Papers on the insurrection against South Africa's entering the 1st World War on the side of Britain

Abstract of the diary of Lt. Col. Collyer, who served under General Botha, kept from 18 Oct.-7 Dec.1914; instructions on the treatment of rebels; copies of German telegrams found by the Intelligence Officer at Chamis Station referring to General S.G. Maritz and the rebellion; translation of documents from South West Africa, 1907-1914, with a bearing on the rebellion; press clippings and sworn statements relating to the treason trials 1915; correspondence between H.B.M. Bourne, L. Fouché and Sir E.H.L. Gorges re the papers; copy of a minute from Gorges re alleged discouragement of Dutch language in German South West Africa 1915.

The Helen Joseph Papers consist of correspondence, diaries, speeches, memoranda, articles, printed items, press cuttings, posters and photographs.

The papers were built up by Helen Joseph during her life time and relate to her personal fight against apartheid. Her papers cover her involvement in politics, the Human Rights Welfare Committee, the 1956 Treason Trial, bannings, banishments, house arrests, detentions, relocations, women's issues, churches and universities.

The papers were built up by Rev. Douglas Thompson during his lifetime and they are particularly strong on the politics of the 1940s and the 1950s. Subjects covered are politics, political trials, justice, detentions, bannings, child welfare, health and church matters.

The Thompson Papers consist of correspondence, diaries, sermons, addresses, minutes of meetings, memoranda, press cuttings and photographs.

This collection consists mainly of press cuttings which provide an excellent overview of the 1980s (particularly the latter half of this period) and the early 1990s.

Correspondence and reports generated by the Human Rights Commission, Legal Firms and other extra parliamentary organisations engaged in the struggle for human rights are included in the collection.

The material provides vital insights into key areas such as Capital Punishment, Detention, Political Prisoners and Trials, Restriction Orders slapped on ex- detainees, Right Wing Attacks etc.

On 13 March 1987 Workers of the South African Transport Services commenced on a strike at the South African Transport Services (SATS) City Deep Depot. The majority of the workers were members of the South African Railways and Harbours Workers Union (SARHWU), which was affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).

As the strike progressed, the strikers learned that they had been fired by SATS and as a result grew increasingly angry. On the 28 April 1987 five non-strikers were fetched from various depots where they had been working and taken to COSATU house. They were Vhulani Joseph Mulaudzi, Kati John Sebopelo, Mulatelo Petrus Moremane, Albert Phuluwa and Jerry Rudolph Goodman. Albert Phuluwa managed to escape but the other four were murdered and their bodies set on fire. Albert Phuluwa would become the State's witness in the murder trial that followed the killings.

The 18 accused in the trial of State vs. Sibisi and 17 Others were charged in the Supreme Court (Witwatersrand Local Division) with 17 counts, namely 5 counts of kidnapping, 4 counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, 2 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 4 counts of murder, 1 count of attempted murder, 1 count of intimidation. The Indictment was served on the 4 December 1987.

Names of the accused:

1. Bongani Sibisi
2. Wilson Matshili
3. David Dzevhe
4. Jacob Thapelo Machaka
5. Patrick Molefe
6. Phineas Netshitungulwane
7. Takalani David Mamphaga
8. Mafemane William Rikhotso
9. George Maungedzo
10. Daniel Candilizwe Mkholokotho
11. Freddie Mothisi
12. Isaac Mogorosi
13. Jacob Mmatloa
14. Wilson Mushaishano
15. Johnson Mogesi
16. Johannes Joja Mgcobo
17. Simon Mulomoni
18. Michael Ikaneng

The State alleged that the accused's conduct was unlawful for reasons that 1) the strike was contrary to Section 26 of the Conditions of Employment Act, 2) the deprivation of the liberty of the non-strikers, 3) the trial and punishment of non-strikers and 4) the application of corporal punishment.

The court held that all accused were guilty of murder. However an enquiry was made whether or not the accused 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 had proved extenuating circumstances, a process which lasted from August to November 1988. In February 1989 Judge Spoelstra found that accused 2, 5, 7 and 9 were guilty of murder without extenuating circumstances and they were sentenced to death on the 10 March 1989. All other accused were sentenced to lengthy jail terms, except for accused 12 and 13 who were found not guilty and were discharged.

Following the sentence, accused 2,5, 7 and 9 decided to take the matter on appeal against whether extenuating circumstances existed, and accused 6 against sentence only. They were represented by Advocate M. Luitingh and Advocate JG Rautenbach of Bell, Dewar & Hall. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court set aside their death sentences in 1991 and they were given prison sentences instead, i.e. accused 5,7,9 were given 21 years imprisonment and accused number 2 received 18 years imprisonment. The appeal of accused 6 was dismissed.

Correspondents:

Association of Law Societies of the Union of South Africa.

E. Russell Brayshaw.

V. Brown.

Civil Rights League.

Rev. L. J. Collins.

Department of Justice.

Johannesburg Bar Council.

S. Kahn.

Pretoria Side Bar Association.

South African Congress of Democrats.

South African Trades and Labour Council.

Department of the Interior.

Subjects:

1941 Release from internment of the Joffe Brothers.

1941 Delay caused by Blacks having to produce poll tax receipts before litigation can start.

1946 Request for the establishment in Johannesburg of a new and separate division of the Supreme Court with independent jurisdiction.

1947 Dislike of government by regulation.

1947 Unjust sentence of whipping on 18 year old Black youth for failing to begin work in terms of a contract.

1950 Reaction to the Unlawful Organisations Bill and Suppression of Communion Bill.

1959 Treason Trials Defence Fund.

1959 Refusal of permit for Black woman to live in Paarl.

1960 Banishments and detentions: Sharpeville and Langa.

Petition for release of those detained under emergency regulations.