The photograph above depicts Alex Moumbaris after his escape, next to his wife Marie-José, at a press conference for the release of political prisoners in South Africa, 16 January 1980.
Sections A1 and A2 have been digitised in full and are accessible.
Alexandre (Alex) Moumbaris, born in Egypt to Greek parents, began his political life in England as a member of the British Communist Party and later the South African Communist Party. He also joined Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), and together with his wife Marie-José became part of what is now known as the internationalist underground group ‘London Recruits’, for which they received the South African National Order “Sabotage Campaign Medal” in 2012.
Alex and Marie-José Moumbaris were arrested on the 19 July 1972 while trying to cross the border from Botswana to South Africa during an MK operation, together with other members of MK. They were secretly detained for 4 months, before ‘Alexandre Moumbaris and 5 Others’ were charged under the Terrorism Act in January 1973. Marie-José, who was pregnant at the time with their first child, had been released through international pressure and deported to France in September 1972. Alex Moumbaris was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment on the 20 June 1973, which he started serving in the Pretoria Local Prison.
On the 11 December 1979 Alex Moumbaris and two other prisoners, Tim Jenkin and Stephen Lee, made a daring escape from Pretoria Central Prison. After a dangerous and exhausting journey they eventually arrived in Lusaka, where they were received by OR Tambo, and for the first time appeared publicly about their escape during a press conference on the 14 January 1980. He then joined his wife Marie-José and their son Boris in Paris. Their daughter Chloé was born on the 11 December 1982, the third anniversary of his escape from prison.
Alex Moumbaris continued his political work as part of the French national and the wider international South African liberation movement, as a communist, internationalist and humanist. The Government of the Republic of South Africa awarded him with the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Silver in 2014, which is awarded “to those who have actively promoted the interests and aspirations of South Africa through outstanding cooperation, solidarity and support”.
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The collection contains the personal papers of Alexandre (Alex) Moumbaris, particularly his arrest, trial and imprisonment in South Africa. Also included are related documents covering the various anti-Apartheid movements in France, over and above Alex Moumbaris' records relating to his work for the African National Congress (ANC) and political activism, including the work of his wife Marie-José for BIAA and the ANC and anti-Apartheid movements, as well as documents relating to 'Okhela'.
The order of documents was largely kept in the way in which they were received from Alex Moumbaris. Some sections contain additional explanations provided by Alex Moumbaris.
The collection was deposited by Alexandre Moumbaris.
Some of the items have been made available in digital format by Alex Moumbaris.
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Alex and Marie-Jose (Smoothy) Moumbaris were arrested on the 19 July 1972 while trying to cross the border from Botswana. They were secretly detained for 4 months, before being charged, and their relatives were unable to establish their whereabouts. Helen Amiel, Alex Moumbaris mother, traced their whereabouts from their departure in Paris on the 8 June 1972, having received the last news from Gaborone in July 1972. The matter only appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on the 20 November 1972, when Alex Moumbaris and 5 Others were charged under the Terrorism Act. Marie-Jose, who was pregnant at the time, had been released and deported in September 1972.
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Timeline and list of possible contacts to approach; also included correspondence by Helen Amiel, relating to the burglary of the Moumbaris' flat in London by South African agents, using a key to the flat (the case was also discussed in the UK Hansards, Commons Sitting, 23 July 1973).
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Correspondence making enquiries with institutions such as the Catholic Church and Greek Orthodox Church in South Africa and France relating to the whereabouts of Alex and Marie-Jose Moumbaris.
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Also included newspaper clips relating to the deportation of Marie-Jose; communication with the Red Cross, legal firms, embassies and consulates.
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The Indictment was delivered on the 8 March 1973, and the trial commenced on the 19 March 1973. The co-accused were Tloi Theophilus Cholo, Maqina Justice Mpanza, Petrus Aron Mtembu, Gardener Sandi Sijaka, John William Hosey. Alex Moumbaris was represented by Adv. George Bizos, instructed by Richard Wilson & Partners.
