Historical Organization
Umkhonto we Sizwe
Umkhonto we Sizwe
Also known as: MK
Details
Organization Timeline
Umkhonto we Sizwe begins its sabotage campaign
📅 16 December 1961After peaceful political activity was outlawed and repressed, MK announced itself through attacks on state installations. Its early strategy sought to avoid loss of life.
Police raid Liliesleaf Farm
📅 11 July 1963Police arrested much of the underground leadership at Rivonia and seized documents relating to MK strategy. The raid led directly to the Rivonia Trial.
Looksmart Ngudle dies in detention
📅 5 September 1963Ngudle died after being held by the Security Branch. The state claimed suicide; his death became an early symbol of abuse and secrecy in political detention.
The Rivonia accused first appear in court
📅 9 October 1963Eleven defendants were charged with sabotage and conspiracy following the Liliesleaf raid. The political trial threatened the accused with the death penalty.
Nelson Mandela delivers the 'I am prepared to die' statement
📅 20 April 1964Speaking from the dock, Mandela described the struggle against white and Black domination and defended the goal of a democratic and free society.
Rivonia defendants receive life sentences
📅 12 June 1964Eight defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment rather than death. Their removal weakened internal structures but made the trial a worldwide symbol of resistance.
The Luthuli Detachment enters the Wankie campaign
📅 2 August 1967ANC and ZAPU guerrillas crossed into Rhodesia in a joint operation. The campaign provided important military experience and demonstrated regional cooperation.
Solomon Mahlangu is executed
📅 6 April 1979The apartheid state hanged the young MK combatant despite a major international campaign for clemency. His final message became a rallying cry for resistance.
The Silverton Siege takes place
📅 25 January 1980Three MK members, pursued by police, entered a Pretoria bank and took hostages. A police assault killed the three combatants and two civilians.
MK attacks Booysens Police Station
📅 4 April 1980ANC combatants used rifles, rockets and grenades and scattered leaflets demanding Walter Sisulu's release from Robben Island.
MK attacks the Sasol fuel plants
📅 1 June 1980Coordinated explosions at major coal-to-oil facilities demonstrated MK's growing capacity to strike strategic economic targets.
MK attacks Voortrekkerhoogte military headquarters
📅 9 August 1981Rocket fire struck the major military complex outside Pretoria, symbolically targeting the armed institutions protecting apartheid.
MK bombs the Koeberg nuclear power station site
📅 18 December 1982Explosives damaged the unfinished plant near Cape Town shortly before fuel was to be loaded, delaying the project without causing deaths.
The Church Street bombing strikes air-force headquarters
📅 20 May 1983An MK car bomb outside the South African Air Force headquarters killed military personnel and civilians and wounded many others.
The ANC and government sign the Pretoria Minute
📅 6 August 1990The government agreed to address remaining obstacles to negotiation, while the ANC announced suspension of armed actions to advance a political settlement.
MK holds its first conference inside South Africa
📅 9 August 1991Delegates debated the armed movement's role in a negotiated transition and called for a formal ceasefire.
Chris Hani is assassinated
📅 10 April 1993A far-right gunman murdered the SACP general secretary and MK leader outside his home, bringing the country close to widespread conflict.