Sentencing of the Rivonia Trialists on 12 June 1964 Judge Quartus De

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Sentencing of the Rivonia Trialists On 12 June 1964 Judge Quartus de Wet sentenced Nelson Mandela and seven others to life imprisonment for sabotage. For many years people incorrectly referred to the Rivonia Trial as the Rivonia Treason Trial. This was because in his remarks Justice De Wet said their crime was ‘in essence one of high treason’. Here are Justice De Wet’s remarks. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA. (TRANSVAAL PROVINCIAL DIVISION) Before: The Honourable Mr. Justice DE WET, Judge-President. In the matter of: THE STATE vs. NELSON MANDELA AND OTHERS. 12th JUNE 1964. - JUDGE’S REMARKS IN PASSING SENTENCE -- DE WET. J.P. I have heard a great deal during the course of this case about the grievances of the non-European population. The accused have told me, and their counsel have told me, that the accused, who are all leaders of the non-European population, have been motivated entirely by a desire to ameliorate these grievances. I am by no means convinced that the motives of the accused were as altruistic as they wished the Court to believe. People who organise a revolution usually plan to take over the government, and personal ambition cannot be excluded as a motive. The function of this Court, as is the function of a Court in any country, is to enforce law and order, and to enforce the laws of the State within which it functions. The crime of which the accused have been convicted, that is the main crime, the crime of conspiracy, is in essence one of high treason. The State has decided not to charge the crime in this form. Bearing this in mind, and giving the matter very serious consideration, I have decided not to impose the supreme penalty which in a case like this would usually be the proper penalty for the crime. But consistent with my duty, that is the only leniency which I can show. The sentence in the case of all the accused will be one of life imprisonment. In the cases of the accused who have been convicted on more than one count. These counts will be taken together for purpose of sentence. .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

GENERAL A/582R/Add,.L* to Deeenber IP54 a S S E M B LY ORTGIML: XNGI-,ISH
O NS UN NAT' Dlstr. 'IFD GE{ENAIJ GENERAL A/582r/Add,.L* tO Deeenber IP54 A S S E M B LY ORTGIML: XNGI-,ISH Nineteenth seesion REPOIT OF T1IE SPECIAL COMMITNBE ON AHE POIJCIES OF AIARTHE]D OF THE GOIIER}X'4UIT OF THE RTPUSTIC OF SOUTH AFRTCA*I+ ADDENDUM Repregsive measures agal-nst oppoqgnts of the po].lcles of alartheld Egpgrtegll ldr. Ram c. IIALII0TRA (ivepal ) * A].so lssued. as S /6o711Add..L. t+t+ Iten tL of the pf,orrlsional agenda. -2- corsls{Ts Paragraphs Ptge r.. Tl\mrF)nNmmr.\nr 1-40 4 II. IRTAIS AND CON\IICTIONS OF OPPONENTS OF APASTHETD . t+r - 236 r5 1. The trlat of l"b. NeLson l,land.ela. t.l Ivlr. Wa].ter Slsul-u and otlers (tne . Rtvonla trlal ) q2-oq l-u 2" The Cale [orar sabotage tTlal. of + Dx. ALexand.er and. otherg 96 - rot+ ,o 3. PietennarLtzburg sabotage tr1el of, 141'. BiILy Nair and othbrs . 105 - Ito Z1 4. Porb Alf"ed sabotage.case of . Yrr. I,{lni and. others . rrL - LL8 1t 5. Sabotage trlaLs ln eueenstolo: of Songco Itr. abd others ]-L9 - 129 17 6. [ria1 of aLleged supporters of African . NatlonaL Congress ln Cape Tom Llo * Lfr "A 7. PretorLa Eabotage trla]. of IvIr. I4ashaba. a!d. others lqo - 1(4 40 Johannesburg eabotage trlal of lfr..Sehoon . and othexs ,. ,. ,. .. t 41 9. Trla]. of lvb. Joha Harris 164 - 18, \3 10. Cape To,wn oabotage trlal of Mr. Ed.uard. Joseph Darie] t,t s and. othepe, , ,. .. .. 184 - 202 rl IL.
