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Today, 32 years ago, PW Botha offered Mandela a conditional release from prison─── 10:47 Tue, 31 Jan 2017
Former South African President, PW Botha, offered Rivonia Trialist Nelson Mandela conditional release from Robben Island on 31 January 1985.
Mandela who was the leader of the African National Congress (ANC), was serving a life sentence for treason. The proposed conditions of his release was that he renounce violence and violent protests as a means to bring about change in South Africa.
He communicated his refusal of the offer through his daughter, Zinzi, who read his statement to this effect at a rally in Soweto on 10 February 1985.
Video: Youtube (CBSN)
He had also refused previous offers of conditional release where the condition was that he be confined to the Transkei.
The offer was also extended to prisoners serving long jail terms for sabotage.
Source: South African History Online
Compiled by Moeketsi Mogotsi/OFM News
