PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma will honour four surviving members of the Rivonia Trial - including former president Nelson Mandela - with awards at a dinner on June 12 to commemorate the trial.

The ceremony will take place on the same day as the day in 1964 that eight out of the 10 accused - including Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Andrew Mlangeni and Ahmed Kathrada - were sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his role. Reuben Mahlagare, the convener of the event for the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA), couldn't confirm yesterday whether Mandela would attend the ceremony. "We are working hard to try and have him there," he said.

Zuma will present four of the trialists who are still alive with honorary awards.

Family members of the other trialists will receive awards on their behalf.

The MKMVA said the evening "highlights the contribution to South Africa's freedom by a range of heroes who dedicated their lives to achieve South Africa's democracy and freedom".

MKMVA chairperson Kebby Maphatsoe said they are proud to honour the trialists, especially because this year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of MK.