The Rivonia trial 1962-64 Flashcards
What happened?
August 1962, Mandela captured by police.
Charged with provoking strikes and leaving SA illegally.
Initially sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Year later in July police raided Lilliesleaf farm in Rivonia an MK hideout. Nearly all leaders of MK were arrested.
Police had also found evidence MK manufactured explosives and details of Operation Mayibuye infering they planned for guerilla warfare and a revolution in SA
The trial
Lasted until July 1964. Mandela, Walter Sisulu and six others were convicted of sabotage and attempted revolution.
Knew they were likely to be found guilty so Mandela made 4 hour speech effectively putting the Apartheid state on trial.
In speech, Mandela justified, ANC’s move away from non-violence.
Mandela’s lawyers urged him to leave out final statement, because it might provoke the judge into issuing the death sentence, MAndela refused.
They were sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island
Consequences of Rivonia
Underground structures of the ANC and MK were virtually destroyed.
ANC moved at African headquarters to Tanzania. Face challenges of developing presents outside SA and ways to smuggle train soldiers back into SA to continue to fight. Difficult since SA surrounded by Mozambique Rhodesia and Angola Which were ruled by white minorities.
Newly independent African countries were more positive sources of support but the ANC Political views did not help building alliances.
Newly independent countries tended to be more supported of the PC.
Communist who worked with them for ANC in essay like Joe Slovo, Ruth First and Yuself Dadoo were banned from Tanzania.
ANC’s Life in exile
Adapted to life.
Prove to be more resilient than the PAC.
Able to find support throughout this 1960s:
1. Military training and finance from the Soviet union
2. Political support from anti-apartheid organisations in the USA and European countries
3. Military bases in Tanzania and African countries.
Role played by Oliver Tambo
He was based in London. He was able to work well and gather support from many liberals and anti-apartheid activist in Europe.
MK’s life in exile
Established 4 Guerrilla training camps. Housed approximately 2,000 troops in Tanzania. Difficult to send to SA. Destruction of ANC = living and hiding was impossible.
Had many failed attemps of fighting SA
