Rivonia Trial anniversary: Judge Mlambo says current state of SA not what trialists fought for

JOHANNESBURG - The 60th anniversary of the Rivonia Trial has sparked calls for South Africans to reflect on ways to improve the democracy the trialists fought hard for.

Wednesday marked six decades since apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, and Ahmed Kathrada were sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage and attempting to overthrow the government.

The men served their sentences on Robben Island.

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Among the speakers at the commemoration of the Rivonia Trial was Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo.

He insisted that the way South Africa has turned out 30 years after democracy was not what the Rivonia trialists fought for.

"We have a huge chunk of society that goes to bed on empty stomachs - that’s not what they were standing for."

But he believes the judiciary is doing its part.

"I am proud that as a member of the judiciary, we are holding our own. We are doing what the Constitution says we must do, and we are doing it in the right direction. We hope everyone will emulate our example."

The Rivonia Trial's commemoration has been seen as an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the sacrifices made to secure their freedom.