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Also included Request for further particulars; Further particulars; copy of the Terrorism Act No. 83 of 1967, based on which they were charged
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Witnesses for the State: P. Menye; R.R. Reynolds
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Witnesses for the State: R.R. Reynolds; D.D. Pape; b. Haygarth; P.E. Haines; C.J.R. Hancock; M.A. Faull; J.P.J. Botha; J.A. Liebenberg; G.L. Killarby; B. Carbonis; P. Menye.
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Admission by Accused no. 1; Witnesses for the State: B. Carbonis; A.J. Robinson; P. Menye; J.B. De Wet.
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Witnesses for the State: J.J. van Zyl; I.J. Murphy; C.J. Dirker; W.J. Du Plessis; B.J. Joubert; S.G. Mose; J.N. Motaung; B.B.D. Nyathi.
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Witnesses for the State: B.B.D. Nyathi; S.G. Mose.
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Witnesses for the State: S.G. Mose; E.D. Dreyer; I.O. Lemmer; C. Engelbrecht.
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Witnesses for the State: J.J. Kershoff; F.J.D. Pretorius; Findings; O. Engelbrecht; F.J.D. Pretorius; P.S. Erasmus; M. Van Greunen; J.W. Du Plessis; J.H. Labuschagne; T. Nyaule; J.Z. Van Niekerk.
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Witnesses for the State: J.Z. Van Niekerk; T. Nyaule; M. Van Greunen; S. Ntjalie; O. Engelbrecht.
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S. Ntjalie; J.N. Nbebe; M. Titima; J. Nzuza; S. Geqe; H.P. Nicholson; N. Kombele; Admissions.
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N. Kombela; W.B. Bezuidenhout; B.J. Mouton.
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P.S. Erasmus; Exhibits; H.D. Stadler.
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Witnesses for the State: M.J. Venter; M.J. Buitendach; J. Du Toit Hamman; N. Kombela.
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Witnesses for the State: H.D. Stadler
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H.D. Stadler; H.T. Baker, R.A. Van Rensburg; D. Wessels
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Witnesses for the State: D. Wessels.
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Findings; Witnesses for the State: R.A. Van Rensburg; J.L. McPherson; H.A. Vorster; P.L. Du Toit
Copies only, as the original have been discarded due to mould.
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Witnesses for the State: P.L. Du Toit; H.A. Vorster; Major Stadler; R.A. Van Rensburg; J.Z. Van Niekerk.
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Witnesses for the State: Major Stadler; P.J. Du Preez.
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Mr. Rees applies for amendment to charge sheet; Witnesses for the Defence: Alexandre Moumbaris.
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Witnesses for the Defence: A. Moumbaris (Accused no. 1)
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Witnesses for the Defence: T.T. Cholo (Accused no. 2)
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Witnesses for the Defence: T.T. Cholo
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Witnesses for the Defence: M.J. Mpanza (Accused no. 3)
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Witnesses for the Defence: T.P. Mtembu (Accused no. 4)
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Witnesses for the Defence: S.G. Sijaka (Accused no. 5)
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Witnesses for the Defence: S.G. Sijaka (Accused no. 5); J.W. Hosey (Accused no. 6)
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Witnesses for the Defence: J.W. Hosey (Accused no. 6); R.C. Albino (Professor in Psychology at the University of Natal, on the effects of isolation and solitary confinement); Admission.
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R.C. Albino (Professor in Psychology at the University of Natal, on the effects of isolation and solitary confinement); Admission
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Witnesses for the Defence: A. Moumbaris (recalled); Judgement, 15 June 1973; Sentence, 20 June 1973; Grounds for Appeal; Judgment (On Application).
Copy only as the original had to be discarded due to mould.
The correspondence has been digitised in full, but cannot be displayed due to third party information.
