Conversations with Myself
Page 21
25 APRIL 1983
Mandela resolution: A liberal democrat has asked Congress to proclaim NM, the jailed leader of the ANC and his wife W, honorary United States citizens. Mr Crockett was supported by 12 of his House of Representative Colleagues when he introduced his joint resolutions – Mr Crocket.35 A resources centre for information on Southern Africa, which it is believed, will be the only one of its kind, is being planned to commemorate the work of Ruth First, who was killed by a letter bomb in Maputo last yr [year]. The main aim of the centre initially to be based at a British university will be to collect on microfilm all the historical, economic and sociological material on Southern Africa held in universities and institutions around the world.
21 MAY 1983
UDF [United Democratic Front] formed to fight govt’s [government’s] constitutional proposals – TIC, CUSA, SAAWU, SOWETO CIVIC ASSOCIATION and others.36 32 organisations–more than 150 delegates and observers adopted declaration forming UDF and pledging to fight the constitutional and reform proposals. Dr I. Mohammed chairman.
4 JUNE 1983
Herald: Dublin City Councillors have decided to erect a bust of NM to mark his ‘remarkable contribution to freedom’. Originally the request was to have him made a freeman of Dublin, but some councillors felt this would not be appropriate as he could not be present to carry the honour.
9 JUNE 1983
Simon Mogoerane, Jerry Masololi and Marcus Motaung hanged in Pretoria Central Prison37
14 JUNE 1983
Advocate Ismail Mahomed and attorney Ismail Ayob – legal consultation on living conditions in Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison
1 JULY 1983
Mrs Helen Suzman MP visits the section accompanied by Brig[adier]s Munro and Bothma. We acquaint her with our grievances and show her the yard and the single rooms under construction. Informed her that it was an honour to be awarded a doctorate by University of Brussels.
3 DECEMBER 1983
Weight stripped 76.8kg Height 1,78m about 5’10”
13 DECEMBER 1983
Archbishop Huddleston, president of AAM [Anti-Apartheid Movement], has unveiled a plaque in Leeds, Yorkshire, officially naming gardens in front of the city’s civic hall after jailed ANC leader, NM. The plaque, made of slate, describes M as ‘symbol of resistance to apartheid in SA’ and records a statement made by him. The unveiling ceremony followed a meeting in the City Hall at which several people spoke of M. A message from U.N. Secretary General Mr Javier Perez de Cuellar was also read.
16 JANUARY 1984
Planted carrots, beetroots and peanuts38
18 JANUARY 1984
Planted tomatoes in 2 separate trays
19 FEBRUARY 1984
Suppl. [supplementary] results delivered 2 visits with Zami from 8.45 am: dressed in white maxi with beautiful beadwork round the neck. She and Oupa to drive to Umtata tomorrow.
28 FEBRUARY 1984
Brig. Munro informs that K.D. [Matanzima] desires to meet me and Walter [Sisulu]. We remind K.D. of R.I [Robben Island] decision that the time is not appropriate for such a meeting.
1 MARCH 1984
Further meeting with Brig. Munro when I requested permission to write to OR [Oliver Tambo] and Govan [Mbeki] re proposed visit by K.D.39
7 MARCH 1984
CT. [Cape Times] reports that Zami will report to Madiba offer of release from KD.
8 MARCH 1984
Zami wearing a dark brown maxi and matching headgear reports on proposal from Daliwonga [Matanzima]. 2 visits of 40 minutes each. CT carried further reports. [Kobie] Coetsee states release not even under consideration.
10 MARCH 1984
CT. Madiba sees wife again and gives her response to KD’s offer.
12 MARCH 1984
CT. Leader of ANC, NM, rejects offer: he would defy any attempt to release him and restrict him to the Transkei: determined to return to his home in Soweto and will not stay in Transkei.
15 MARCH 1984
Madiba records sell well. Record calling for the release of NM has made a big impression on pop charts after only one week. ‘Free NM’ by the Specials – a multi-racial group – is No. 4 on Capitol Radio charts and no. 68 on the national charts.40
22 MARCH 1984
The sum of R49,40 sent to Time for renewal.
