Pretoria Central Prison

Details

Organization Timeline

Mandela and seven others are sentenced to life imprisonment

📅 12 June 1964

Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi, and Andrew Mlangeni were sentenced to life. The court sent the seven Black defendants to Robben...

Mandela begins addressing Winnie as “Dade wethu” in letters

📅 11 November 1969

In his first letter using the Sesotho address “Dade wethu” (“our sister”), Mandela wrote to Winnie while she was imprisoned in Pretoria. He reframed their relationship in the language of shared...

Mandela writes to Winnie during her imprisonment

📅 1 January 1970

Mandela’s New Year’s Day letter to Winnie combined family concerns with moral and political reflection while she was imprisoned. He offered reassurance and responded to her illness and isolation. Both...

Mandela writes to Winnie, also a prisoner

📅 20 June 1970

Mandela wrote to Winnie while she remained incarcerated. The letter addressed separation, family matters, and her health, combining emotional support with political resolve. A Foundation archive...

Mandela sends Winnie a letter of encouragement

📅 1 August 1970

A letter dated 1 August records Mandela encouraging Winnie during her imprisonment and urging her to retain hope. The message came after a period in which she had been detained and isolated from their...

Mandela responds to Winnie’s correspondence

📅 31 August 1970

Mandela wrote back to Winnie after receiving a letter from her dated 2 July. The archive notes that her message lifted his spirits. This exchange makes visible how communication was rationed and...