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= The Rivonia Trial =

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The mid to late 20th century was a volatile time for South Africa. Apartheid policies had left huge sections of the South African population disadvantaged. Over time, increasing condemnation of apartheid, combined with the rising desperation of the majority of South African peoples, led to more vigorous protests.

In 1961 Nelson Mandela, who had emerged as a leading figure in the ANC and anti-apartheid campaigns, helped to establish a group called Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation). Unlike the ANC, MK used violence to convey its political messages. MK aimed to carry out “planned attacks against government installations, particularly those connected with the policy of apartheid and race discrimination”.

In 1963, following a raid on Liliesleaf Farm, South African police seized documents linking MK with over 200 hundred acts of sabotage. Eleven MK leaders were charged and trialled in what has become known as the Rivonia Trial. This trial, which lasted from October of 1963 to June of 1964, would result in Mandela and seven others being sentenced to life in prison and would set the course of South African history.

Use a selection of the resources provided below to further investigate the Rivonia Trial and complete your activity.

Resources
The Nelson Mandela (Rivonia) Trial (be sure to look at this page of the site)

Rivonia Trial 1963-1964

Rivonia Trial

One Day Back in '63 at Liliesleaf

History of Apartheid Use for helpful background knowledge of apartheid.

A series of audio clips giving first-hand descriptions of apartheid, MK and the Rivonia Trial:
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