The trial records of what would become known as the Rivonia trial originate from the defense attorneys for the accused.

Records relating to the Treason Trial, Regina vs. F. Adams and 152 others on a charge of High Treason, 1956-1961.

Including: Correspondence, minutes, memoranda, printed items and court records including preparatory examination, indictment, arraignment and evidence, admissions, addresses, closing arguments, judgments and documentary exhibits. The exhibits relate to organisations including African National Congress, Communist Party of South Africa, Congress of Democrats, Congress of the People, Federation of South African Women, Natal Indian Congress, South African Coloured People's Association, South African Indian Congress, South African Peace Council, Springbok Legion, Transvaal Indian Congress, and to cultural-political groups, vigilance associations and trade unions. Also included are press summaries and bulletins of the Treason Trial Defence Fund. Amonst the many accused were Chief Albert J. Luthuli, Z.K. Matthews, Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu.

This "RJ" collection, spans the years 1929 to 1954 although there are some items as early as 1921 and as late as 1968. There is a large section on the foundation and work of the Institute covering its policy, publications, membership, administration, activities and regions. The other subject divisions are urban affairs, land, taxation, legislation, franchise, justice, economics, labour, education, Coloured and Indian affairs, social services, World War II, organisations with which the Institute was associated, Protectorates, Africa, church and missionary and J.D. Rheinallt Jones in his personal and senatorial capacity. The collection reflects the Institute's efforts to upgrade the economic, social and political status of Blacks, Coloureds and Indians in South Africa, with particular reference to housing, health, education and franchise, and to improving relations between the different races.

This inventory is dedicated to the late Jeanette Curtis, the SAIRR's archivist, who was responsible for gathering together this collection and ensuring its preservation for researchers.

Correspondence, memoranda and press clippings on unrest, banishments and removals.

This collection consists of correspondence and memoranda to and from the South African Institute of Race Relations. The principal correspondents are: Quintin Whyte and F.J. Van Wyk, while others include M. Horrell, W.B. Ngakane and D. Rheinallt Jones.

Subjects covered are the social and economic conditions of Black South Africans, with particular reference to education, land, farm labour, labour relations, housing, township conditions, health, welfare, liquor, discriminatory legislation and penal reform.