BANS RENEWED Mewa RAMGOBIN's banning order which has lasted 15 years was renewed for a further 5 years on 30 September 1981. The second order, in 1971, followed his attempts to revive the Natal Indian Congress (FOCUS 20 p.9). Congress (see FOCUS 20 p. 9).
His wife, Ela RAMGOBIN, was released on the same day from her restrictions which had lasted three years. She was warned, however, that her activities would be closely watched. Their youngest daughter said: 'When my daddy is banned the whole family feels banned' (DD 1.10.81; CT 1.10.81).
PASSPORT SEIZED The passport of Cape Town lawyer A.M. "Dullah" OMAR was seized on 11 September, 3 days before he and his family were to leave for London. He was to have taken up a scholarship at the London School of Economics to study for his master's degree in law.
Representation by Helen Suzman, the Law Society and the Bar Council failed to persuade the Government to reverse the decision (RDM 24.9.81; CT 25.9.81).
Following the detentions of teachers, pupils and students in the Cape, after two school boycotts in June, A.M. Omar represented Mohammed Cloete, Ebrahim Patel, Gairo Daniels and Nicolette van Driel while they were in detention (FOCUS 37 p.2–3).
Rev Desmond TUTU, whose passport was seized in April 1981, was granted special travel documents to allow him to go to Botswana to attend his daughter's graduation ceremony (ST 18.10.81).
EXILE Mosibodi MANGENA, a former executive member of the banned Black People's Convention, has fled South Africa, possibly to Gaberone. Following a 5 year jail sentence on Robben Island, he was served with banning and banishment orders in October 1978. He was banished to the Mahwelereng township of Potgietersrus where he had no relatives, and was prohibited from attending political and social gatherings (S 7.10.81).
24 ORDERS LIFTED Banning orders were lifted on 24 people at the beginning of August (see FOCUS 37 p. 6). A full list of those whose restrictions were lifted follows: Gavin ANDERSON, Frank ANTHONY, Graeme BLOCH, Deborah Jean BUDLENER (now HOFMEYR), Amina Suliman Nagdee DESAI, Nkosinathi Benson FIHLA, Molisli Jackson FUZILE, William Andrew HOFMEYR, Patricia HORN, Sibongile Albertina KUBEKA, Matthews Mfenga MAKALIMA, Radichiba Kenneth MATIME, Maxwell MAYEKISO, Ishmael MKHABELA, Mogame Josiah MOENG, Nobuhle Hilary MOHAPI, Khayelethu Luckyboy MQAYISA, Vusumzi Attwell MSAULI, Alpheus MTHETHWA, Moses NDLOVU, Jack Phambukile NDUZA, Jackson Thibedi NTSOANE, Vilma Daphne Lilian VAN BLERK, Robert Cedric WILCOX.
