Full Collection Details

Records of the Delmas Treason Trial

Units in Collection

This Collection contains 50 units

Finding Aids

Published inventory: Historical and Literary Papers: Inventories of Collections: No 21. Records of the Delmas Treason Trial. Available from repository.Inventory available online

Quick Guide

The Quick Guide is a list of all the items relevant to the Black Sash in this particular collection.

Advocate Gilbert Marcus (Donor)
Advocate George Bizos (Donor)
Cheadle, Thompson and Haysom (Donor)

Repository: Historical Papers, University of the Witwatersrand
Reference code: AK2117
Extent: 223 boxes. Black Sash materials is about 50 items
City: Johannesburg
Dated: 1985-1989. Black Sash materials range from late 1960s-mid 1980s
Scope:The State vs. P M Baleka and 21 others on charges of treason, murder, terrorism and subversion.

Court records including indictment, defence admissions, exhibits and judgment. Also material collected by the defence such as statements by some of the accused, trial summaries and minutes of attorneys' meetings. Amongst those charged were M. M. Chikane, M. G. P. Lekota and P. S. Molefe, together with other members of the United Democratic Front which was formed in opposition to the government's proposals for a tricameral parliament and black local authorities.

The exhibits relate to the following organisations: African National Congress, Alexandra Youth Congress, Azanian People's Organisation, Azanian Student Organisation, Black Sash, Congress of South African Students, Council of Unions of South Africa, Detainees Parents Support Committee, End Conscription Campaign, Federation of South African Women, Grahamstown Civic Association, Johannesburg Democratic Action Committee, Natal Indian Congress, National Education Union of S.A; NUSAS, Release Mandela Campaign, South African Allied Workers Union, South African Communist Party, South African Council of Churches, Soweto Civic Association, Soweto Youth Congress, Transvaal Indian Congress,Tumahole Civic Association, United Democratic Front, Vaal Civic Association.

The trial was the longest trial in South African legal history in terms of days in court, 437 days. It is called the Delmas Treason Trial as it was heard in Delmas for the first eighteen months. The accused were found guilty but the case went on appeal and the judgement was set aside.

Media: Text documents

Themes:Legal issues; Other organisations; Repression

Administrative / biographical history:Ranking might be incorrect as guide didn't provide enough information to assess. Themes and media may be incomplete for same reason. The creator/donor is unclear.

Percentage of collection relevant to Black Sash: 1 - 19%

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