Paramount Chief Sabata DALINDYEBO, long time opponent of Transkei "independence" and leader of the Transkei opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party, is at present on trial in the Transkei on charges under the Transkei Constitution Act and the Public Security Act. (see FOCUS 24 pp.3 and 6)
The Public Security Act, which carries the maximum penalty of death, makes it a treasonable offence to oppose Transkei "independence" or to advocate policies which threaten it.
After the accused appeared initially in Umtata, it was ordered that the trial be held in Port St. Johns on the Transkei coast where it was due to open on 9 November. It is believed the decision to move the trial was taken because of big demonstrations in Umtata demanding Chief Dalindyebo's release.
In early September attorneys acting for the defence counsel subpoenaed both Nelson Mandela, ANC leader serving a life sentence on Robben Island, and Winnie Mandela, his wife also a leading former member of the banned ANC, banished in Brandfort, to give evidence for the defence.
Chief Dalindyebo is a close relation of both Nelson Mandela and the Matanzima brothers. In the words of the *Rand Daily Mail*, Chief Dalindyebo "has retained the backing of Mandela's sympathisers because of his steadfast opposition to Pretoria's "bantustan" policy." (RDM 16.10.79) The same *Rand Daily Mail* report points to the fact that the arrest and trial of the Paramount Chief comes against the background of mass opposition to the Transkei government. An anti-Matanzima alliance comprising both Chiefs of Tembuland and East Pondoland has been formed, which was further strengthened when Basotho Chief Moshesh joined it. Chief Dalindyebo's trial also comes at the time of the arrest of 2 sons of Chief Botha Siguca, Chief of East Pondoland and former State President of the Transkei, and of Chief Moshesh on charges under the Constitution of the Transkei Act, and other opponents of the Transkei government (see below).
Although Nelson Mandela agreed to give evidence, the South African Commissioner of Prisons, General W.M. du Preez, stated from Pretoria that Mr. Mandela would definitely not be allowed to go to the Transkei, but that he could give his evidence on commission from Robben Island. However defence council insisted that it was necessary for Mandela to appear in court in person. At the same time, Winnie Mandela visited the Transkei for two days on a special travel permit and stayed at Chief Dalindyebo's Great Palace.
Newspaper reports also spoke of thousands of anonymous pamphlets calling for the release of Paramount Chief Dalindyebo and other detained Opposition leaders which were distributed all over Umtata. The pamphlets reportedly asked: "What is the reason for the arrest of Chief Sabata, Miss Mancotywa, Pikashe and others? Were they detained because they had the courage to criticise the continued bloodsucking and impoverishment of the people, or because they had the nerve to expose the emptiness of this false independence and sordid acts of these puppets who co-operate with Pretoria?". (DD 25/31.7.79, 8/14/15.9.79; Post 31.8.79; S. Post 23.9.79; Voice 23.9.79, 14.10.79; RDM 18.9.79)
