The letter, written by Albert Lutuli, is addressed to Prof ZK Matthews, dated 15 June 1953

Albert Lutuli makes reference to a letter he received from ZK Matthews on 11 June 1953, and assures him that the letter has not been tempered with. He goes on explaining that he learned from the 'White Press' that Matthews had arrived from the U.S.A. He agrees with Matthews that the bans (Lutuli was a banned person at the time) 'have much nuisance value'. Lutuli then attends to suggestions made by Matthews for the commemoration of 'June 26' 1953, saying that he will be issuing a PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE AND CALL (written in capital letters) for the whole Union. He also promised that the Working Committee has approved the statement, and that it will be distributed to branches, as well as published in the newspapers 'Bantu World', 'Ilanga' and 'Imvo'. He finally passes greetings to all friends at Fort Hare and signs "Yours in the National Service Albert Lutuli President-General, A.N.C".

The 26 June was traditionally observed by the African National Congress and other organisations, because it was on the 26 June 1950 that the Suppression of Communism Act was passed by the South African government, sparking national protest actions. Following this letter, Albert Lutuli issued his public statement for the commemoration of the 26 June 1953. Furthermore, ZK Matthews proposed a national convention in 1953, calling for a Freedom Charter for a democratic South Africa.

The collection relates to the events surrounding the court case MKWAYI & Others, often referred to as "Little Rivonia", as well as the arrest and trial of Nandha Naidoo in the Supreme Court of South Africa. It contains copies of Nandha Naidoo's Security Branch police file and the statement he made to his lawyers.
Also included a copy of the police list of items found at 21 Pearce Street, Doornfontein, the address at which Mac Maharaj stayed at the time and which was published in a book by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation entitled "Men of Dynamite".
Also included is a recollection of events by Nandha Naidoo entitled "The benefit of hindsight: the challenge of untangling history from legend". Here he relates to the circumstances which led to his arrest and a review of Mac Maharaj's references to him in the former memoirs written by Padraig O'Malley.

Further included an Open Letter to Mac Maharaj, 27 August 2019, and published here in digital format.

Reference is made to collection no. & item AD1901 / 35.2 State v. Nandhagopaul Naidoo in the Supreme Court of South Africa (Witwatersrand Local Division). Records of proceedings, judgement, 1965.

Further reference is made to collection AK2520 Mkwayi & Others, Trial records, 1964, which has been digitised and is fully available online.

Photograph of Pixley ka Seme in graduation gown, at the Columbia University in 1906.

The photographs of Joseph and David Barnett cover the early years of Johannesburg, its buildings and streets; gold mining, mainly on the Witwatersrand, but also as far as Barberton; events like the Jameson Raid in 1895, the Matabele Rebellion in 1896, the Queen Victoria Jubilee in 1897, and the South African War (Anglo Boer War) in 1899-1902; as well as personalities like Cecil Rhodes and Paul Kruger.

The compilation contains a list of persons which were held in custody or listed as members of subversive organisations in terms of the Act on Terrorism, Section 6 and 29. Some of the listed persons were charged and tried.

Tribute poster to Steve Biko that was carried by mourners at his funeral in 1977, released by the Black People's Convention.
Original size 35,5 x 54,5cm.

Trade Unions, Community Organisations and politics: a local case study on the East Rand, 1980-1986.

Unpublished BA Honours Dissertation submitted at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Paramount chief of the Pondos

Statement in Zulu, to the government of Natal, signed with Faku's mark.

Sealed letter written in King Williams town to Faku, Chief of the Pondo, condemning Faku's behavior 'You did most wrongly ... your conduct has been bad. Now I call upon you ... to fall on Kreli'.

Hitsquads. Testimony of a South African Security Policeman: the full story, by Dirk Coetzee

The testimony was written by Dirk Coetzee in exile, at the ANC Headquarters in Lusaka and in London, with the help of his brother Ben Coetzee. The main body was completed in 1990, and was spell checked and reprinted by Ben Coetzee in 1994.

Dirk Coetzee's testimony would also form part of the submissions to the Harms Commission of Inquiry, which he gave in London.