♪
Crowd: [chanting] "Hail to Mandela!"
Reporters: [shouting mixed questions]
[shouting questions continues]
Male Reporter: Mr. Mandela, what about the housing in the townships?
2nd Male Reporter: How do we know you can maintain law and order, Mr. Mandela?
Female Reporter: Did you ever think you'd live to see this day, Mr. Mandela?
[flashbulbs popping]
I would like a few moments to myself, please.
Certainly, Mr. Mandela.
Please. Thank you. Thank you.
♪
[quiet, introspective piano music]
♪
Crowds: [chanting] "Hail, Mr. Mandela"
Nelson Mandela (narrating): I have been called many things in my life. But, perhaps, they got it most right the first time... "Rolihlahla." That was the name my parents gave to me when I was born back in Qunu. It means "troublemaker."
[sheep bleating]
♪
[sheep bleating]
Woman: Rolihlahla!
♪
Sir, I give you this child.
He is progressing well.
I am entrusting him to you... so that you will educate him, so that you'll give him a life that we cannot.
♪
[pipe quietly thuds]
♪
Mandela Narrates: My father's dying wish changed the course of my life.
He wanted me to live an educated life, to make a difference for our people.
I promised myself I would honor his wish, and I knew that meant my life would now have a new beginning.
♪
[dog barking]
♪
[mixed non-English conversations]
[club tamping]
[chickens clucking]
[cattle bellowing]
[cattle bellowing]
♪
[cattle bellowing]
♪
Welcome, Rolihlahla.
This will be your family.
Mandela Narrates: I missed my own family.
I missed home.
But now I had a new brother named Justice.
Children: [laughing]
[wooden sticks clacking]
Mandela Narrates: One of our favorite pastimes was stick fighting... one stick on the left hand, to parry the blows from the other.
And then, in the right hand, a stick to hit with.
[sticks clacking]
I never lost the lessons learned with those two sticks, even when I later took up boxing.
To defeat an opponent was instilled in me early.
It was something that stuck with me.
However, I did lose my Xhosa name.
♪
And what is your name?
Rolihlahla.
No, I don't want that one.
You must have a Christian name.
From now on, you will be known as "Nelson."
Children: [giggling]
♪
Mandela Narrates: Where I grew up, at King's Court, there were elders all around... thinking, competing, leading.
From them I learned about the history of my people, and the battles they fought in the olden times, a series of wars over 100 years, our people, fighting with spears, against the gunpowder of the White man.
I was impressed and inspired, hearing about the bravery of our traditional leaders.
Man: [speaks non-English language]
The way the Xhosa people transition from boy to man is a vital rite of passage in my culture.
How you handle the operation is a matter of grave importance and pride.
Man: [speaks non-English language]
I'm a man!
[speaks non-English language]
I'm a man!
[winces]
[speaks non-English language]
I'm a man.
[speaks non-English language]
I'm a man!
Mandela Narrates: It still holds some shame for me that I was not as strong as the other boys.
It stuck in my mind that I wanted to do better... to prove myself worthy.
Man: You have buried your childhood.
You have entered now the phase of a man.
There are those who are going to go back to school.
But they will be nobody in this country because of the policy of the White man.
There will be soldiers who never will be able to fight for the freedom of their people because... they will have no g*ns.
Nevertheless, we expect that now that you are men, you will fight for the liberation of your people.
[fire crackling]
These are good young men, both of them.
And these are good young women.
[chuckles]
Both Justice and Nelson are university educated.
And, when the time comes, they'll be in charge of the village.
Then they'll both need wonderful wives who'll cook and take care of them.
You can look at each other.
Of course. My daughters don't bite, you know?
So, if there's nothing more to discuss, let's shake hands and wish them long, happy, healthy lives.
I suppose that's it, then.
Speak for yourself.
Selling father's cow is a bad idea.
He is going to be so mad.
I promise I'll pay him back one day.
But if we don't leave now, we'll be stuck in a future someone else chooses for us.
Justice: Nelson, we can't do this.
Fine. Go back.
Say hello to your wife for me.
Nelson!
Mandela: [laughing]
Male Clerk: Johannesburg?
Mandela: Yes.
And what are you going to do there?
Oh, you know... steal some cows and cause mayhem.
Have you had your passes stamped?
Justice: No...
Can we have our tickets, please?
Why not?
I've been asked to look out for two boys who are trying to leave, and if they come here, I should not sell them a ticket.
In fact, I should inform the Chief immediately.
We're not boys.
Well, we tried.
Maybe we should go buy father's cow back.
♪
[non-English lyrics]
♪
[vehicle horn honks]
[vehicle horn "aooga"]
[non-English lyrics continue]
♪
[vehicle horn "aooga"]
♪
We're here. This is Jo', mate.
It's big, huh, and noisy.
Mandela: [laughs]
Hey, I'm famished.
Hey, stop eating my stuff!
Hey.
Did you know those kids?
This your first day in the city?
Yeah.
Don't forget who you are.
