argued that a military wing within the ANC be set up. The ANC executive considered his proposal of violent tactics and in June 1961, agreed that any member wishing to be involved in Mandela's campaign could feel free to do so. This proposal led to the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe.
             In 1962, Mandela was arrested and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour, and in 1963, after many other fellow leaders of the ANC and members of the Umkhonto we Sizwe were also arrested, was put on trial for plotting to overthrow the Government. Eight of the accused, including Mandela, were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment on June 12, 1964. Between 1964 and 1982, Mandela was incarcerated at Robben Island Prison, off Cape Town and then sent to Pollsmoor Prison, nearby on the mainland.
             During his years in prison, Mandela's reputation increased. He was widely accepted as the most significant black leader i
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