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Letters include communication with law firms Richard Wilson & Partner; Weiman & Mahon Attorneys; Raymond Tucker and Andrew, Lister and Tucker Incorporated. They relate to the legal representation for Alex Moumbaris at his trial and the appointment of Advocate George Bizos, who has "much experience in cases involving the Terrorism Act"; correspondence relating to things belonging to Marie-Jose, in the possession of the Security Police; prison conditions; registration with the University of South Africa to further his studies; visits by his mother and son; application to Prison Department re the question of newspapers, news, letters and visits; Alex Moumbaris hunger strike in prison; Affidavit from Amnesty International re their prison conditions and treatment (with explanatory email by Alex Moumbaris). Also included: a drawing from prison; telegram to Alex Moumbaris, Pretoria Prison, European Section from his family in Paris; and two telegrams by Alex Moumbaris' mother and wife to Ilse Wilson, daughter of Bram Fischer, with the one sent on his release in 1974, and the other sending condolences of the passing of Bram Fischer in 1975.
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Led by his mother Helen Amiel and his wife Marie-Jose Moumbaris.
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Including appeals to the President of the French Republic.
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Including the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT); and Association of professional, Executive, Clerical and Computer Staff (APEX)
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Letter to Alex Moumbaris, sentenced on the 20 June 1973, informing him that the Minister has declared him to be an undesirable inhabitant of the Republic, and that a warrant for his removal from the Republic has been issued.
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Including correspondence with the Minister of Justice, Prison and Police and the Prison department, in order to obtain permission to visit Alex Moumbaris.
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Including amongst others a list of individuals, organisations and institutions who were members of the Association.
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Including Note published by the UN Group on Apartheid, October 1973; correspondence with the organisation Christians for the Abolition of Torture (ACAT), 1977; letter written by Marie-Jose in response to Ronnie Kasrils and Gloria Pahad in London, offering financial assistance.
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Including an article in the South African magazine 'Security', a supplement to Financial Mail, with the article "A tale of terrorism: The machinations of the terrorist mind are highlighted by the Moumbaris story", 18 November 1977.
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On the 11 December 1979 Alex Moumbaris and two other prisoners, Tim Jenkin and Stephen Lee, made a daring escape from Pretoria Central Prison. After a dangerous and exhausting journey they eventually arrived in Lusaka, where they were received by OR Tambo, and for the first time appeared publicly about their escape during a press conference on the 14 January 1980.
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Including press statement from Lusaka, 2 January 1980; press reports with their first photographs taken together with ANC President Oliver Tambo in Lusaka; exclusive interview with the Tanzania News Agency, 14 January 1980; press statement by French Communist Youth; typescript with the timeline of events after the escape, following newspaper reporting.
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Including: first press reports about the escape; their demand for PoW status for political prisoners in South Africa; poster of a public rally for their arrival in London; trial of prison warder related to the escape; naming of a street in the French town of Amiens after Solomon Mahlangu; bombing of the French anti-apartheid headquarters in Paris; trial of 3 men who aided escaped prisoners; other news clips relating to Alex Moumbaris after his escape.
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Including speech on the occasion of an event for solidarity with political prisoners in South Africa, under the aegis of Unesco, 10 October 1980; newspaper clips.
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Alex Moumbaris started working for the African National Congress (ANC) in Paris immediately after his release. He established the first office at 42 Rue Rochechouart, for which the French Communist Party paid the rent and other bills. During Dulcie September's tenure the office was moved around 1985 to 28 Rue des Petites-Écuries "for security reasons", where she was assassinated in 1988. The expenses for the second office were paid indirectly by the Socialist Party, through the Centre for Research Information Action in Africa (CRIAA) and more precisely Jean-Bernard Curial (information provided by Alex Moumbaris).