[Show full text]
Reflections on Apartheid in South Africa: Perspectives and an Outlook for the Future
DOCUMENT RESUME ED 415 168 SO 028 325 AUTHOR Warnsley, Johnnye R. TITLE Reflections on Apartheid in South Africa: Perspectives and an Outlook for the Future. A Curriculum Unit. Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminar Abroad 1996 (South Africa). INSTITUTION Center for International Education (ED), Washington, DC. PUB DATE 1996-00-00 NOTE 77p. PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Teacher (052) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC04 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *African Studies; *Apartheid; Black Studies; Foreign Countries; Global Education; Instructional Materials; Interdisciplinary Approach; Peace; *Racial Discrimination; *Racial Segregation; Secondary Education; Social Studies; Teaching Guides IDENTIFIERS African National Congress; Mandela (Nelson); *South Africa ABSTRACT This curriculum unit is designed for students to achieve a better understanding of the South African society and the numerous changes that have recently, occurred. The four-week unit can be modified to fit existing classroom needs. The nine lessons include: (1) "A Profile of South Africa"; (2) "South African Society"; (3) "Nelson Mandela: The Rivonia Trial Speech"; (4) "African National Congress Struggle for Justice"; (5) "Laws of South Africa"; (6) "The Pass Laws: How They Impacted the Lives of Black South Africans"; (7) "Homelands: A Key Feature of Apartheid"; (8) "Research Project: The Liberation Movement"; and (9)"A Time Line." Students readings, handouts, discussion questions, maps, and bibliography are included. (EH) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** 00 I- 4.1"Reflections on Apartheid in South Africa: Perspectives and an Outlook for the Future" A Curriculum Unit HERE SHALL watr- ALL 5 HALLENTOEQUALARTiii. 41"It AFiacAPLAYiB(D - Wad Lli -WIr_l clal4 I.4.4i-i PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY (4.)L.ct.0-Aou-S TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Johnnye R.
[Show full text]
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report: Volume 2
VOLUME TWO Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was presented to President Nelson Mandela on 29 October 1998. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize Chairperson Dr Alex Boraine Mr Dumisa Ntsebeza Vice-Chairperson Ms Mary Burton Dr Wendy Orr Revd Bongani Finca Adv Denzil Potgieter Ms Sisi Khampepe Dr Fazel Randera Mr Richard Lyster Ms Yasmin Sooka Mr Wynand Malan* Ms Glenda Wildschut Dr Khoza Mgojo * Subject to minority position. See volume 5. Chief Executive Officer: Dr Biki Minyuku I CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 6 National Overview .......................................... 1 Special Investigation The Death of President Samora Machel ................................................ 488 Chapter 2 The State outside Special Investigation South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 42 Helderberg Crash ........................................... 497 Special Investigation Chemical and Biological Warfare........ 504 Chapter 3 The State inside South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 165 Special Investigation Appendix: State Security Forces: Directory Secret State Funding................................... 518 of Organisations and Structures........................ 313 Special Investigation Exhumations....................................................... 537 Chapter 4 The Liberation Movements from 1960 to 1990 ..................................................... 325 Special Investigation Appendix: Organisational structures and The Mandela United
[Show full text]
Nelson Mandela and His Colleagues in the Rivonia Trial
South Africa: The Prisoners, The Banned and the Banished: Nelson Mandela and his colleagues in the Rivonia trial http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.SFF.DOCUMENT.nuun1969_08 Use of the Aluka digital library is subject to Aluka’s Terms and Conditions, available at http://www.aluka.org/page/about/termsConditions.jsp. By using Aluka, you agree that you have read and will abide by the Terms and Conditions. Among other things, the Terms and Conditions provide that the content in the Aluka digital library is only for personal, non-commercial use by authorized users of Aluka in connection with research, scholarship, and education. The content in the Aluka digital library is subject to copyright, with the exception of certain governmental works and very old materials that may be in the public domain under applicable law. Permission must be sought from Aluka and/or the applicable copyright holder in connection with any duplication or distribution of these materials where required by applicable law. Aluka is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to creating and preserving a digital archive of materials about and from the developing world. For more information about Aluka, please see http://www.aluka.org South Africa: The Prisoners, The Banned and the Banished: Nelson Mandela and his colleagues in the Rivonia trial Alternative title Notes and Documents - United Nations Centre Against ApartheidNo. 13/69 Author/Creator United Nations Centre against Apartheid Publisher Department of Political and Security Council Affairs Date 1969-10-00 Resource type Reports Language English Subject Coverage (spatial) South Africa Coverage (temporal) 1969 Source Northwestern University Libraries Description Note.
[Show full text]
What Ended Apartheid?
