Rivonia Trial - Mandela Flashcards
(4 cards)
Results of the trial
Lasted 1963/64 – Mandela used his speeches on this platform & didn’t deny armed struggle only explained why.
- Prosecutor called for death penalty but Afrikaner judge gave life imprisonment.
- Imprisonment of Mandela & Sisulu major news but it cannot overstate its significance of the time.
They were isolated for the 60s, their communication with each other & the world limited/ censored. Mandela unable to lead MK in exile – responsibility passed to Joe Modise.
- Slovo (in exile) remained a major strategist.
- Tambo went into exile 1960 to salvage the movement, establish the ‘external’ mission & galvanize support.
By the end of ’63, few political leaders living free in SA. Those who avoided prison went into exile or accepted open politics was too dangerous. Without leadership, ANC and PAC activity stiffed.
Global anti-apartheid movement (60’s)
Founded in London 1960
- Britain: Christians in the Anglican Church who had worked in South Africa (saw apartheid as morally wrong & conflicted with the idea all were equal before God).
As political exiles came to Britain, the movement grew
- Swedish government gave support to the AAM & the US, Canada & Netherlands housed important anti-apartheid movements too.
Results of international movements
Despite some success in boycotts of SA goods & the launch of anti-apartheid news, movement struggled to find mass support. Sport proved to be a new area against apartheid:
- Sport close to white SA hearts, excluded by FIFA from international football in 1963.
- Excluded from the 1964 Olympic Games.
- In the 60’s SA teams were completely segregated and only whites represented the country.
- Basil D’Oliveira: selected for English cricket team in 1968 (colored SA who moved to England to pursue sport). Outcry when he was excluded from SA tour & he received 20,000 support letters.
But an injured English played withdrew & he was selected, Vorster cancelled the tour.