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Letters and telefaxes regarding his activities since arrival in Paris, setting up an office space, engage with anti-Apartheid movements, but also raise concern about lack of support and financial worries to keep up his work, mainly written to Joe Jele and Sizakele Sigxashe, ANC International Office in Lusaka; Solly Smith, ANC Office in London. Also included correspondence with the 'Comite Catholique contre la Faim et pour le Development' regarding fundraising for the establishment of an ANC office in Paris, 1980; as well as for funding received for an Information Campaign on South Africa, in Paris, and receipts signed by Alex Moumbaris and Godfrey Motsepe, 1981.
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Contracts, bills, rent receipts, telephone bills (and summons), during the establishment of an ANC office in Paris.
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At the end of 1983 Dulcie September was appointed ANC Chief Representative in France, Switzerland and Luxembourg. She was assassinated on the 29 March 1988.
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Including few correspondence between Alex Moumbaris and Dulcie September; receipt books kept by Dulcie September (sealed due to mould); copies of a blue notebook with notes by Dulcie September for a speech for Walter Sisulu's 75. birthday (original sealed due to mould); French newspaper issue L'Eveil depicting Dulcie September and Alex Moumbaris at an anti-Apartheid event, 1986; issue of ANC Sechaba with Obituary for Dulcie September, May 1988
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2 notebooks and petty cash voucher book kept by Solly Smit who took over the ANC office from Dulcie September in 1988, later discovered to having worked for the South African Military Intelligence (MI).
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See also Section D - Okhela.
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Issued by Alfred Nzo, following a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC in Morogoro, expelling eight members due to what the party described as “disruptive factionalist activities based on reactionary racial grounds”. Amongst those expelled were Alfred Kgokong Mqota, Tennyson Makiwane, Jonas Matlou, Ambrose Mzimkulu Makiwane, George Mbele, Thami Bonga, Pascal Ngakane and O. K. Setlhapelo.
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The statement issued by the Central Committee of the SACP in exile in London was published by Inkululeko Publications, London.
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Official Journal of the African National Congress of South Africa (African Nationalists), Volume 2, Number 1, copy
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Including: 'South African Liberation Support Group, Military Project, with note 'file under ANC, Nov 1977, incomplete; Ben Turok
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The file contains correspondence, notes and stickers mainly relating to the Fete de l'Humanite; including correspondence with Sonia Bunting (ANC London office and Inkululeko Publications) and Ronnie Kasrils. Also included badges for the release of James Mange; Lilian Ngoyi; SACP.
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Correspondence and statements, mainly relating to the visit of SACTU delegate Edward Ramsdale, SACTU offices in London, to Paris in November 1980 where he met with members of the Union Générale des Travailleurs Sénégalais en France (UGTSF); also included a 'Statement to the press' from Paula Ensor, David Hemson, Martin Legassick and Robert Petersen "as activists within SACTU", "In response to the public attack on us by the ANC office in London...", London, 18 January 1980.
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Correspondence, newspaper clips, campaign posters and flyers for James Mange, who was sentenced to death on 15 November 1979.
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Newspaper clips relating to the trial of Nambithi Johnson Lubisi, Petrus Tsepo Mashigo, Naphtail Manana, Ikanyeng Moses Molebatsi, Benjamin Tau, Phumulani Grant Shezi.
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Statements, telegrams, newspaper clips relating to the inauguration of a street in Amiens named after Solomon Mahlangu.
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Newspaper clips relating to Steven Kitson, who was detained by the South African Police, and deported back to Britain; also included clips relating to his aunt Allison Weinberg, who was found murdered one day later. His father, David Kitson, served a 20 year prison sentence at the time. He and others, Wilton Mkwayi, Laloo Chiba, John Matthews and Sathyandranath 'Mac' Maharaj, were accused of sabotage in 1964 in what would later be called the 'Little Rivonia trial'.
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Correspondence and newspaper clips, motivating for the street naming 'Rue Bram Fischer'.
