How accurate is it to say that the Treason Trial (1956–61) was the most significant challenge faced by the
anti-apartheid movement in the years 1948–61?
- 1956, 156 members of Congress Alliance arrested, accused of Treason
- Defining ‘significant challenge’ as a factor severely hindering the ability of anti-apartheid groups to
operate effectively
- although (leaders in proceedings until 1961, triggered organisational split) – opposition did use
Treason Trial to their advantage (sparked opposition, new platform/publicity, brought legitimacy to
Freedom Charter, leaders could meet during proceedings, action continued during trial) therefore
significance of challenge posed by trial = limited
- other factors more significant in hindering opposition (Unlawful Organisations Act)
o Overall, not the most significant challenge
P1: Treason Trial
- 156 leading members of Congress Alliance arrested & accused of treason
o Huge number, congress alliance = very significant
ANC, Indian Congress, trade unionists, etc.
- Opposition leaders tied up in legal proceedings until 1961
o Unable to organise demonstrations/partake in struggle
- Gov suppression of opposition increased, hurt movt (first case of extreme gov response)
- Caused lack of unity within opposition movt
o 1958 organisational split, PAC formed April 1959
Direct result of Treason Trial – ANC leaders in Transvaal elected by slate as
candidates too busy with Treason trial to campaign
P2: However… Treason Trial not significant challange
- Sparked popular opposition
o PAC established 1959, mobilised new groups, more radical
E.g. PAC mass action 21st March
o Became new focus for resentment towards gov
o Mandela wrote in biography, Treason Trial sparked: ‘new level of conflict with anti-apartheid
organisations’
- Gave opposition publicity & platform
o Increased support, media took interest
o Showed multi-racial nature of apartheid struggle (harnessed new support, undermined
principles of apartheid in itself)
- Gave Freedom Charter new legitimacy
o Called for fully democratic SA, fair distribution of land & wealth, non-racialism
o Important as used to garner international support
1956 British Defence and Aid formed by Canon John Collins & others to support
plight of those on trial (smuggled money for legal aid)
- Leaders could meet ‘openly and uninhibited’
o Confined to 2 adjoining cells
o Albert Luthuli: ‘what distance other occupations, lack of funds, and police interference had
made difficult – frequent meetings – the government had now insisted on’
Although can argue leaders limited as were confined, could continue to organise
while proceedings continued – new opportunity
- Made NP look weak
o Leaders acquitted, case was weak