Here it's tougher.
Do you know where we can find work and a place to stay?
The gold mines are the only place for you around here.
That's where they're going.
I see.
Thank you.
[microphone feedback screeches]
Man Announcing: Work team six, report to the elevators.
Work team six, report to the elevators.
Miner: [coughing]
On your feet!
Sorry, boss, one minute, please.
I said, on your feet!
[baton thuds]
One minute, boss.
[baton thuds]
I didn't say you could take a break.
Sorry, sorry, boss, sorry.
Who said you could take a break, lazy scum!
[baton thwacking]
Miner: [gasping]
[groans]
Miners: [singing non-English lyrics]
♪
[singing non-English lyrics]
Justice, you won't believe what happened today to this poor man who was taking a minute to clear his throat.
He was beaten and there was nothing I could do about it.
Nelson, father has d*ed.
♪
They need me at home now.
What about Johannesburg?
It hasn't been a year yet.
You never got the chance to start a life yet.
You know father never wanted us to go.
I owe him so much.
Maybe I should stay there, too.
No, he wanted you to study law.
There are no Black lawyers here.
You can make lots of money, marry a beautiful wife, children.
This place suits you more than me.
It sounds like you're trying to get rid of me, my brother.
Not at all. [sighing]
If I could hold on to you, I would.
I don't know how to explain it yet, but I feel like there's something here for me.
I hope you find what you're looking for.
Mandela Narrates: The injustices I saw at the mines were a reminder of my father's wishes for me.
I went to university and got my law degree, and now it was time to find its purpose.
Evening, Nelson.
♪
Male Speaker: And they opposed these recommendations for fair treatment without negotiation, without a discussion, and we are just expected to say, "Yes, boss!"?
Crowd: No!
The miners' strike didn't begin today.
Over 30 years ago, 200,000 miners...
Nelson Mandela.
I've seen you at these meetings for months and I couldn't place why I knew your face.
And just now I got it.
Oliver Tambo, Fort Hare University.
They kicked you out, right?
It was my decision... a matter of principle.
You know that place.
Well, they kicked me out, too, for organizing a boycott the day after you left.
Yeah, yeah, you look familiar.
[chuckling]
No, I don't.
It's okay. I have a pretty forgettable face.
It's why I got these glasses.
I really think they give me an identity, don't you?
Male Speaker: So many of us have come together, from our villages.
[laughing]
We must organize the workers, draw up new programs of action.
Strikes! Defiance!
Crowd: [cheering, applauding]
Do you want to meet my friend Walter Sisulu?
He is starting up a new youth wing of the ANC.
[lively music]
♪
Mandela: I am amazed.
We are in the majority in this country, and we still have to hide to enjoy each other's company.
What is your education, Nelson?
I was at Fort Hare, like Oliver, studying to be a lawyer.
We have had to postpone our law studies.
Briefly, that is.
It sounds mysterious. Do elaborate.
I was one of six students at the University of Fort Hare who was running for leader in an election that was, uh... being improperly conducted.
It was put to me that I should go along with the corrupt process or leave.
A bit of a troublemaker.
So, Nelson, what do you say?
The African National Congress needs educated people, especially lawyers.
♪
Where do I sign up?
[glasses clinking]
Cheers!
Yes.
Mandela Narrates: I had found a new home in the ANC, and right away, I had my first taste of action.
Crowd: [singing non-English lyrics]
♪
Walter: [laughing]
Mandela: I push through like that, and when my opponent is open, I go...
All: Eeee!
I'll take a better one. I see he's revved up for that.
Oliver: [laughing] I told you he was a fighter.
So, just because I wasn't born in the ghetto like you I have no right to comment on the impoverished man or woman.
Yeah, maybe that's what I'm saying.
[laughs]
Well, then, you're a bloody bourgeois and an elitist, too, Joe.
It takes one to know one. [chuckling]
What? You've never seen two Communists fight before? It can get ugly.
Yes, I can see that.
Nelson, you know Ruth First.
From the university.
One of the sharpest minds I've ever met.
[glasses clink]
Flatterer.
Be careful, Joe's got his sights set on this one.
You know, you don't want to mess with him.
He lied about his age so he could fight the Nazis in World w*r II.
Yeah, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them.
All: [laughing]
Hey, Kathi.
Hey, Nelson.
Have you seen Walter?
Walt...
Yeah, there he is.
It looks like he's engaged in a fair fight for a change.
The only credible response to the struggle of Black nationalism...
That is the only way that we can fight it.
Communism does not translate into the ethical problems.
If we want Black nationalism, then we first understand Afrikaner nationalism.
My people aren't monsters.
They've just suffered and they feel vulnerable.
We're in the minority here.
If your people have suffered so much, why are you not on their side?
Because my people are wrong.
I don't agree with the prime minister on that.
Not a lot of people challenge him and live to tell about it.
Uh, Evelyn?
Uh, Nelson, this is Evelyn, my cousin.
Evelyn, this is Nelson.
He's going to help us change the world.
