Basner, Hyman M (1905-1976)

IDENTITY STATEMENT AREA

Reference code(s): ICS 88

Title: Basner, Hyman M (1905-1976)

Date(s): c.1930 - 1974

Level of description: Fond

Extent and medium of the unit of description: 1 box

CONTEXT AREA

Name of creator(s): Basner, Hyman M, 1905-1976, political activist in South Africa

Administrative/Biographical history: Hyman M Basner was born in Russia in 1905, and moved to South Africa at an early age. He trained as a lawyer, and his case work brought him into close contact with Africans and their plight. He joined the Communist Party of South Africa, but resigned in 1938. He stood for Senate as a native against J H Rheinallt Jones, and served from 1942-1948. In 1943 he co-founded the African Democratic Party. He left South Africa after the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, and worked in Ghana from 1962-1966. He died in England in 1976.

Archival history: Given by Baruch Hirson, date unknown

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer:

CONTENT AND STRUCTURE AREA

Scope and content: Papers of Hyman Basner on Afrian politics, c. 1930-1974; including incomplete unpublished autobiography; notes on Basner's stay in Ghana, 1962-1966; transcript of interview with Brian Willan on South African politics, 1930-1950 [1974], with related corresponence; copies of articles by Basner in the 'Ghana Times' on South Africa, 1962; copy of typescript 'The Black price of gold in South Africa, 1870-1960

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CONDITIONS OF ACCESS AND USE AREA

Conditions governing access:

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Language/scripts of material: English

Physical characteristics:

Finding aids: List available in the ICS Library

ALLIED MATERIALS AREA

Existence and location of originals: Tapes of Basner's interview with Willan are held at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London. Original of The Black price of gold in South Africa, 1870-1960 is at the University of Witwatersrand.

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DESCRIPTION CONTROL AREA

Recorder's note:

Rules or conventions: Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

Date(s) of descriptions: February 2002

Interest: Black

Specific group:

Subjects

Racial discrimination

Racial prejudice

Interethnic relations

Ethnic discrimination

Ethnic groups

Black peoples

Racial segregation

Anti-apartheid movements

Apartheid

Personal/Corporate names

Basner, Hyman M, 1905-1976, political activist in South Africa

African Democratic Party

Communist Party of South Africa

Places

Southern Africa

South Africa

Ghana