NEW YORK STATE SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCE TOOLKIT 10th Grade Apartheid Inquiry What Ended Apartheid? Photographer unknown, photograph of protests against Pass Laws, 1956. NatIonal LIbrary of South AfrIca: Cape Town campus. Used with permIssIon. Supporting Questions 1. What was apartheId? 2. What efforts were made by Nelson Mandela to end apartheId? 3. What efforts were made by groups wIthIn South AfrIca to end apartheId? 4. What efforts were made by InternatIonal bodIes to end apartheId? THIS WORK IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION- NONCOMMERCIAL- SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL LICENSE. 1 NEW YORK STATE SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCE TOOLKIT 10th Grade Apartheid Inquiry What Ended Apartheid? 10.10 HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS: Since the Holocaust, human rIghts vIolatIons have generated New York State worldwide attentIon and concern. The UnIted NatIons UnIversal DeclaratIon of Human RIghts has Social Studies provIded a set of prIncIples to guide efforts to protect threatened groups and has served as a lens Framework Key Idea through whIch hIstorIcal occurrences of oppression can be evaluated. & Practices Gathering, Using, and Interpreting Evidence Chronological Reasoning and Causation Comparison and Contextualization Staging the Question Students examIne varIous maps of the “homelands” In South AfrIca and dIscuss the ImplIcatIons of, and challenges to, thIs physIcal separation. Supporting Question 1 Supporting Question 2 Supporting Question 3 Supporting Question 4 What was apartheId? What efforts were made by What efforts were made by What
[Show full text]
Umkhonto Wesizwe)
Spear of the Nation (Umkhonto weSizwe) SOUTH AFRICA’S LIBERATION ARMY, 1960s–1990s Janet Cherry OHIO UNIVERSITY PRESS ATHENS Contents Preface ....................................7 1. Introduction ............................9 2. The turn to armed struggle, 1960–3 ........13 3. The Wankie and Sipolilo campaigns, 1967–8 ................................35 4. Struggling to get home, 1969–84...........47 5. Reaping the whirlwind, 1984–9 ............85 6. The end of armed struggle...............113 7. A sober assessment of MK ...............133 Sources and further reading ................145 Index ...................................153 1 Introduction Hailed as heroes by many South Africans, demonised as evil terrorists by others, Umkhonto weSizwe, the Spear of the Nation, is now part of history. Though the organisation no longer exists, its former members are represented by the MK Military Veterans’ Association, which still carries some political clout within the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The story of MK, as Umkhonto is widely and colloquially known in South Africa, is one of paradox and contradiction, successes and failures. A people’s army fighting a people’s war of national liberation, they never got to march triumphant into Pretoria. A small group of dedicated revolutionaries trained by the Soviet Union and its allies, they were committed to the seizure of state power, but instead found their principals engaged in negotiated settlement with the enemy as the winds of global politics shifted in 9 the late 1980s. A guerrilla army of a few thousand soldiers in exile, disciplined and well trained, many of them were never deployed in battle, and most could not ‘get home’ to engage the enemy. Though MK soldiers set off limpet mines in public places in South Africa, killing a number of innocent civilians, they refrained from laying the anti-personnel mines that killed and maimed hundreds of thousands in other late-twentieth-century wars.
[Show full text]
We Were Cut Off from the Comprehension of Our Surroundings
Black Peril, White Fear – Representations of Violence and Race in South Africa’s English Press, 1976-2002, and Their Influence on Public Opinion Inauguraldissertation zur Erlangung der Doktorwürde der Philosophischen Fakultät der Universität zu Köln vorgelegt von Christine Ullmann Institut für Völkerkunde Universität zu Köln Köln, Mai 2005 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The work presented here is the result of years of research, writing, re-writing and editing. It was a long time in the making, and may not have been completed at all had it not been for the support of a great number of people, all of whom have my deep appreciation. In particular, I would like to thank Prof. Dr. Michael Bollig, Prof. Dr. Richard Janney, Dr. Melanie Moll, Professor Keyan Tomaselli, Professor Ruth Teer-Tomaselli, and Prof. Dr. Teun A. van Dijk for their help, encouragement, and constructive criticism. My special thanks to Dr Petr Skalník for his unflinching support and encouraging supervision, and to Mark Loftus for his proof-reading and help with all language issues. I am equally grateful to all who welcomed me to South Africa and dedicated their time, knowledge and effort to helping me. The warmth and support I received was incredible. Special thanks to the Burch family for their help settling in, and my dear friend in George for showing me the nature of determination. Finally, without the unstinting support of my two colleagues, Angelika Kitzmantel and Silke Olig, and the moral and financial backing of my family, I would surely have despaired. Thank you all for being there for me. We were cut off from the comprehension of our surroundings; we glided past like phantoms, wondering and secretly appalled, as sane men would be before an enthusiastic outbreak in a madhouse.