Hello, Nelson.
Hello, Evelyn.
Would you care to dance?
Sure.
♪
Guests: [cheering]
♪
Guests: [cheering]
Man: Have fun, Nelson.
♪
Evelyn: What's that?
I bought it to commemorate this moment.
You don't like it?
I love it. I just... [laughing]
I didn't realize you were such a romantic.
Mm-hm. You didn't, huh?
Come here!
Evelyn: [laughs]
Come here!
Both: [laughing]
Yes!
[door slams]
[mixed conversations]
Did you resist the police officer in any way?
Resist? I didn't get a chance to.
They had me on the ground battered and bloody before I even knew where they were taking me.
I see.
Can you tell me... were there any witnesses to this altercation?
What would it matter if anyone did see?
If they're White, they don't help.
If they're not White...
What laws are there to protect us?
We are still going to try and present a case.
Why?
I may as well be sent to jail.
I have about as much control over my life out here as I would in there.
Do you think I should waste my time trying to fight it?
Mandela Narrates: It was getting worse... the injustice.
[whistle shrills]
[speaks non-English]
Mandela Narrates: It was a time of fear... of frustration... a time of anger.
My friends at the mine had finally had enough.
Miners: [singing non-English lyrics]
[singing continues]
♪
[singing continues]
♪
Miners: [singing continues]
Halt! Stop where you are!
Miners: [singing continues]
I said, stop where you are!
[singing continues]
Stop! Or we'll have to stop you!
[singing continues]
Move!
[baton thuds]
All: [shouting]
[batons thudding]
♪
[whip snaps]
[g*nsh*t fires]
[g*nsh*t fires]
[g*nshots f*ring]
♪
Mandela Narrates: I had never before seen such hate, v*olence and bloodshed.
As I walked amongst the dead bodies, I knew there was no turning back.
For me, the anti apartheid movement was born on that day.
Priest: Deliver this son of Africa to God.
Give us peace.
Woman: [sobbing]
Mandela: Father Huddleston.
Yes.
[heavy sigh]
I pray every day for our leaders in this fight for our liberation.
We are grateful for our spiritual protectors.
Thank you, Father.
Mandela: They are k*lling us... our brothers and sisters.
We are all frustrated, but we must not lose heart.
We are gaining attention and sympathy for our defiance campaign the world around.
We have to stay the course.
Mm-hm.
Staying the course is not enough.
Yes, we are gaining international attention, but one by one, we are losing our people.
One by one, they are being sent to jail, and those that aren't, are losing faith with us.
With all due respect, Chief Lithuli, you are a great president for the ANC.
But we strongly feel we need to do more.
But is there more that we can do?
We are holding rallies in our own country where hundreds of people turn out.
Hundreds of people won't change anything.
We need thousands of people to turn up, huh?
We are building to that.
But Nelson and Oliver's point is that we don't have the time to build into it.
We need to reach out to the people now.
What do you suggest?
Why do people ignore activism, movements, politics?
Because they feel that they, as one person, have no power, no voice.
This is why they feel they will never be heard.
We must make them feel that they are being heard.
Make them feel that if they support us, every last South African, from the rich, White Afrikaner in Johannesburg, to the poor, Black lady in the township, will have a voice.
Gentlemen... [clears throat] we need to be that voice.
Audience: [cheering, applauding]
Joe: [whistling]
The government keeps pushing, and pushing, and pushing, but they don't know our strength.
They don't know the strength of the South African people.
Audience: [applauding]
You may wonder why does the ANC refrain from v*olence?
The answer is simple... we are not them.
We do not practice the same disregard for human life.
The ANC is in the practice of hope, of unity, of bringing all of Africa together.
If we can do that, if we can learn to speak in one voice, so strong, so powerful that we cannot be drowned out, then all of their g*ns won't matter.
Audience: [applauding]
They cannot stop us.
Mark it on a piece of paper what you want, and how you want it.
Together, we will create the Freedom Charter.
Ruth: "All equal before the law."
I like that.
"All national groups shall have equal rights."
Right.
"The people shall share in the country's wealth," huh?
"There shall be peace and friendship."
"There shall be work and serenity."
All: [laughing]
Well, we never expected this much response.
The people have spoken.
You know, Kathi.
Hm.
I think Chief Lithuli is going to ask you to make the big speech announcing the charter tomorrow.
Me?
Well, w-why would he do that?
He wants to see if you are able to handle big pressure situations.
I... I can't.
I'll mess it up.
Others: [laughing]
No, come on, guys. That's not funny.
I could have had a heart att*ck. Come on.
What is it, Bram?
They have just banned the leaders of the ANC from being in any public event.
How can they do that?
Every time we gain an inch, they change the bloody rules.
If you attend the Congress of the People, you will all be arrested.
Then let them arrest us.
♪
Evelyn: Why risk arrest?
Nelson, why can't you come with us?
It is the Freedom Charter, Evelyn.
If you want to go to church, it is your choice.
Nelson, what about your faith?
