Esakjee: It was a beautiful day. It was a perfect day. Probably I would say that God wanted this day, just to come. That's why He's giving the people a beautiful day. And while we’re on it there was a helluva big sandstorm just before the police raided the place!

Tshabangu: In the morning of the second day it was Dr Letele, at that time he was staying in Kimberley. He was speaking on “All national groups shall have equal rights”. It was that particular clause, and read by an intellectual. You could feel when he was speaking that this man, nê, he was polished from childhood. After that, they asked: “Who accepts?” All the hands were up. Three thousand delegates. After that: “Those against?” Not a single one.

Chetty: The proceedings were practically over, then, all of a sudden we found the cops coming in. The guys were coming in truck loads.

MaNyembe: Chief Luthuli had sent a letter to the South African government to send delegates to come. Late in the afternoon on Sunday, when we look around, we see 300 police with their horses. The people said that the South African government has now sent its delegates!

Tshabangu: Late in the afternoon, two hundred mounted policemen came. With horses, you know, the horses, they jump, nê.

Matthews: All races were there. The government himself was invited to attend. What they did – the government delegation came very late, round about four!

Chetty: At first they came on horses, and in those military vans. We were used to that, so we didn't worry so much. But then after that, we got a little frightened when the saracens started arriving – you know those tanks?

I said to our guys: “Yeyy, I hope we don't get bombed here, yooh!”

They reckon: “No, don't worry. “

Tshabangu: Our boldness which we had that day! I think even the lion is not more bold than us. When the horses were coming, no one ran away. We sat there looking at them.