The event will be hosted by South African Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), H.E Ms Dolana Msimang, on 16 July 2013 under the auspices of the UNESCO Participation Programme.
He will share the podium with the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim and two of the four surviving Rivonia Tialists, Messrs Denis Golberg and Andrew Mlangeni.
This historic and protracted trial started in October 1963 and lasted until June 1964. The accused were Lionel Bernstein, Denis Goldberg, James Kantor, Ahmed Kathrada, Bob Hepple, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Andrew Mlangeni, Elias Motsoaledi and Walter Sisulu. Of the 11 accused, eight were sentenced.
All were charged with sabotage and treason.
The injustice of the Apartheid system, which was demonstrated through the outcome of the Rivonial trial, led to national and international mobility against racial segregation, human rights violations and oppression. The international community, which stood in solidarity with South Africa during the dark period of Apartheid, will be represented by anti-Apartheid activists from various parts of Europe.
There will be an Exhibition and a Public Lecture with many renowned panelists reflecting on the road traversed since the trial.
Enquiries:
Mthunzi Mhaga, Justice Department Spokesperson
Cell: 083 641 8141