You don't even come to the meetings anymore.
I still have my faith.
But at this moment, The Movement is what is going to help our children.
The children that you never see.
Thembe, come here.
♪
I will be here when you return from church this afternoon.
Are you sure?
I will try.
♪
Evelyn: What will we do, if you're arrested?
Crowd: [cheering, applauding]
"We, the people of South Africa, declare, for all our country, and the world to know, that South Africa belongs to all who live in it... Black and White."
Crowd: [cheering, applauding]
"No government can just claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people."
Crowd: [cheering, applauding]
"And we will strive unwaveringly until this democratic change has been won."
Crowd: [cheering, applauding]
Each and every one of you is represented in this charter.
Crowd: [cheering, applauding]
And we will be your voice.
Crowd: [cheering, applauding]
[non-English word]
Crowd: Africa!
[non-English word]
Crowd: Africa!
[non-English word]
Crowd: Africa!
Ja, Africa!
Crowd: [non-English word]
[non-English word]
Crowd: Africa!
[cheering, applauding]
♪
Today was a great day for me.
It was supposed to be a great day for all of us.
I don't think you understand what a great day for us is.
Nelson, your children just want to see you, go for a walk, have dinner together.
That's what I want, too.
The Movement... that's not the life that I want.
If you think that life exists for us without The Movement, you are wrong.
Because all those simple things you are asking for, those things are freedom, the luxuries of a free life.
That is what I'm fighting for.
[door opens]
Thembe...
I am sorry I was not here earlier.
One day you will be old enough to help me.
We will be father and son, united, together, in the struggle.
So you say nothing's going to change.
There's no room for us until the struggle's over.
[door closes]
They're laughing at us. They're mocking our authority.
Well, with all due respect, Prime Minister, all their leaders are under a ban, and we have jails full of the Communists.
With all due respect, is it worth it?
We need to respond and must put these people in their place.
I think we need to respond with great caution, Mr. Prime Minister, if I may?
International opinion is already very tricky after all the publicity from the defiance campaign and I just...
This is our country, and we proceed in the way that is best for our people.
We don't need the approval from the rest of the world.
We were nearly destroyed and exterminated by the British.
We cannot bend to international opinion.
And when all is said and done, the world will come to see why we had to do what we had to do.
And what do we have to do?
Cut the head off the beast.
Arrest the leaders, all of them.
On what charges?
Treason.
That Charter is outright Communism.
Those are the ones we want.
There are hundreds. We'll have to arrest hundreds.
Can we present a case in court?
We have informers who will testify.
I want a special court, away from the public eye, in a church or a synagogue, set up with three of our judges... hand picked.
And the rule of law?
And talk to the Americans.
I think we can gain their support.
They hate Communists as much as we do.
It will be okay, Paul.
Don't forget we have God on our side.
They do not.
[ominous music]
♪
[gravel crunching]
[car door slams]
[pounding on door]
Police Officer: We have a warrant to search this place and for your arrest.
Under what charges?
Police Officer: Practicing Communism, and plotting to overthrow the state with v*olence.
Come on!
Mandela: It will be okay.
[mixed conversations]
Leave it to the Prime Minister to ban us from speaking to each other, and then lock us all away in the same cell together.
[mixed conversations]
We will get out of this, my friends.
This is not how our struggle ends.
[thunder crashing]
[heavy rainfall]
There's not enough of cells to hold you.
You'll stay!
Surely, you can bring us in out of the rain.
Surely, you're going to want to shut your mouth, kaffir!
You're in my yard!
[thunder crashing]
♪
♪
♪
Mandela Narrates: After two days in prison, our lawyers secured our release on bail.
We knew this was the beginning of a long and brutal fight against the charge of treason.
But, for me, my real punishment came when I returned home.
♪
♪
[sighs]
♪
♪
Mandela Narrates: I have been asked many times how I was able to keep going in spite of all of the difficulties of my life.
Patience, love, I found it again... in Winnie.
♪
Careful, please.
♪
Mandela Narrates: In the midst of my despair, she was there...
[door opens, closes]
...a wife who came to understand my greatest love was my people, our country.
She shared that with me... our fight for liberation.
But it seemed a fight that was going nowhere.
After four years, my comrades and I were still on trial for treason.
My life had become a grim routine.
I was not yet in prison, but I was not yet free.
And I was still unwelcome in my own country.
What do we have here... a fleet-footed kaffir?
Hey, stop.
Good morning, officer.
How may I help you?
No, no, no, you don't call me "officer."
You call me "boss."
Let me see your pass.
Nelson Mandela.
Aren't you supposed to be on trial for treason?
Mandela: All of the accused are free on bail for the duration of the trial.
Early morning is the only time I can get exercise... boss.
[g*n clicks]
You know what I do to cheeky kaffirs like you?
I take you into the bush and I put a b*llet through your head.
♪
[g*n clicks]
[mocking laughter]
You're lucky.
White people in South Africa, we believe in following the rule of law.