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Mainly relating to the trial of Raymond Suttner, but also including newspaper clips and notes about David Rabkin and Jeremy Cronin. Included amongst others trial excerpts and judgement of State vs Raymond Suttner, November 1975; correspondence between Sheila Suttner and Helen Amiel, written from Jubilee Hall, University of the Witwatersrand, 1983; application by Sheila Suttner to the French Ambassador in South Africa to grant political asylum after his release from prison in May 1983; newspaper clips of his release.
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Correspondence, newspaper clips, publication L'echo Beaunois, flyers, campaign material, statements, debates and other events.
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Correspondence, newspaper clips, campaign material, statements.
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IDAF provided support for Alex Moumbaris and his family during his imprisonment. Included correspondence with Canon Collins and Phyllis Altman and statements released by IDAF relating to political prisoners in Southern Africa.
See also section C4 - BIAA for further records relating to IDAF.
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Also included correspondence with the publication FOCUS relating to their article 'Life in Pretoria Prison', issue no. 27 1980, based on an interview with Tim Jenkin and Stephen Lee, pointing out inaccuracies, with response from FOCUS, including the transcript of the interview.
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Containing a letter written by Alex Moumbaris to Georges Marchais, Secretary General of the Communist Party of France; a speech on human rights; newspaper page from L'Humanite.
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Also containing reference to Alex Moumbaris and interviews with him and Marie-Jose.
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Alex Moumbaris participated in the making of this publication, however his name is omitted, as he intended including a phrase referring to the Wankie campaign, which did not find approval.
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Included are copies of correspondence, documents and newspaper articles relating to as described by Alex Moumbaris "elements that show that the Energy sector of the CGT (the most progressive Trade Union in France) at the time knew perfectly well that there were members of theirs that collaborated, that is travelled to South Africa, to give technical assistance with Koeberg and possibly other sectors. The documents come essentially from the CCAS (Caisse centrale des activites sociales - Central fund for social activities - of the powerful Works Council of d'Electricite de France Gaz de France)." All documents in French.
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Marie-Jose Moumbaris was appointed President of the Bureau of Information on Southern Africa (BIAA) on the 1 September 1974, with the understanding that that its work was endorsed by the ANC and the French Communist Party. Her work with BIAA ended in December 1975.
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After her release and deportation from South Africa, Marie-Jose was invited to Canada, the United Nations and other meetings as well as demonstrations for the release of Alex Moumbaris and other political prisoners in South Africa. Subsequently she received letters and cards of solidarity from school children and others, most of which where sent to the BIAA address.
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The records in this section describe the connection between the creation of BIAA by Breyten Breytenbach, Johnny Makhatini and Barend Schuitema, and Okhela. Once Marie-Jose discovered the use of the BIAA office, situated at 40, Rue Rouelle, 75015 Paris, for activities by Okhela, she and her friend and colleague Sally Ndongo, from the Union Générale des Travailleurs Sénégalais en France (UGTSF), reported the matter to the ANC in London. Marie-José closed the office and went to London to inform the SACP and the ANC. See further explanations provided in an email compiled by Alex Moumbaris, included here, dated March 2018.
Included: Report by Marie-Jose to the ANC office in London, French, 9 October 1975, with covering letter in English (see summary by Alex Moumbaris); letter by Marie-Jose to Joe Slovo re visit to Paris by Alfred Nzo and Duma Nokwe, 16 December 1975; also included a letter by Marie-Jose to Ronnie Kasrils in London, 12 February 1976, asking for information about a certain Mr Michel Goutos, a social worker from Greece, who had written to Alex Moumbaris' mother, demanding a categorical affirmation that her son must refrain from 'hostile acts against the Republic of South Africa' in the event of his release and deportation, 4 December 1975 - copy of Michel Goutos letter and English translation included.
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Compiled by BIAA, providing the reason for the establishment, activities, future plans and budget for 1975.