[Show full text]
Apartheid South Africa Xolela Mangcu 105 5 the State of Local Government: Third-Generation Issues Doreen Atkinson 118
ress.ac.za ress.ac.za p State of the Nation South Africa 2003–2004 Free download from www.hsrc Edited by John Daniel, Adam Habib & Roger Southall ress.ac.za ress.ac.za p Free download from www.hsrc ress.ac.za ress.ac.za p Compiled by the Democracy & Governance Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council Published by HSRC Press Private Bag X9182, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa HSRC Press is an imprint of the Human Sciences Research Council Free download from www.hsrc ©2003 Human Sciences Research Council First published 2003 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. ISBN 0 7969 2024 9 Cover photograph by Yassir Booley Production by comPress Printed by Creda Communications Distributed in South Africa by Blue Weaver Marketing and Distribution, PO Box 30370, Tokai, Cape Town, South Africa, 7966. Tel/Fax: (021) 701-7302, email: [email protected]. Contents List of tables v List of figures vii ress.ac.za ress.ac.za p Acronyms ix Preface xiii Glenn Moss Introduction Adam Habib, John Daniel and Roger Southall 1 PART I: POLITICS 1 The state of the state: Contestation and race re-assertion in a neoliberal terrain Gerhard Maré 25 2 The state of party politics: Struggles within the Tripartite Alliance and the decline of opposition Free download from www.hsrc Roger Southall 53 3 An imperfect past:
[Show full text]
NEW CONTREE STUDENT STRUGGLES in TERTIARY EDUCATION in SOUTH AFRICA DURING Kiran Odhav (Department of Education, University of N
110 NEW CONTREE STUDENT STRUGGLES IN TERTIARY EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE 19805 Kiran Odhav (Department of Education, University of North West) Introduction This paper looks at the 1980s in terms of student resistance in South Africa. It is not a comprehensive survey of all student activities, merely a summary.' An outline of student campaigns introduces the topic, and we then concentrate on the two types of universities, 'historically White' (HWU's) and 'historically Black' (HBU's). This may appear to be an artificial classification of the university sector. Nevertheless, for convenience, we shall use the classification (HWU/HBU's) to organise our data of resistance during the 1980s. This resistance was obviously much more concentrated at the HBU's. Historically too, there was a wealth of political and other kinds of resistance at the HBU's to aspects of the tertiary system, the social structure, and specifically to apartheid's Bantustan system. Finally, the distinction between 'historically White .u~iversities' and 'historically Black univers!ties' is made in the li~ht of an educational system that was the product of a colomallegacy and apartheid. I wish to categorize resistance data in terms of four specific aspects: .Political resistance. This includes resistance within the university but primarily against the state or Bantustan concerned. .Resistance specifically regarding financial issues including corruption and the abuse of power. This is done for logistical convenience, due to the intensity and pervasiveness of politics in all areas of resistance. .Academic resistance and access related issues. These include all aspects of resistance by students in the academic sphere, whether against graduation ceremonies or such concerns as access to universities or residences.
[Show full text]
State Vs. Nelson Mandela Prelims.096 17/04/2007 1:37 PM Page Ii Prelims.096 17/04/2007 1:37 PM Page Iii
Prelims.096 17/04/2007 1:37 PM Page i The State vs. Nelson Mandela Prelims.096 17/04/2007 1:37 PM Page ii Prelims.096 17/04/2007 1:37 PM Page iii The State vs. Nelson Mandela The Trial that Changed South Africa Joel Joffe Prelims.096 17/04/2007 1:37 PM Page iv THE STATE VS. NELSON MANDELA A Oneworld Book Published by Oneworld Publications 2007 Copyright © Joel Joffe 2007 All rights reserved Copyright under Berne Convention A CIP record for this title is available from the British Library ISBN-13: 978–1–85168–500–4 Typeset by Jayvee, Trivandrum Cover design by D. R. Ink Printed and bound by T. J. International Ltd., Padstow, Cornwall Oneworld Publications 185 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7AR England www.oneworld-publications.com Learn more about Oneworld. Join our mailing list to find out about our latest titles and special offers at: www.oneworld-publications.com Prelims.096 17/04/2007 1:37 PM Page v Dedication To Bram Fischer Q.C. who saved the lives of Nelson Mandela and his co-accused, but sacrificed his own life in the fight for freedom. All royalties after expenses will go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Prelims.096 17/04/2007 1:37 PM Page vi Pretoria Prison Republic of South Africa 11th May 1964 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN When our trial started in October 1963, none of us had ever met Joel Joffe before. All we knew of him at the time was that he had cancelled plans to leave South Africa in order to take up our defence.