[drops pass book]
[car door opens, closes]
[engine starts]
[car drives off]
[mixed conversations]
Oliver.
Nelson!
Hey.
Oliver: [laughing]
The great athlete.
Mandela: [laughing]
How's it?
It's good.
How's Winnie and the family?
They are well. Well.
So, you did not run here just to say hello.
No, no. Already you have so many of them lined up out there.
[sighs] So many new laws.
And so few Black lawyers.
Both: [laughing]
I'm sorry, my friend, that you had to take on such a heavy load with me still being on trial.
[sighs]
I'm lucky they dropped the charges against me.
My burden is not as heavy as yours.
I miss you, Oliver, and this place.
I can't wait till I get back.
[heavy sigh]
You're not ever coming back.
We both know that.
If they do not convict you, they will try, and try again until they succeed.
If I am acquitted...
I will have to go underground.
It is the only way that I can continue in the struggle.
We cannot wage a struggle for freedom while you are in prison, hm?
Ah... a favor to ask.
Can you see this kid for me?
A pass book thing. The usual.
Oh, I don't know, Oliver.
Ah, come on, Nelson.
[sighs] All right.
Let me take a look.
Oliver: Thank you.
Okay.
Ah, come.
You get Nelson today.
Woman: Thank you.
Miss, you can sit here.
I... I was arrested because I don't have a pass.
But I couldn't get a pass, if I don't have a job.
So, what am I supposed to do?
As soon as I go out there to find work, I get arrested.
Because you don't have a pass.
Tell me.
I have this girl I want to marry.
Her name is Nande.
Does she want to marry you?
How can she when I don't even have a job?
All right.
Male radio Reporter: Mass protests are planned today by the new Pan Africanist Congress, or PAC.
The group says it's protesting against the pass laws which require identification for all Black...
[turns off radio]
Winnie: I was listening to that.
[sighing]
Reporter: PAC leader, Robert Sobukwe, has repeated his request to leaders of the rival African National Congress to support the protest.
[turns off radio]
Maybe you should join forces... ANC and PAC.
You'd do more with a united front.
The PAC's vision is different from ours.
They want to exclude Whites, Indians, Coloreds, from the struggle... everyone.
They are clever.
The pass protest was our idea.
They are strategic.
They are opportunistic.
Well, turning off the radio won't stop the protest today.
Yes.
This bloody treason trial is really putting a strain on our law practice.
It has almost been four years.
The people want to see change.
They want action.
[vehicle horn honking]
Hmmm...
Let them wait.
[laughs]
The treason bus waits for no man.
Good morning, comrades.
Good morning, Nelson.
Day 1399.
Morning, comrade.
It's not a joke anymore.
Day 1399 is the day we're going to be humiliated by the PAC.
You see, they've called their protest a week before ours.
For one reason.
Yes, to make us look slow... and stupid.
Man: Today, we will stand in protest.
We will not be told where and when to travel in our own land.
Crowd: No!
For now we have promised a peaceful march.
But our demands are non-negotiable.
Crowd: Yes!
Abolish the pass laws now!
Crowd: Yes!
We will stand our ground until we hear from Pretoria.
Crowd: Yes!
The future of Africa must be what Africans make.
Our land!
Crowd: Our land!
Our land!
Crowd: Our land!
[cheering, applauding]
They're listening to him, Nelson.
Sobukwe is saying all the things that the people want to hear.
Maybe they don't want this multi-party, multi-racial, passive resistance.
They don't want clever, colored lawyers and rich White Communists to be on their side.
That's why the PAC is growing so much.
Bloody Communists.
Mandela: Ruth, Joe... come sit here by me and Duma.
Okay with you, Duma?
He's scared we'll infect him.
Africa for Africans.
That is what the people want to hear.
That is why they are joining the PAC.
The question is, Duma, do you want to join them?
Because you are too intelligent for the PAC rhetoric.
Because you don't want the struggle for justice for all to turn into a primitive civil w*r between Black people, Colored people, White people.
Because you understand we are all Africans.
Sometimes you have to hold on to what you believe in... and be patient.
[sighing]
I want those troublemakers stopped.
Isn't it enough that we have these Red Communists and Black leaders on trial for treason?
This PAC, or ANC, or whatever you call them, they must be eliminated.
Use everything at our disposal.
Don't spare any expense.
Crowd: [shouting, chanting]
Arms up.
Go through.
Arms up.
Lawyer: Chief Lithuli, as president of the ANC, is the use of v*olence a tactic employed by your organization?
The use of v*olence would be almost national su1c1de.
Because of my Christian leanings, I would hesitate to be a party to v*olence.
You say "hesitate."
You would not condemn it outright?
The ANC believes that progress is achieved through dialogue.
The accused believe as I believe... that one day, the African people and the White man must talk, otherwise, where is the hope for any of us?
Crowd: [singing non-English lyrics, shouting, clapping]
Colonel.
Lieutenant.
See any weapons?
Ach, only umbrellas.