E.C.G. performed by Dr Le Roux – satisfactory – Trace of blood in urine. HBP 140/90
1 MAY 1984
Cape Times 1/5: The highly articulate Mrs M[andela]; who cannot be quoted under SA law because she is a banned person, held forth at length without mincing her words and she was heard and seen in May
12 MAY 1984
Zami and Zeni: have contact visit for the first time. 2 visits
18 JUNE 1984
Sowetan: Cuban President Fidel Castro has awarded one of Cuba’s most prestigious medals to NM, the leader of the banned ANC who has been in SA jail for 22 yrs. The Order of Playa Giron (Bay of Pigs) was given to Mr Alfred Nzo, the G[eneral] Secretary of the ANC who is visiting Cuba. Mr Jesus Montane, deputy member of Cuba’s Politburo, said ‘M is the inspirational example of the indomitable spirit of resistance.’
23 JUNE 1984
Maki and Dumani for 40 minutes41
16 JULY 1984
Cape Times. In a brief reference to ANC leader, NM, who is serving a life sentence in prison, Mr [Allan] Hendrickse said it was time he was freed.42 ‘If he has done wrong, then he has certainly served his sentence,’ he said.
18 JULY 1984
Subscription for the ‘Star’ renewed for 6 months with effect from 84/03/03 Subscription R95.28
5 AUGUST 1984
Zami returns and takes 2 visits of 40 minutes each; brought by Marietjie.43 Zami reports that Shenaz has written several letters which I did not receive.44
12 AUGUST 1984
Sunday Express Review: Joubert Malherbe: Jimmy Cliff has vowed not to return to SA until it has majority rule.45 He said this during the annual NM festival at Crystal Palace Bowl in South London last week.
About 5,000 people streamed into the theatre to be treated to the sounds of Cliff, SA ace trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, a number of African bands, and the hard-hitting British reggae outfit, Aswad, who wound up the show
28 AUGUST 1984
Blood in urine. Another specimen taken by Maj Burger
30 AUGUST 1984
BP taken by Major Burger 140/80
5 SEPTEMBER 1984
Balance R560.77 Consultation with Dr Loubscher, urologist, tested urine confirmed presence of blood: X-rayed by Messrs Basson, Pienaar, etc. diagnose some kidney disorder but not certain of its identity: Further examination at Volkshospital [sic] tomorrow.
6 SEPTEMBER 1984
Put under scanning machine at Volkshospital [sic]. Discovered cyst on right kidney as well as on liver; that on kidney purely watery; in liver may be calcified. Further investigation in hospital arranged.
12 SEPTEMBER 1984
Admitted at Woodstock Hospital for investigation of renal problems
1 NOVEMBER 1984
BP 170/100 taken by Sister du Toit
Cape Times: How the ANC switched to policy of armed struggle. Andrew Prior. Dpt of Political Studies
14 NOVEMBER 1984
Sol Plaatje, SA Nationalist 1876–1932 (By Brian Willan)46
12 DECEMBER 1984
Results: failed all 6 subjects47
1 JANUARY 1986
Col Marx drives me out to the prison gardens. Spend 1½ hours inspecting the layout. Interesting bird life. Later joined by my 4 colleagues from the roof in my quarters where we had some snacks for about 1 hr.
4 JANUARY 1986
Driven out to the gardens by Lt. [Lieutenant] Barkhuizen. Spend 1 hr and bring back whole bag of tomatoes.
6 JANUARY 1986
1.11.85 weight 72 kg, Height 1,80 meters48
12 JANUARY 1986
Driven out to the gardens by Lt. Barkhuizen and spend an hr [hour] seeing various fields. Brig Munro gives instructions for us to keep aw
ay from the highway for security reason.
