raymond mhlaba

Lord Joel Joffe: 1932-2017

This Mandela Month, we profile the late Lord Joel Joffe, who defended Nelson Mandela and his co-accused at the Rivonia Trial. Joffe died on...

Remembering Nelson Mandela’s first steps of freedom

On Sunday 11 February 1990 - 25 years ago - millions of people around the world watched as Nelson Mandela walked out of the gates of Victor Verster prison in Paarl.

Press release: Freedom is a gift from leaders like Kathrada

The freedom that we celebrate today is a precious gift bequeathed to us by leaders such as Ahmed Kathrada, says Brand South Africa's CEO...

On this day 50 years ago: Mandela arrives at Robben Island

Fifty years ago Nelson Mandela began serving a life sentence for sabotage and treason on Robben Island. His time in prison, he said, "matured me", taking him from radical activist, to stately leader.

Commemorating 50 years since the Rivonia Trial

As South Africa celebrates 20 years of a vibrant and robust democracy, it commemorates a significant trial in the country's turbulent history the 1963 to 1964 Rivonia Trial.

Mandela’s ‘Speech from the Dock’ – 50 years on

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has released a rare photograph of Nelson Mandela to mark the 50th anniversary of his famous Rivonia Trial speech, in which he declared that he was prepared to die for a free South Africa.

It’s not easy to talk about Madiba – Ahmed Kathrada

In delivering the third Mandela Colloquium lecture, his old friend Ahmed Kathrada spoke with great affection, always recounting his memories of their years together in the present tense, as if Mandela was still present in his life. They met when Kathrada was a teenager, and he was inspired by the former leader's strength, courage and deep sense of equality.

Liliesleaf remembered 50 years on

11 July 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the raid on Liliesleaf Farm - the day the South African police swooped on the hideout of key members of the African National Congress's struggle against apartheid.

Historic day for Mandela, South Africa

The 11th of June marks the kick-off of the first Fifa World Cup to be held on the African continent. But the day has a further significance in the history of South Africa. For one: it is the day Nelson Mandela and seven of his comrades were convicted for sabotage.