Crowd: [singing, clapping continue]
There's more than umbrellas out there.
Yes, sir.
Crowd: [singing, clapping continue]
Mr. Mandela, is it fair to say that you play a significant role in the African National Congress?
We are a democratic body under the presidency of Chief Lithuli.
Will you confirm that all the accused here are members of the ANC.
Why are you asking me?
All of them have already said as much.
But would you agree that the purpose of the ANC is to overthrow the government?
No, the purpose of the ANC is to reform the government.
Crowd: [shouting, singing, clapping]
Load five rounds!
Crowd: [singing, clapping continue]
Fire!
[g*nshots f*ring]
Crowd: [screaming]
Woman: [screams]
Enough! Enough sh**ting!
[g*nshots f*ring]
Cease fire! Cease fire!
[g*nsh*t fires]
♪
[whispering]
[whispering]
Judge: [pounds gavel] Silence!
Male radio Reporter: This is the BBC World Service.
In the township of Sharpeville in South Africa, a violent clash between police and protestors.
Policemen encountered an angry mob of thousands.
Police say they were forced to open fire on the violent and illegal protest led by the Pan Africanist Congress against the new pass laws.
♪
Sixty-nine dead.
More than 150 wounded.
I say no apology.
We commend the police for their bravery.
We declare martial law and stop this now.
Tomorrow the eyes of the world will be upon us.
I think we need to proceed with great caution.
You understand... right there by Sharpeville, we signed the treaty of our defeat by the British... nearly 60 years ago.
I'd forgotten that.
We must never forget.
[sighing]
Today is a sign from the Lord, a reminder... that we must never risk humiliation and extermination again.
We must always remember our sacred duty.
We will fight for our existence.
We must keep our people safe.
You... lawyer... what did you tell him?
What did you say about the pass laws, huh?
Solomon was such a good boy.
No trouble.
He just wanted to work.
You put ideas in his head... and sent him to protest.
You sent him to die! [sobbing]
Can...
No!
[sobbing]
♪
I am so sorry.
Woman: [continues sobbing]
We can't let the PAC draw us into a street fight.
It's too dangerous.
That's fine, I hear you.
But I think we should take some action.
The PAC has split from us because all we ever do is talk.
Nonsense! They want civil w*r.
They want division between Blacks and Whites, and Coloreds and Indians.
Look, whatever we think of them morally, we have no choice but to make a stand.
For God's sake, we all agree on that.
But, please, make a decision.
I don't think we should argue amongst ourselves.
Yes, you are right.
But what are we going to do?
Stand here drinking?
I can't do that anymore.
Every fiber of my being tells me that we cannot respond to this v*olence with more passive resistance.
The PAC has shown great courage, no matter what we think of their strategy.
In this crisis, we must support them.
Those people were sh*t in the back as they ran... men, women, children.
It was m*rder.
But non-v*olence has always been our path... from the start, and I am not ready to abandon it, and neither is our president, Chief Lithuli, and, as far as I know, neither is the PAC.
We will call for a national day of mourning for the victims of Sharpeville.
We will call for strikes that close factories and empty the fields.
We will call for marches that bring the cities to a standstill, and dare them to strike us down.
The PAC was demonstrating the pass laws.
I will make my own small act of solidarity with the PAC by burning my pass in public in front of the press.
I know Duma has been longing to burn his pass in public for years.
[laughing]
Others: [laughing]
I have one other proposal.
We agree Verwoerd will att*ck.
He will attempt to silence us with incarceration, execution, or assassination.
Therefore, we need a voice that he cannot silence, a voice that people know, and respect, a voice that can speak from the safety of another country.
I see you are looking at me, Nelson.
Mandela: Yes.
Who else?
I will miss you... very much.
[quiet laugh]
Yeah.
I would like to make a gesture of support for Robert Sobukwe and the PAC by burning this most-hated pass book which makes me a foreigner in my own country, and a gesture of the deepest sympathy for the friends and families of those whose lives were sacrificed in the cause of freedom, our freedom.
This is my pass book, which I am supposed to carry everywhere, so they will know who I am...
[flicks lighter] ...where I am from.
I am a South African from South Africa.
I have the right to travel in my own country.
This is all they need to know.
♪
[flashbulb pops]
♪
[speaks non-English] -
Crowd: [speaks non-English]
[flames roaring]
Man Announcing: Disperse immediately!
Disperse!
Men: [shouting unintelligibly]
Man Announcing: Leave this area immediately or you will be arrested.
You have set fire to a lot more than your pass book.
It's getting dangerous out there.
I think you and Zenani should stay inside.
I need to go and look in on my other children.
Of course.
They will be at Walter's tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Sunday.
It's our only day together.
I won't stay long.
It is only right that you see your other children.
I want you to go.
It's just the struggle, your comrades, your other family... if everyone gets a piece of you, what is left?
[infant crying]
The ANC will look after you until you can join me.
I'll be there.
As long as I give my job notice and I pack up our things.
By then we will have arranged a route for you.
