In the capital, 44 world leaders were among the 1,6 million who linking arms to show their rejection of violence and solidarity with the freedom this threatens.

The French government says there were more people at yesterday’s demonstations than came out to celebrate the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation.

They wanted to show unity after the attacks on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, police officers and a Jewish grocery story.

French President Francois Hollande declared that on the day of protest Paris was the capital of the world.

Other rallies took place in capitals around the world.

French ambassador Elizabeth Barbier led a silent protest from the Alliance Francaise in Johannesburg.

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The soundtrack from the historic Rivonia trial, that includes Nelson Mandela’s famous speech from the dock, will be digitised in a R3,2 million operation by French specialists.

French Ambassador Elizabeth Barbier calls it a highlight of bilateral cultural cooperation.

France is picking up the tab for the operation that will eventually include 10 000 dictabelts recorded for four years from 1960.

Tonight two South African officials are taking 284 belts to Paris.

National Archives director general Vuyo Jack says they’ll be guarding them with their lives.

The dictabelts are fragile and can no longer be accessed. Once digitised though the material will be available safely and easily for historians, film makers and researchers worldwide.

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