About this site

This resource is hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, but was compiled and authored by Padraig O’Malley. It is the product of almost two decades of research and includes analyses, chronologies, historical documents, and interviews from the apartheid and post-apartheid eras.

1961

March : The Treason Trial ends with the acquittal of all accused. Helen Joseph writes If this be Treason, (sequel to The South African Treason Trial), published in England.

May 31 : Nation-wide strike called against establishment of Republic of South Africa.

June 26 : Mandela states he will remain underground to lead the struggle.

December 11 : Chief Albert Lutuli, ANC President is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

December 16 : a State holiday to mark Dingaan's Day is chosen for formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) the armed wing of the ANC. Dingaan was the Zulu King who in 1838, was defeated by a Boer force at the battle on the Ngome River (known after the battle to S.A. whites as 'Blood River').

This resource is hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, but was compiled and authored by Padraig O’Malley. Return to theThis resource is hosted by the site.