20 April 2026 marks the 62nd anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s speech from the dock during the Rivonia Trial, where he declared that he was prepared to die for a democratic and non-racial South Africa.
In the trial, Mr Mandela chose not to testify in the conventional sense, but instead delivered a statement from the dock at the opening of the defence case. Over more than four hours, he set out the principles that guided his political life and struggle, holding the court and the country’s attention.
His address ended with words that continue to resonate across 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 were convicted of sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment. Denis Goldberg was held in Pretoria Central Prison, while the others were sent to Robben Island.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation holds a rare typescript of the speech, which Mr Mandela signed and dated “April 1964”. He gave the document to political activist Sylvia Neame, who was later arrested and tried alongside Advocate Bram Fischer and others. After her release, she returned the signed copy to Mr Kathrada, who donated it to the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.
Below the final 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 remains one of the most significant statements of principle in South Africa’s struggle for freedom. It continues to speak to the enduring pursuit of justice, equality and human dignity.
Find our database of Nelson Mandela’s speeches here.
