TUROK, Benjamin (b 1927)

Papers of Benjamin Turok, South African educationalist and politician, relating to his political involvements in South Africa (1961-1981) and biographical tapes and transcripts (1983-1984): including African National Congress (ANC) speeches, publications, press releases, and other material, 1971-1981; papers of the Institute for Industrial Education, Durban, 1974-1978; papers of the Communist Party of South Africa, 1978 and undated; papers of the South African Congress of Trade Unions, 1971-1973; correspondence, 1971-1980, with Oliver Tambo and others, mainly on ANC activities; transcripts of audio tapes of biographical material.

Benjamin Turok, born Latvia, 1927; came with his family to South Africa, 1934; educated at the University of Cape Town; taught in London, 1950-1953; returned to South Africa, and became a full-time political activist; served with a banning order, 1955, and arrested for treason, 1956 (the charges were withdrawn in 1958); elected unopposed to represent Africans of the Western Cape on the Cape Provincial Council, 1957; during the 1960 emergency Turok evaded arrest, and went underground to help reestablish ANC organisation; in 1962 he was convicted under the Explosives Act, and sentenced to three years in prison; after his release he escaped via Botswana; resident in the UK from 1972; currently a member of the South African Parliament.

By subject

Open although advance notice should be given. Access to individual items may be restricted under the Data Protection Act or the Freedom of Information Act.

Deposited c 1984, originals returned to Mr Turok in South Africa, 1996, microfilm copies retained by ICS.

Catalogued to item level (see link to repository catalogue).

Compiled by Alan Kucia as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

Copying is currently not permitted.

The ICS holds a large number of collections relating to South African politics, including African National Congress (ICS 1), Mary Benson (ICS 6), Ruth First (ICS 117), Marion Friedmann (ICS 20), Ruth Hayman (ICS 30), Baruch Hirson (ICS 32), Mandela Trials papers (ICS 52), Josie Palmer (ICS 57), Edward Roux (ICS 67), South African Institute of Race Relations (ICS 95), Albie Sachs (ICS SACHS), University of Cape Town (ICS 81-82), University of Transkei (ICS 19).