The Trial That Changed South Africa Rivonia Trials The Trial That Changed South Africa

The Rivonia 11 Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and 9 others were charged with sabotage & conspiracy after their MK hideout was discovered by authorities. The trial began in October 1963.

Aerial shot of Lillieleaf Farm – MK HQ

Authorities search Lillieleaf Farm – MK HQ

The 11 accused

Most Profound Moment Mandela made a speech in the dock in which he condemned the very court he was appearing in as illegitimate. Q: Why would he view the court as ‘illegitimate’?

The Trial Begins – Crowds gather to show their support & encouragement.

A Serious Conundrum Although liberation movements were against racial discrimination, the law stated that they must deal with arrested activists. This was not justice; but it was the law. Q: What is the difference between law/legalities and justice?

Mandela’s Platform In the Rivonia Trial, the ‘accused’ addressed this problem by using the courts as a site of struggle. They argued that the law was drawn up without the consent of the majority; it was enforced to ensure the perpetuation of an unjust system, and therefore the struggle would be waged to establish a new system, including a legal system that would embody the values of a non-racial constitution that protected human rights.

Supporter’s view of the Palace of Justice

Winnie Mandela photographed leaving the court

Verwoerd’s Opportunity His chance to rid SA of Mandela & his party. Sought the death penalty. International attention was focusing on the trial and the sentence. Protests occurred in London. Defense team told the accused men to expect the worse.

London protesters

International Intervention Britain and the US advised SA against giving the men the death penalty. They had suggested that in the future they may need Mandela to help negotiate and serve as a ‘bridge’ between whites and blacks.

Crowds await to hear the sentences

The Verdict The trial ended on June 12, 1964. 8 out of 11 were sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island.

Extract from the book, From Protest to Challenge, A Documentary History of South African Politics. ‘The accused waved to the audience as they descended below the dock. Outside, as on the preceding day, large numbers of police, some with dogs, stood ready to control the crowds and avoid any embarrassing incidents or disorder. Among some 2,000 people present there were only a few hundred Africans who showed their emotions. They responded to news of the verdict with shouts of Amandla Ngawethu! and the clenched fist and upright thumb of the ANC. Some unfurled banners – "We Are Proud of Our Leaders" – which the police seized. All except Goldberg, the one white, were flown to Robben Island, the maximum security prison some seven miles from the shores of Cape Town.’

International Reactions The media presence and coverage of the Rivonia Trial was significant. The Trial was watched by the world. As a result South Africa experienced pressure from the International Community during and after the trial. The United Nations issued statements to the South African government appealing against the death sentence, which many expected.

United Nations Session

Consequences In the aftermath of the trial the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, and other international sports bodies began terminating South Africa’s membership to these organisations. By the end of the 1970s, South Africa was largely isolated from participating in world sport. Cultural bodies around the world also terminated South Africa’s membership.

ANC President Oliver Tambo addresses a crowd outside South Africa House in Trafalgar Square, London. This address occurred soon after the Rivonia Trial to maintain international pressure on Apartheid South Africa. Photograph from Sunday Times, supplied by STE Publishers

Significance & Evaluation Rivonia Trials were significant because of the International attention it gained. Some say by imprisoning the leaders of the MK, the SA Govt actually weakened their ability to fight. Political activity was almost impossible. However, others argue that it actually strengthened underground movements, and the networks continued to grow in their capacity outside of the country.

Significance & Evaluation In the mid- 1960s, many African nations gained their independence. This allowed Tambo & the ANC to set up bases for the training of MK recruits. In 1969, the ANC opened up ANC membership to all races – symbolising a new era in the history of the liberation movement. There was also an increase in efforts to enter South Africa from neighbouring countries to launch guerilla attacks.

Significance & Evaluation There was also an increase in efforts to enter South Africa from neighbouring countries to launch guerilla attacks. The United Nations Security Council condemned the trial and began moves towards international sanctions against the apartheid regime.

TASK 1. Explain in your own words what the Riviona Trial were about. 2. What was the significance of this trial? What impact did it have on the liberation movement?