14 JANUARY 1986
Shifted to next door cell as own cell is being painted
23 JANUARY 1986
Informed that the application for plug, hot plate and electric kettle turned down, as well as request for permission to send book presents to doctors associated with the operation. See film ‘Sophie’s Choice’49
24 JANUARY 1986
Driven out by Brig Munro to the gardens after lock-up and then through western Tokai past a sprawling vineyard that stretches out to the foot of the mountain, past houses with wealth shining through the brick walls.
28 JANUARY 1986
Seen library films 1) Terrorists and Hostages; 2) Students in Moscow 3) Position of Maori women 4) Animation
31 JANUARY 1986
Commanding officer supplies me at 12.15 am with copy of President Botha’s speech. At 3.15 I have 40 minute consultation with 4 comrades from roof.
1 FEBRUARY 1986
Three-hr consultation with George [Bizos]. Will apply for consultation with all of us on 14.2. Request for him to shake hands with others refused.
5 FEBRUARY 1986
Zeni’s birthday celebrated by opening tin of mutton
40 minute interview with Tyhopho [Walter Sisulu]
7 FEBRUARY 1986
See 4 reels of Amadeus.50 Exciting story but the ending struck me as somewhat flat
12 FEBRUARY 1986
Spent a little over 2 hrs with [Raymond Mhlaba] Ndobe on the occasion of his 66th birthday. Have lunch together and shared a Xmas cake. Requested him to discuss with the other comrades our instructions to George Bizos.
21 FEBRUARY 1986
Had 80 minutes special visit from Zami and Zindzi. Minutes after the end of the family, visited by Brig. Munro. Spent another ±45 minutes with very important personage, Gen Obasanjo.51 Prior to this saw film: ‘Boetie gaan grens toe’52 [Brother Goes to the Border].
5 APRIL 1986
Xhamela [Walter Sisulu] and I witnesses to the marriage of Dideka and Ndobe which was solemnized by Bishop Sigqibo Dwane assisted by Rev Mpumlwana in the presence of Mrs Sallie, Brig Munro and W/O Gregory53 Muzi and Zeni visit for 80 minutes
8 APRIL 1986
Zami and NoMoscow pay 40 minute visit and report death of Sabata the previous day.54 Zami to inform the family and to try to collect body from Lusaka.
15 APRIL 1986
Seen the tragic film ‘Paul Jacob and Nuclear Gang’ plus ‘Electric Boogie’ a baffling new dance.55
18 APRIL 1986
Seen film ‘Missing’ and the short 1974 Lions match against Springboks which Lions won by 12-3.
5 MAY 1986
Mrs Helen Suzman MP and Mr Tiaan van der Merwe visit me from 9.30 to 11.55.56 Have a wide-ranging conversation on political issues.
6 MAY 1986
Brig Munro informs me that Gen. [General] Venter would like to get more precise information re Bambilanga and Daliwonga57
16 MAY 1986
Interview with all members of E.P.G [Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group]
28 MAY 1986
‘I know why the caged bird sings’ by Maya Angelou
Library Film
16 JUNE 1986
Dreamt of Zami having become an attorney. She appears in a case against Mandela and Tambo, takes judgment by default. NM arrives in court to apply for rescission of judgment and I call her into court
17 JUNE 1986
W/O Gregory informs me in arrogant manner that the letter he misplaced is gone and that there is absolutely nothing he can do about it. He also states that nobody, whatever his position, can threaten him.
