World On Press
Ian Jindela
Department of Arts and Culture and the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKVA) pays tribute to the 12 struggle veterans who formed part of the infamous Rivonia Trial. This was held at Sandton Convention Centre. President Jacob Zuma spoke for almost an hour long. Programme director Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile announced that Liliesleaf Farm was to be declared a National Heritage site – along with the Voortrekker Monument. On the night saw, Robert McBride, Patrice Motsepe, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, The New Age owner Atul Gupta and Danny Jordaan and other political veterans.
“As you can see the profiles of men we are honouring today speaks volumes about them and their dedication and commitment to the struggle for freedom in South Africa.... They all served our struggle with absolute commitment and were all prepared to die for the cause of freedom. They were all sentenced to life imprisonment after the Rivonia Trial and served over 20 years in prison, except for Denis Goldberg.” President Zuma.
The 12 trialists honoured are Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, Rusty Bernstein, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, James Kantor, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mhlaba and Elias Motsoaledi. The last two Aurther Goldreich and Harold Wolpe escaped before going on trail.
The MK also marks the 11 of July as the 50th anniversary. Live music kept the crowd and reminded of the struggles by Dorothy Masuku, Abigail Kubeka,Zenzi Lee-Mkhize Makeba, Soweto String Quartet, Ntombi Ngcobo of Ihash’elimhlophe. Bongani of Malaika did a one men act.
“All whites undergo compulsory military training, but no such training was given to Africans. It was in our view essential to build up a nucleus of trained men who would be able to provide the leadership which would be required if guerrilla warfare started. We had to prepare for such a situation before it became too late to make proper preparations. It was also necessary to build up a nucleus of men trained in civil administration and other professions, so that Africans would be equipped to participate in the government of this country as soon as they were allowed to do so.” - Nelson Mandela
Statement from the Dock at the Opening of the
Defence Case in the Rivonia Trial
Pretoria Supreme Court, South Africa
20th April, 1964
