Identity area
Reference code
ZA SAHA MR-RT-100
Title
Records of the United Democratic Front (UDF)
Date(s)
- 1983 - 1991 (Accumulation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
75 boxes. Approximately 2 files relate to the Rivonia Trialists and their release ; Text-based documents
Context area
Name of creator
(20 August 1983 - 20 August 1991)
Administrative history
A non-racial coalition with hundreds of affiliated civic, church, students', workers' and other organisations. It launched in 1983, initially to fight the segregated Tricameral Parliament. By 1987 many activists were imprisoned or detained. Though not formally ANC-aligned, it adopted the Freedom Charter and demanded the release of political prisoners. In 1989, following restrictions on UDF and COSATU, the two began cooperating in a loose alliance called the Mass Democratic Movement. After the liberation movements were unbanned in 1990, the UDF disbanded.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
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).
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Unrestricted
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Inventory available online - http://www.historicalpapers.wits.ac.za/inventory.php?iid=8718