No title {Reflections} Long Walk Original Manuscript (Image #607)

that N.D.Naidoo, a member of the National Executive of the SAIC, who acted as a spokesman when the Joint Passive Resistance Council (or was it the Natal?) met the then premier Field Marshall Smuts, is a difficult man with whom to work and there may be some substance in that view. Outside prison I attended a few meetings in which he was present and in which we discussed controversial questions and during which many otherwise calm and steady men raised their voices. I recall that he also did likewise. But I really came to know him well here in jail and his arrival immediatly strengthened the organisation. We handled many delicate issues together and our views tended to coincide and I had no difficluties whatsoever in working with him. He struck me during conversations and formal discussions as yet another brilliant man and was the only other prisoner here who obtained two degrees within a period of five years. A cheerful person and all round sportsman he was always a formidable opponent in any match he played. He was released in 1972 and placed under house arrest. I have already referred to Raymond Mhlaba and Govan Mbeki as having been amongst my fellow accused in the Rivonia Trial. Ray is a pleasant and steady person and even where he differs with his colleagues on a particular point his demenour and comments always give the impression that he is a son of the soil, a loyal member of the organisation who tries to understand not only its policy and practice but also the spirit that inspires and guides its members. Those who have been associated quite early in their political careeers with the head office of the national organisation, where political problems involving different sections of the African people from all over the country are handled soon acquire the habit of always approaching problems from a national angle and those who have never had this opportunity are often at a disadvantage and their views thend to be restricted by their local