[Show full text]
The Politics of the Sharpeville Massacre and Soweto Uprising
Georgia Southern University Digital Commons@Georgia Southern University Honors Program Theses 2019 Genocide Masquerading: The olitP ics of the Sharpeville Massacre and Soweto Uprising Jessica P. Forsee Georgia Southern University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses Part of the Africana Studies Commons, African History Commons, Diplomatic History Commons, International Relations Commons, Political History Commons, and the United States History Commons Recommended Citation Forsee, Jessica P., "Genocide Masquerading: The oP litics of the Sharpeville Massacre and Soweto Uprising" (2019). University Honors Program Theses. 415. https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/415 This thesis (open access) is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons@Georgia Southern. It has been accepted for inclusion in University Honors Program Theses by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Georgia Southern. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Genocide Masquerading: The Politics of the Sharpeville Massacre and Soweto Uprising An Honors Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Honors in History. By Jessica Forsee Under the mentorship of Dr. Cathy Skidmore-Hess ABSTRACT Apartheid South Africa represented a paradox as a US ally and human rights pariah. “Genocide Masquerading” uncovers the implications of US foreign policy on the rise and decline of apartheid, looking specifically at the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre and the 1976 Soweto Uprising. By comparing Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Ford, and Carter foreign policy responses, this thesis creates a comparative analysis of how effective, or ineffective, the United States was during pivotal moments in apartheid history. This thesis will not only expand on the developing South African literature but add to the conversation of international aid, diplomacy practices, and North-South relationships.
[Show full text]
Resistance to Apartheid
RESISTANCE TO APARTHEID MAYIBUYE! iAFRIKA! • The ANC Youth League NON-VIOLENT PROTEST IN THE 1950s • “Open the jail doors, we want to enter!”: The Deﬁance Campaign – Repressive government legislation and actions • “The People shall govern”: The Freedom Charter • The Treason Trial • “Strijdom, you have struck a rock!”: Women’s resistance THE 1960s – THE ROAD TO ARMED STRUGGLE • The formation of the PAC • The Sharpeville Massacre – What really happened at Sharpeville? Dealing with conﬂicting sources • Moving towards the armed struggle • The Rivonia Trial THE 1970s – THE YOUTH TAKE CHARGE • Steve Biko and the Rise of Black Consciousness • The death of Steve Biko THE SOWETO UPRISING OF 1976 GRADE 9 $POUFOU 3FQSFTTJPOBOE SFTJTUBODFUPBQBSUIFJE MAYIBUYE! iAFRIKA! GRADE 11 $POUFOU 8IBUXBTUIFOBUVSFPG 'SPNUIFTUPUIFT SFTJTUBODFUPBQBSUIFJEUPPLNBOZEJGGFSFOUGPSNT*OUIF SFTJTUBODFUPBQBSUIFJE T UIFSFTJTUBODFNPWFNFOUXBTTUJMMNPEFSBUF CVUJOUIFT JUUVSOFEUPPQFO CVUOPOWJPMFOU DPOGSPOUBUJPO*OUIFFBSMZTJUUPPLVQBSNTJOUIFTUSVHHMF5IF TUBUFNFUFWFSZBUUFNQUBUSFTJTUBODFCZJODSFBTJOHJUTSFQSFTTJPO %FTQJUFUIF4PVUI"GSJDBOHPWFSONFOUµTIBSTIQPMJDJFTBOEUIFHSPXJOHQPWFSUZBOE IBSETIJQPGUIF"GSJDBOQFPQMF UIFSFXBTMJUUMFPSHBOJ[FECMBDLSFTJTUBODFBHBJOTUUIF TUBUFVOUJMUIJOHTCFHBOUPDIBOHFJOUIFT5IFSFXFSFNBOZQPQVMBSTUSVHHMFT EVSJOHUIJTUJNF JODMVEJOHIPVTJOHQSPUFTUTBOECVTCPZDPUUT.BOZPGUIFTFTUSVHHMFT XFSFJOTQJSFECZUIFBDUJWJUJFTPGUIF$PNNVOJTU1BSUZPG4PVUI"GSJDB $14" XIJDIXBT GPSNFEJO"MBSHFOVNCFSPGUIFMFBEFSTPGUIF$14"XFSFXIJUF .FNCFSTPGUIF$PNNVOJTU1BSUZPG4PVUI"GSJDBIFMQFEPSHBOJ[FMJGUTGPSUIFSFTJEFOUTPG"MFYBOESBEVSJOH
[Show full text]