50th anniversary of Rivonia trial
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Rivonia trial sentencing in which Nelson Mandela and others were sentenced to life in prison for sabotage.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the sentencing of Nelson Mandela and seven other Rivonia trialists, who had faced the death sentence.
Instead, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Denis Goldberg, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni and Elias Motsoaledi were sentenced in the Palace of Justice in Pretoria to life imprisonment on this day in 1964.
They were incarcerated in Robben Island Prison, with the exception of Goldberg, who was sent to Pretoria Central Prison because he was white, where he served 22 years, most on his own.
In passing sentence Justice Quartus de Wet said; “I have decided not to impose the supreme penalty, which would usually be death for such a 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...”
The Rivonia trialists displayed a selfless sacrifice and commitment to the Ideals of the Liberation Struggle, which demonstrated how much they were willing to give up in the name of freedom.
They were an embodiment of a unique generation of leaders of moral integrity, honour and dedication.
Mandela, the central figure in the trial, made this speech from the dock shortly before sentencing commenced...