20 April 2026 marks the 62nd anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s speech from the dock in the course of the Rivonia Trial, the place he declared that he was prepared to die for a democratic and non-racial South Africa.
In the trial, Mr Mandela selected not to testify within the typical sense, however as a substitute delivered a press release from the dock on the opening of the defence case. Over greater than 4 hours, he set out the rules that guided his political life and wrestle, holding the court docket and the nation’s consideration.
His handle ended with phrases that proceed to resonate throughout generations:
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Less than two months later, Mr Mandela and his comrades Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Govan Mbeki, Denis Goldberg, Raymond Mhlaba, Andrew Mlangeni and Elias Motsoaledi have been convicted of sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment. Denis Goldberg was held in Pretoria Central Prison, whereas the others have been despatched to Robben Island.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation holds a uncommon typescript of the speech, which Mr Mandela signed and dated “April 1964”. He gave the doc to political activist Sylvia Neame, who was later arrested and tried alongside Advocate Bram Fischer and others. After her launch, she returned the signed copy to Mr Kathrada, who donated it to the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.
Below the ultimate paragraph of the typescript, Mr Mandela wrote:
“The invincibility of our cause and the certainty of our final victory are the impenetrable armour of those who consistently uphold their faith in freedom and justice in spite of political persecution.”
The speech from the dock stays one of the important statements of precept in South Africa’s wrestle for freedom. It continues to converse to the enduring pursuit of justice, equality and human dignity.
Find our database of Nelson Mandela’s speeches here.
