From Sharpville to Rivonia

In 1959, James Currey arrived in South Africa, finding a nation in crisis. Letters and conversations capture the excitement of daily life and political drama, but on 21 March 1960, the police shot and killed 69 peaceful protesters in Sharpeville. This was a turning point, leading to the founding of The New African, a radical review of politics and the arts. In July 1964, Randolph Vigne appealed to Clare and James to enable him to escape, and they used their British passports to buy a ticket on a Norwegian freighter.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2021
Publisher: The Merlin Press Ltd

In 1959, James Currey arrived in South Africa, encountering a nation grappling with profound crisis. Hopes of transformative change danced and faltered over the ensuing five years. The written correspondence and lively conversations vividly captured the essence of daily life and the tumultuous political landscape. The extra-parliamentary opposition had employed non-violent means of protest since 1952, but on March 21, 1960, the police resorted to violence, shooting and killing 69 peaceful protesters in Sharpeville. This tragic event marked a pivotal turning point. In March 1960, a staggering 35,000 Africans gathered in Cape Town, demanding change. In response, the police unleashed further brutality, escalating the situation. Shortly after, Randolph Vigne, Neville Rubin, Tim Holmes, and James Currey founded The New African, a radical publication that delved into politics and the arts. The dynamic nature of this small magazine provided a effective cover for acts of sabotage. In July 1964, Randolph Vigne reached out to Clare and James, seeking their assistance in escaping. Clare, moved by their friendship, readily agreed, stating, "Randolph and Gillian are our friends." James, utilizing his British passport, purchased a ticket on a Norwegian freighter, enabling Vigne to travel to Montreal. Two days later, Clare and James bid farewell from Johannesburg, embarking on a new chapter in their lives.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780850367584