SACP commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Rivonia Trial: Upholding the legacy of our liberation and social emancipation struggle

11 July 2023

On this significant day, the South African Communist Party (SACP) remembers the events that unfolded 60 years ago at Liliesleaf Farm, then the headquarters of the SACP. As we approach Heritage Month, September, we prepare to commemorate the 60th year since the arrest of most of the Rivonia Trialists and the subsequent commencement of the Rivonia Trial. We recognise the profound impact of this trial on our nation’s heritage, symbolising the enduring struggle against colonialism and apartheid oppression, the fight for liberation, democracy, and social emancipation.

It was on 11 July 1963, when the apartheid special forces raided Liliesleaf Farm, uncovering a high-level team from the joint African National Congress (ANC) and SACP military formation, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the people’s liberation army. Ahmed Kathrada, Arthur Goldreich, Dennis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, Lionel Bernstein, Raymond Mahlaba, and Walter Sisulu were arrested during this raid. They were gathered at Liliesleaf Farm, actively discussing strategies to advance “Operation Mayibuye”. This was a key part of our struggle to achieve a return of our land from colonial and apartheid expropriators and capitalist market forces and foster a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society, through a national democratic revolution against the shackles of colonialism and apartheid.

Their arrest marked the beginning of the Rivonia Trial, which took place from 9 October 1963 to 12 June 1964. In the annals of this trial, President Nelson Mandela held the title of Accused Number 1, accompanied by Walter Sisulu (Accused Number 2), Denis Goldberg (Accused Number 3), Govan Mbeki (Accused Number 4), Ahmed Kathrada (Accused Number 5), Lionel Bernstein (Accused Number 6), Raymond Mhlaba (Accused Number 7), James Kantor (Accused Number 8), Elias Motsoaledi (Accused Number 9), and Andrew Mlangeni (Accused Number 10).

Kantor was arrested at his office while Mlangeni was arrested at his home following the raid on Liliesleaf Farm by apartheid special forces. It is worth noting that President Mandela had already been arrested in 1962, charged with leaving the country without a permit and inciting a strike, and sentenced to a five-year prison term prior to the Rivonia Trial.

The Rivonia Trial, a symbol of resilience and unwavering commitment to justice, exemplifies the determination of the SACP, its comrades and allies in the pursuit of a better South Africa. It embodies the sacrifices made, the endurance demonstrated, and the indomitable revolutionary spirit that propelled our struggle forward. The Rivonia Trialists, their names etched in history, left an indelible mark on our collective memory, inspiring generations to come.

As we approach the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the Rivonia Trial, the South African Communist Party pledges to uphold this esteemed legacy. We shall honour the courage and fortitude of those who stood trial, reaffirming our commitment to the ideals they fought for. In due course, the SACP will announce the details of the commemorative events that will take place in the Heritage Month, September. Through these activities, we seek to broaden our understanding of our heritage, fostering unity, and strengthening the resolve to continue the struggle for social emancipation, equality, and justice.

The South African Communist Party calls upon South Africans, to join us in paying tribute to the Rivonia Trialists. Together, let us embrace the lessons of our past, acknowledge the sacrifices made, and work tirelessly towards building a society that embodies the vision for which they fought.

Issued by Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo, National Spokesperson, SACP, 11 July 2023