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One of the initial main funders for BIAA was IDAF. Included here correspondence with Canon Collins, and Rica Hodgson, with the latter informing her that Canon Collins had suffered a heart attack, dated September 1974; as well as Phyllis Altman, who expressed concerns about continuous funding by IDAF in July 1975. See also section B7.3
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Pamphlet about SWAPO's struggle for liberation in Namibia; Press Review news letters
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Including notes and newspaper clips; copy of a letter by E.S. Reddy, inviting Marie-Jose to participate in a Seminar organised by the UN Section for African Questions, Special Committee against Apartheid; also included a letter of regret by the World Council of Churches, that it would not be in a position to offer funding to BIAA, May 1975
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Collection of photographic images, text and translations from English to French, possibly for an anti-Apartheid publication in French.
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Photographs of campaigns, demonstrations and meetings for the release of Alex Moumbaris and other political prisoners, many in attendance of his wife Marie-Jose, including her presentation at a meeting at the United Nations (UN) in September 1974, as well as Sally Ndongo, Union Générale des Travailleurs Sénégalais en France (UGTSF).
Stored in Media Room.
Stored in Media Room.
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Photographer: Jean Claude Champagne
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Representative of the UGTSF (General Union of Senegalese Workers in France)
Photographer: Jean Claude Champagne
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Photographer: Jean Claude Champagne
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The records relate to the formation, political position, activities, connections and their general role in the anti-Apartheid global landscape. They also include documents and news clips about one of its founders Breyten Breytenbach, and reference to Barend Schuitema, another founder of Okhela.
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Defence Counsel for Breytenbach was Advocate Johann Kriegler
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Document signed by State Prosecutor Percy Yutar, laying out charges, including Annexure "A" the Okhela Manifesto.
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Rough notes further to the arrest of Breytenbach, listing events, people and timelines.
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Also included press reviews by BIAA, Rand Daily Mail, AFP, covering the context, role players and organisations around Okhela, such as the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) and the International University Exchange Fund (IUEF), as well as Breytenbach's apology and statement to then Prime Minister John Vorster.
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The documents relate to the movement's ideology, support for the imprisoned Breyten Breytenbach, and its involvement in anti-Apartheid activities.
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With annotation by Alex Moumbaris. Henry Curiel was at the head of the organisation called Solidarité. He was assassinated on the 4 May 1978.
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With annotation by Alex Moumbaris, saying that the press release about 'Curiel' meeting Rick Turner, in fact relates to Jean-Bernard Curial and his wife: 'they are confusing Henri Curiel with Bernard Curial'.
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Documents, Press Statements and Memorandum released by the British Anti-Apartheid Movement, relating to documents obtained, which revealed the collaboration of NATO member states with South Africa in the Project 'Advokaat', a military communications system based at the Simonstown naval base, for which South Africa was provided with the code for equipment and spares. Included correspondence by AEG Telefunken and encoded equipment lists. Also included newspaper clip by South African journalist David Beresford providing background and context to the exposure.
The originals have been copied and are sealed due to mould.
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Mainly covering claims that Barend Schuitema acted as police informer for the South African Security Branch
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Open exchange on 'SACP Discussion' (www.sacp.org.za/discussion) between Schuitema and Moumbaris in the main relating to Okhela.
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The newspaper clips cover the complex infiltration by BOSS, named here by one of its agents Craig Williamson, of various South African and international anti-Apartheid organisations, amongst them Okhela, but also the ANC, NUSAS, IUEF, and its individual members.
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Mainly released by United Nations (UN)
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Containing a documentary about the 20th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela, produced by Radio France International.
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Copy of a letter written by Alex Moumbaris to the President of South Africa, thanking him for the award and hosting in South Africa.
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Copy of a letter written by Ilich Ramirez Sanchez (often referred to as 'Carlos the Jackal') to Nelson Mandela, providing information about Henry Bona, who travelled under the name of Robin Gregson. In the letter he offered to provide a sworn testimony for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Written from a French prison, where he is serving a life sentence.