The Rivonia Trial hears from more than 100 witnesses, all telling of how Mandela and his cohorts sabotaged and tried to overthrow the pro-apartheid government.
Once it comes time for the defence to make its case, Mandela rises and delivers a four-hour speech. Toward the end, Mandela puts down his written speech and recites the last portion from memory:
"I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an idea which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Mandela is found guilty and is sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island.
Those are long, dark years for Mandela. While in jail, his mother dies of a heart attack and his eldest son, Thembekile, is killed in a car accident. Mandela's request to attend their funerals, even under heavy prison security, is flatly denied.
The years drag on and Mandela continues to be defiant of the pro-apartheid government, so much so he turns down at least three chances for release if he publicly denounces violence.
