The South African Communist Party was a prominent underground political party during South African apartheid years. The party was banned in 1950 and decided to align themselves with the African National Congress (ANC), which led to amicable relationships between the two parties that exist to this day.
During the period of exile, communist nations provided the ANC with weapons and financial support. Together with leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, the communist party allied with the ANC to form Umkhonto we Sizwe ('Spear of the Nation'). Communist Joe Slovo was Chief of Staff of Umkhonto, and developed a close relationship with Mandela.
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." ~ Nelson Mandela
An emotional Brenda Fassie, South African pop diva, embraces Mandela....
Madiba laughs as his shoe comes off while kicking a soccer ball....
In 1991, Nelson Mandela received an Honorary Doctorate at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg for his commitment to the country ...
Mandela and other activists had an array of supporters that came to the court each time defendants were summoned. Pictured is a young Madiba...