Identity area
Reference code
ZA COM NMAP 2010/9-1-3-1b
Title
NMF_Smuggled_Letter_3_002.jpg
Date(s)
- December 1976 (Creation)
Level of description
page
Extent and medium
1 page ; 7.8 x 9.3 cm
Context area
Name of creator
(18 July 1918-5 December 2013)
Name of creator
(08 August 1929 - 28 March 2017)
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Judge Thumba Pillay
Accession number NMPP and AP 2010/9
2009-12-7
Accession number NMPP and AP 2010/9
2009-12-7
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This item consists of a letter written by Ahmed Kathrada to the legal firm of Seedat Pillay & Co. that was smuggled out of Robben Island Prison. Kathrada wished to appoint the firm to act on his behalf in legal proceedings against the Department of Prisons. Since the authorities refused to allow him contact with his attorneys, he had to use this "illegal" method to seek legal representation.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Access by permission of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright held by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Finding aid available
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
In the meanwhile the systematic inroads on the question of visits and letters have not only continued, but have reached alarming proportions. Under these circumstances, and with the formal channel of contact with my lawyers having been denied to me, I have been obliged to seek recourse to an alternative, and surreptitious method in order to reach you.
It is my desire to have urgent personal consultations with a member of your firm. Especially in view of the fact that the opposite party in this dispute is the Department of Prisons, it is essential that the consultation be fully privileged, without any untoward restrictions imposed by the authorities.
Should the Dept. of Prisons refuse you permission to see me, or place any unacceptable conditions, you have my instruction to apply to the Supreme Court for the necessary relief. In addition, I should like you to take all necessary steps in order to prevent the authorities from removing from my possession, documents of any nature, including copies of letters, etc. which may be useful for the prosecution of the case.
Finally , in the event of your receiving any communication from the Dept. of Prisons, purporting to be acting on my behalf, and which may have the effect of countermanding the above instructions, I should like you to please obtain confirmation of same from me, in my handwriting and under my signature. In the absence of the latter please proceed as herein instructed.
I shall discuss the question of fees and other relevant matters with you at the consultation.
Should your firm for any reason be unable to act for me, I shall appreciate it if you will please redirect these instructions to another firm.
Yours sincerely
[signed]
AM Kathrada
Robben Island Prison
No. 468/64
It is my desire to have urgent personal consultations with a member of your firm. Especially in view of the fact that the opposite party in this dispute is the Department of Prisons, it is essential that the consultation be fully privileged, without any untoward restrictions imposed by the authorities.
Should the Dept. of Prisons refuse you permission to see me, or place any unacceptable conditions, you have my instruction to apply to the Supreme Court for the necessary relief. In addition, I should like you to take all necessary steps in order to prevent the authorities from removing from my possession, documents of any nature, including copies of letters, etc. which may be useful for the prosecution of the case.
Finally , in the event of your receiving any communication from the Dept. of Prisons, purporting to be acting on my behalf, and which may have the effect of countermanding the above instructions, I should like you to please obtain confirmation of same from me, in my handwriting and under my signature. In the absence of the latter please proceed as herein instructed.
I shall discuss the question of fees and other relevant matters with you at the consultation.
Should your firm for any reason be unable to act for me, I shall appreciate it if you will please redirect these instructions to another firm.
Yours sincerely
[signed]
AM Kathrada
Robben Island Prison
No. 468/64
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Maharaj, Mac (Subject)
- Pillay, Thumba (Subject)
- Kathrada, Ahmed Mohamed (Kathy) (Subject)