Are you sure you will be okay?
I hate being separated from you.
[kisses]
[kisses]
I will call you as soon as I'm over the border.
Don't worry. I will be safe.
[infant crying]
Shhhh... [kisses]
Mandela: [laughing]
All right, you two.
Let this old man catch his breath.
Come and sit down, old man.
Ah, Albertina.
These little ones are really happy to see you.
Yes. Thank you, my dear.
Go with your mother.
Come on.
Walter: [chuckling]
Your children are growing up strong, Nelson.
And how is their mother?
All things being considered, my cousin is well.
You know, when we were first married, I thought that Evelyn and I would be together forever.
[sniffles]
And then?
And then all of this, all that our lives have become...
I am already starting to make Winnie worry, too.
But you, Walter, and Albertina...
Yeah.
...your home, your children... you have held it all together.
You are happy.
What is the secret, I wonder?
There is the cause, and there is family.
Your duty is to both.
Remember this, Madiba, if not for them, for you.
Come, Dada.
All right, Maka.
Walter: [chuckling]
You are the boss, and I must go soon, huh?
I don't want you to go home yet.
I will come around again... very soon, hm?
Do you and mama hate each other?
[speaks non-English]
It's all right, Thembe.
No, my son.
We will always be in each other's hearts, your mother and I, and we both love you very much.
Am I old enough to come with you to one of your meetings, Dada?
Some day, Thembe.
But, at the moment, you need to go to school and study.
Remember, you are the man of the house now.
I'm even wearing your old trousers, Dada.
I see... and you are wearing them well.
You are a good man, my son.
All right, you scamps... [clapping hands]
...come, help me give hugs to Albertina before we go.
Walter: Let's go, let's go.
[chuckling]
Male radio Reporter: This is the BBC World Service.
In South Africa today, the Prime Minister, Mr. Hendrik Verwoerd, has just declared a state of emergency.
The main opposition parties, the Pan African Congress, and the African National Congress, have both been declared illegal organizations.
[pounding on door]
♪
[pounding on door]
Yes?
[grunts]
Hey, I need to see your warrant.
We don't need one.
Not anymore.
Mandela: Everything will be all right.
Everything will be all right.
♪
Here you go, sir.
Thank you.
I hope your accommodation suits you.
My place is just a block away.
I think this is going to take a bit of adjustment.
Let's get you settled.
After, we'll start on that list of embassies you want to visit.
Man: Hut!
[mixed conversations]
Hello, Nelson.
Walter. Duma.
Mandela. It's quite a party. Everyone is here.
Yes, what are the charges now?
Whatever new laws they came up with this morning.
Nelson Mandela.
Robert Sobukwe.
[conversations silence]
The PAC thanks you for your support.
And the ANC thanks you for yours.
[chuckling]
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Witwatersrand Agricultural Society, I am delighted to welcome you all here today to the official opening of our union exposition, and I'm especially delighted that we have with us the Prime Minister, Mr. H.F. Verwoerd.
Crowd: [applauding]
[g*nshots f*ring]
Crowd: [screaming]
[screaming]
♪
Woman: [sobbing]
♪
Joe: Have you heard the news?
What news?
Somebody sh*t Verwoerd.
Two b*ll*ts in the head.
Is he dead?
Ruth: No.
Both b*ll*ts missed the brain... unsurprisingly.
Mandela: Who sh*t him?
Some White farmer who doesn't like apartheid.
Imagine that?
I doubt that they will declare him insane.
Thank God he wasn't Black.
Mandela: What is Verwoerd's condition?
Critical, without a doubt.
Habeas corpus is being suspended.
We're living in a police state.
You are now all members of a banned organization.
Anything... anything that you say testifying in your own trial that could be interpreted as furthering the cause of the ANC will expose you to further potential repercussions.
My hands are tied.
It is impossible for us to construct a defense.
The state has made access extremely difficult.
We could withdraw in protest.
It's not much, but at least it's some kind of step.
How many lawyers are there amongst us?
You, me and Joe.
If we conduct our own defense, until they lift this state of emergency...
And what if it doesn't get lifted?
We keep it going until it is.
Yeah, we could cross examine every witness, in turn, by every other defendant.
It might work.
We could go on with this for years.
At some point, the state of emergency has to be lifted.
Yeah, they want us to hang for these treason charges.
If we want to stay alive, we must play against them, using their own rules.
We will stay alive.
[church bell chiming]
Vendor: Hmph, and I thought it was all blue skies and big game safaris over there.
Thank you.
[sighs]
The inhumanity in your government breeds such hatred.
Thank God the British prime minister's condemned apartheid.
Yes. [sighs]
But we still have a lot more to do.
Come.
The gentleman who sold me this paper thinks we are a nation of blue skies and happy Black people, no doubt.
Oliver, you have to understand all the images coming out of South Africa feature wonderful wild animals and sunsets, and Tarzan's loyal natives.
It's hard to believe the propaganda has been so effective.