18 JUNE 1986
Had discussion with Maj Van Sittert re W/O Gregory. Major promises to take up matter as soon as W/O Gregory is available
18 AUGUST 1986
Rev Peter Storey devotional prelude on ‘The Monday’58
Film of Muhammad Ali in Germany, also ‘The Nerds take Revenge’ and a short59
19 AUGUST 1986
Rev Peter Storey on forgiveness
20 AUGUST 1986
Rev Peter Storey on the Lord’s Prayer
25 AUGUST 1986
BP taken by Major Burger 140/80
Rev Brian Johanson… on ‘standing’
26 AUGUST 1986
Rev Brian Johanson on ‘walking’
27 AUGUST 1986
Rev Brian Johanson on ‘sitting’
4 SEPTEMBER 1986
Father Michael Austin of Johannesburg. On how to live like Christ
BP 120/70 taken by Major Burger
5 SEPTEMBER 1986
Father Michael Austin: Loyola said if somebody told him that he was about to die he would continue to play cards
10 SEPTEMBER 1986
Zondo (Sibusiso), Sipho Bridget Xulu and Clarence Lucky Payi executed60
1 OCTOBER 1986
Provided with television set. Whole programme upset watching tel[evision] from 4 pm – 6.45 pm
8 OCTOBER 1986
Supplied with new and better antenna
10 OCTOBER 1986
Meeting with Daliwonga, accompanied by H.T. Mpunzi, Transkei Consul and Nelson Mabunu61
19 OCTOBER 1986
President Samora Machel dies in air crash on the border between SA and Mozambique
20 OCTOBER 1986
Radio announces the death of Samora Machel, President of the Republic of Mozambique. The Minister of Defence and Minister of Transport and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
11 DECEMBER 1986
Post Zindzi’s birthday card. Dreamt of Jimmy and Connie.62 Jimmy visits Zami and me and we invite him to come to spend holiday with us. Also dreamt asking Mr Sidelsky to get me a job
26 DECEMBER 1986
Spent the day with colleagues at their premises and enjoyed a lovely lunch
27 JANUARY 1987
[In Afrikaans] Not satisfied with the evidence about the missing letter to Zami. It was not a photostat. The post office promises to sent a photostat in the meantime
18 FEBRUARY 1987
1 reel of 50 m dental floss.
Start receiving 1 litre a day of fresh milk.
20 FEBUARY 1987
BP. 120/80.
23 FEBRUARY 1987
Celebrate Thembi’s birthday with a piece of rich fruit cake and peanuts
4 APRIL 1987
Examined by Dr Marshall: trouble with the right eye. Can see nothing
8 APRIL 1987
Consultation with Prof J Van Rooyen, Tygerberg [Hospital], finds hole in retina and operates on right eye and recommends new reading lenses. To see us again in a fortnight
20 APRIL 1987
Visited by my 4 comrades from Women’s Section of the prison for 2 hrs63
22 APRIL 1987
Jim Fish of the BBC announces the resignation of Joe Slovo as MK [Umkhonto we Sizwe] Chief of Staff. A comment by John Barratt.64
Consult Prof Van Rooyen, Tygerberg. Puts additional laser shots on right eye, to see me again in month’s time
23 APRIL 1987
Interview with C.O.P [commissioner of prisons] Gen. Willemse, re harassment of family.
9 JULY 1987
Dakar Conference between ANC and group of South Africans begins.
14 JULY 1987
Consulted Dr De Haan, Ear, Nose and throat specialist re pain in right jaw joint. Examination reveals no observable abnormalities other than a slight swelling of a duct in the right ear and possibly unrelated to the pain.
6 AUGUST 1987
Ayesha [Arnold]’s birthday: At 9.20 am Sgt. [Sergeant] Brand informs me of the death of Ayesha. Immediately handed in telegram for dispatch to Ameen and the children.
19 AUGUST 1987
Weight 67 kg: body mass without clothes
New razor blade
20 AUGUST 1987
Measurement of cell 6,4 metres x 5,4 metres
22 AUGUST 1987
An hr interview with Kathy [Ahmed Kathrada] on his birthday
7 SEPTEMBER 1987
Attempt to avoid taking plain sugar in all kinds of food and drink
12 SEPTEMBER 1987
My sister, Mabel, pays 40 minute visit. Gave her R120,0065
26 SEPTEMBER 1987
Celebrated Zami’s birthday with mutton breyani plus butter beans and a piece of rock fruit cake
27 DECEMBER 1987
Harvey advises that our new house in Soweto has been bombed and damaged. Saw Tyhopho [Walter Sisulu] for 40 minutes.
5 JUNE 1988
Consultation with Dr Shapiro on pain under right collar bone and on left foot. X-ray reveals no abnormalities, but there’s blood in urine. Suggest examination by urologist. Weight 72¼ kg