernstein, Robert L

Julie Frederikse Collection

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.

Fredrickse, Julie

The Voice of Nelson Mandela

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

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

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

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

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Rivonia Trial: Sentencing

  • ZA SABC SA MR-RT-012
  • Collection
  • 1963 - 1990
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Mandela: An Audio History

  • ZA SABC SA MR-RT-011
  • Collection
  • 1964 - 2004
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Phala-Phala FM

Programmes and programme segments broadcast on programmes such as Ndevhetsini and Vhulombe. Includes reports on:
Nelson Mandela's speech at the Rivonia Trial in 1964, and his sentence to life imprisonment on Robben Island; Nelson Mandela's release from prison; Nelson Mandela's biographical history. Debate between Mandela and FW De Klerk in 1990. Tributes at the funerals of Chris Hani and Oliver Tambo. South Africa's political negotiations at CODESA 1 and 2. Nelson Mandela's acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. African National Congress (ANC) election victory in 1994. Nelson Mandela's presidential speeches at the Union Buildings in 1994 and at the second session of the first democratic parliament in South Africa. Progress review of the first 100 days in government of the ANC; The opening of South Africa's parliament by Nelson Mandela in 1995; South Africa's Government of National Unity. Adoption of the new South African constitution. Nelson Mandela's visit to the United Kingdom (UK) in 1996, and his address to the UK parliament. The visits of international Heads of State to South Africa, including Francois Mitterrand and King Karl Gustav XXI. Visits by Nelson Mandela to Mali, Togo, South-East Asia and the United States. The election of Nelson Mandela as the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 1996. The opening of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses in Soweto. The release of the final Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report in 1996. Reports on the infighting within the ANC on Nelson Mandela's successor to lead the organisation. Nelson Mandela's resignation as ANC president in 1997. The farewell function for Nelson Mandela as President, and Thabo Mbeki's inauguration as President of South Africa in 1999.
Nelson Mandela opening the Nelson Mandela National Museum in Umtata. Visits by Nelson Mandela to South African schools. The South African general elections of 2004. Nelson Mandela's speech at the closing of the international AIDS conference in Durban in 2000, and addressing the international AIDS conference in Bangkok in 2004.
Languages: Venda and English

South African Broadcasting Corporation [DO NOT USE]

Radio RSA: English Service

A recording of proceedings at the Rivonia Trial, the State versus Nelson Mandela and nine others, including the verdict and passing of sentences, as well as FW De Klerk's announcement of Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990.

South African Broadcasting Corporation [DO NOT USE]

Mandela -196+

English Service Class Actuality Program Rivonia Trial - A short summary of the Rivonia Trial case the verdict and the passing of sentences by Judge president Quartus de Wet.

RECORD BC 19640611

South African Broadcasting Corporation [DO NOT USE]

Mandela -196+

English Service Actuality Rivonia Trial- Quartus De Wet/ Bram Fischer/Dr Percy Yutar
Recordings of the proceedings during the Rivonia trial sabotage Trial with actuality by the Judge president Quartus De Wet, the public prosecutor, Percy Yutar and counsel for defence, Bram Fischer. Mandela appears as accused no.1.

RECORDBC 19631203

South African Broadcasting Corporation [DO NOT USE]

Twenty Five Years of Apartheid

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.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Department of Correctional Services Political Prisoner Files

  • ZA NARSSA MR-RT-094
  • Collection
  • 1964 - 1990
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

Department of Correctional Services

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

  • ZA NARSSA MR-RT-093
  • Collection
  • 1963 - 1964
  • Part of Rivonia Trial

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.

Department of Justice

Prosecution Records

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

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

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

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

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

Yutar, Percy

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

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

Magnus Gunther Collection

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

Gunther, Magnus

National Intelligence Agency Archive

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

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

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Cape Argus/Cape Times Clippings Collection

Newspaper clippings in subject files were created by Cape Times and Cape Argus newspapers and transferred to the National Library.

Subject entries under 53138 Treason Trials 1961-1970 for Cape Argus and Treason 1963 may have items relating to the Rivonia Trial.

Cape Times

Digital Innovation South Africa (DISA)

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.

Digital Innovation South Africa (DISA)

Liliesleaf Farm Artefact Collection

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

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

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South African Police Museum and Archives Collection

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

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

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Karis/Gerhart Collection

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.

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Records of the Garment Workers Union

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.

Garment Workers Union (GWU)

South African Institute of Race Relations Press Clippings

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.

Institute of Race Relations (IRR)

Records of the African National Congress (ANC)

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.).

African National Congress (ANC)

Colin Purkey Papers

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).

Records of the Archibishops of Cape Town Part II

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.

Anglican Church

Records of the Students' Resource Centre, University of Witwatersrand

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

Records of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS)

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

Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS)

Denis Kuny Papers

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.

Records still in process.

Kuny, Denis

Liliesleaf Farm/Rivonia Trial Research Collection

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.

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The State versus Nelson Mandela and Nine Others

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

Department of Justice

The State versus Nelson Mandela and Nine Others

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).

Department of Justice

Jack and Ray Simons Papers

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.

Simons, Jack

Harold Wolpe Papers

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).

Wolpe, Harold

Records of the American Committee on Africa (ACOA)

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.

American Committee on Africa

Helen Suzman Papers

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).

Suzman, Helen

Trials

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).

Institute of Race Relations (IRR)

Benjamin Pogrund Papers

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.

Pogrund, Benjamin

Liberal Party of South Africa Collection

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

Liberal Party

South African Newspaper Collection

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

National Library of South Africa

Liliesleaf Farm Audio-Visual Collection

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

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

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

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

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Percy Yutar Papers

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).

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Harold and Annemarie Wolpe Papers

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

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

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South African Newspaper Collection

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

National Library of South Africa

Rivonia Trial Records

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

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla

Freedom Park Oral History Collection

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

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Rivonia Trial

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.

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Rivonia Trial

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

Department of Justice

James Kantor Papers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joel Joffe Papers

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

Joffe, Joel

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