The government's campaign has been quite successful... selling racial separation through art, politics, even sports, and they promote that message internationally, as well.
Do you have that list of embassies I asked for?
And I think I should talk to trade unions and members of parliament, as well.
So, what are you saying, Deputy Prime Minister?
In the past few weeks, we have put 19,000 people in prison.
When does it stop?
This separate development of the apartheid model is not the right path for our country anymore.
Our duty is to remain consistent with the policies of this government in this time of crisis.
The international community is turning on us.
You saw how critical the British PM was when he visited us here, and now the Americans are speaking out, and with the Asian and African countries joining in, we risk isolation.
There's talk of economic pressure, sanctions.
Paul, you cannot build domestic policies based on fear.
It's all well and good listening to these people from abroad, but they do not live here.
This is not fear, it's pragmatism.
We have to see where this is all heading.
Now, as acting prime minister, I have a duty to every living soul in this country, not just the Whites.
[door closes]
Wonderful to see you alive.
As some say, "it's a sign from above."
Have a seat.
I understand you recently made some remarks to the effect that we might need to reconsider our policy about separate development, and that apartheid may not be the path we should take.
I must tell you... at this time, it is more necessary than ever to keep the races apart.
Do you understand me?
Of course. Forgive me, Prime Minister.
This treason trial, what is the information?
The accused have begun to defend themselves.
They all question each other endlessly about everything.
It's a delay tactic.
Will we get the verdict before the end of the year?
At this rate, Prime Minister, we won't get a verdict before the end of the century.
Let them delay.
Let them put the court to sleep.
[laughs]
We have a referendum to win an election in October.
And by then, everything must be back to normal.
People won't vote for a republic at w*r with them.
We must be in control.
We must be in control.
Good news.
The state of emergency has been lifted.
Peace and harmony.
[chuckles]
Just in time for the National Party's vote.
And the government agreed to let you out of here on weekends to close up the affairs of your law office.
This whole thing is beginning to feel like...
"Alice in Wonderland" written by Franz Kafka.
[chuckles]
Do I get to sleep at home, too?
No, you have to spend the night in prison in Joburg.
But, uh, don't forget to look into the window of the shop next to your office.
♪
You know that lady, Mr. Mandela?
Yes, that is my wife and daughter.
Um...
I'd better go to your office to open the door.
Check if it's safe for you to go inside.
That is, if you'll trust me with your key.
[kisses daughter]
How did you know?
I got word that you'd be here.
I thought it was worth taking a chance... just to wait and see if I could see you.
There is someone else waiting for you, too.
No.
[laughing]
[kisses]
Darling...
I am due at the end of the year.
That is wonderful.
[sighing]
What?
I wonder if you'll ever be able to hold our new baby.
The verdict may be in soon.
They have yet to prove their case.
You see, it's impossible to as we live in the rule of law.
You don't have to be positive with me.
Nelson, you should run.
Now.
The ANC will look after you.
We can move abroad like Oliver and Adelaide.
I will not try to run, my love, I will not try to escape.
I gave that sergeant my word.
He trusts me.
Winnie: [laughs]
You see, this is why I love you.
Male newsreel Reporter: Pomp and circumstance abound in Pretoria as large crowds gather to welcome dignitaries for a celebration of South Africa's independence from the United Kingdom.
[airplane engines roaring]
Congratulations, gentlemen, to our new republic, free of interference from the British Commonwealth, the Queen and Macmillan's "Wind of Change."
God bless our Republic of South Africa!
All: The Republic of South Africa!
[glasses clinking]
Mandela Narrates: The final hours before the verdict were the longest.
After all this time, after all our struggles, my heart was full of fear and doubt.
What will become of me... my family... my country?
[sighs]
♪
You know, all those years ago, when we first met, I said to myself, "This young man is a Godsend."
Whatever happens in this trial now, I know that one day you will be our leader.
Thank you, Walter.
Male Bailiff: Silence in the court.
All rise.
The verdict in this trial for treason is as follows: "We the judges accept that the African National Congress has been working to replace the government of South Africa with a radically-different form of state. We also accept that the ANC used illegal means of protest. Finally, we accept that the movement has a strong left-wing tendency, which is both anti-west and pro-Soviet. On the evidence presented to the court, however, it is impossible for us to accept that the ANC is, in itself, a Communist organization. But the crux of this trial is, and has always been, this question: Have these members of the ANC before the court been attempting to overthrow the State of South Africa by violent means? The judges find, unanimously, that the prosecution has failed..."
Walter: [gasps]
"...to make this case. We, therefore, find all the accused... Not Guilty."
Crowd: [applauding]
Mandela: Yes!
[gavel pounds]
♪
♪
Crowd: [cheering, whistling]
[flashbulb pops]
♪
They could re-arrest you at any moment.
We need to move you.
I have to go.
We will see each other again soon.
Crowd: [hooting, chattering]
Where are they taking him, Mrs. Mandela?
I wish I knew.
Oh, don't you worry, Mrs. Mandela, we'll find him for you.
♪