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ARCHIVES

The Liliesleaf Archive is at the heart of all Liliesleaf’s programmes and exhibitions. Established in 2009, the Archive holds a wealth of historical materials from 1954 to 1994. Liliesleaf is the custodian of the South African Communist Party library, and has a total collection of over 5 500 books and pamphlets. Besides archival items of historical worth, Liliesleaf also has a significant oral history collection. A great deal of time is spent capturing stories and memories of anti-apartheid activists on film, and the Archive is the repository for these rarely told human stories.

Vinyl Record

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Vinyl Record: Of King Kong- All African Jazz Opera: Arthur Goldreich and his family who lived at Liliesleaf projected the “ white family façade” . The connection between Liliesleaf and King King was Arthur who was thes et and costume designer for the Opera. Arthur was arrested on the day of the Raid but later escaped together with Harold Wolpe, Mossie Moola and Abdulhay Jassat.

Pen Gun and Bullets

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Pen Gun and Bullets: This Pen Gun was given to Oliver Tambo who served as ANC President from 1967 to 1991, to protect him against would be assisins . Tambo was sent abroad by the ANC to establish the ANC in exile and to mobilise foreign opposition against apartheid. It is believed this Pen Gun was given to Tambo by the East Germans. The Pen Gun was donated to Liliesleaf by Ronnie Kasrils

James Kantor

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James Kantor, the unsuspecting 8th co-accused at the Rivonia Trial, while on trial asked his fellow accused to write mini biographies, which he included in his book a “Health Grave”, which was a recollection and reflection of his arrest and standing trial for sabottage. These are images of the original handwritten biographies written by the Rivonia Trialists

Chocolate wrappings & cardboard pieces

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Chocolate wrappings & cardboard pieces: Harold Wolpe’s brother In-law, James Kantor, was arrested in 1963 on suspicion of being a co-conspirator but in March 1964 was acquitted of all charges. Kantor used these chocolate wrappings and cardboard pieces as writing material whilst in jail.

Chocolate wrappings & cardboard pieces

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Chocolate wrappings & cardboard pieces: Harold Wolpe’s brother In-law, James Kantor, was arrested in 1963 on suspicion of being a co-conspirator but in March 1964 was acquitted of all charges. Kantor used these chocolate wrappings and cardboard pieces as writing material whilst in jail.

The South African Treason Trial

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The South African Treason Trial: The nationalist Government viewed the Freedom Charter as an attempt to incite the overthrow of the Government and as a consquence they charged a 156 people with Treason. The Treason Trial lasted for four and half years at the end of which all 156 accused were acquitted of Treason. This book documents the Treason Trial and includes the signatures of more than half of the Treason Trialists.

The South African Treason Trial

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The South African Treason Trial: The nationalist Government viewed the Freedom Charter as an attempt to incite the overthrow of the Government and as a consquence they charged a 156 people with Treason. The Treason Trial lasted for four and half years at the end of which all 156 accused were acquitted of Treason. This book documents the Treason Trial and includes the signatures of more than half of the Treason Trialists, which forms part of the Ben Turok collection.

The Rivonia Trial

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The Rivonia Trial: 11 July 1963 to 12th June 1964 : As reported by the press From 28th August, 1963 to 13the June, 1999. Collected by Percy Yutar, the Chief State prosecutor in the Rivonia Trial and Deputy Attorney General of the Transvaal.

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