vThe Asian Regional Office of the African National Congress of South Africa was opened in New Delhi in 1967 with the financial assistance of the Government of India. It was the first ANC office to be opened in Asia with Alfred Nzo (1925-2000) as the representative and Molvi Ismail. A. Cachalia (1908-2003) as the deputy representative.
The mission first represented in archival materials from 1979. Representatives in the office AT THAT TIME were S. Molifi and M. Msimang; MOOSA Moolla who was in exile in India since 1969, served two spells as Chief Rep, the first between 1978-1978 and the second between 1982-1989. , succeeded by Mtutuzeli Mpehle. Mr. Nzama served under Mr. Mpehle as Assistant Chief Representative after 1992.
An undated photograph album in Box 2 of the records contains photographs taken in India during visits made there by Mr. Yusuf Dadoo (1909-1983), a leader of SACP and South African Indian Congress, and Vice-Chairman of the ANC Revolutionary Council” and Dr. Z. K. Matthews (1901-1968), who was Vice Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare and chairman of the Eastern Cape ANC. Z.K. MATTHEWS NEVER VISITED INDIA. DADOO AND J.B. MARKS, A LEADER OF THE ANC AND SACP, AND A PROMINENT TRADE UNION LEADER.
WHAT IS THE DATE OF THIS VISIT? THE ANC MISSION ENJOYED THE STRONG SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND OF ALL POLITICAL PARTIES, TRADE UNIONS AND STUDENT ORGANISATIONS, AND THE PUBLIC GENERALLY. See Sechaba, Vol 2 No 1, January 1968, “First ANC Office opened in Asia”
This collection consists of three series: Subject files, Photograph albums, and Films and video.
The Subject files are made up of eight folders, primarily containing correspondence.
The first folder contains correspondence between the ANC Chief Representative Mtutuzeli Mpehle and various representatives from supportive Indian schools, colleges and organizations. The bulk of the material relates to Bluebells School and Springdales School, both in New Delhi. In addition to sponsoring "Africa Day," annual awards and similar events, the Bluebells school offered a scheme whereby two to four South African children could board there and be educated; and one or two South African women could undertake six months of teacher training.
Folder 2 concerns letters to Mandela. The India mission received personal letters of support for Nelson Mandela from Indian schoolchildren, diplomats, clubs and organizations. The folder also contains conference proceedings and resolutions relating to Mr. Mandela's imprisonment and release, and the full text of Mandela's address on the day of his release. Note that more letters to Mandela may be found in folder 5.
Folder 3 contains correspondence, addresses and proceedings concerning awards in honour of Mandela. No actual awards are in the folder, but it does contain lists of awards, declarations, medals, etc. conferred on Mandela in India and also internationally.
Folder 4 concerns Mandela's visit to India in October, 1990. It contains letters of congratulation, text of speeches, celebratory poetry and two photographs of Mandela in India. Note that letters inviting Mandela to India and relating to his release may be found in folder 3.
Folder 5 contains two printed statements by Oliver Tambo. One statement was released from Lusaka, Zambia (August, 1985) regarding the state of emergency imposed by PW Botha; and the other was made at his installation as Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare in October, 1991.
Folder 6 contains correspondence between ANC leaders and Indian Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, VP Singh, Rajiv Gandhi, and Narasimha Rao. Additional 2 boxes were found and added to this collection. The additional collection is divided into 2 series Correspondence/ Reports and Publications.
This record series is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.
The Collection is Open
University of Fort Hare, ANC Archives, ANC India Mission Office, Box no.[], file no. []
ANC Archives Committee