Archive Day

South Africa becomes a charter member of the United Nations

Jakes Gerwel is born

The Joint Declaration of Cooperation ("Three Doctors’ Pact") is signed

Radical politician, journalist, teacher and co-founder of the African National Congress (ANC) branch in Cape Town, James Thaele passes away

The Group Areas Act comes into effect

WW2 veteran Job Masego dies

SA artist Vincent Baloyi is born

Gamal Abdel Nasser becomes premier of Egypt

The PAC is formed

Conservationist and entrepreneur Rufus Maruma is born

Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba

The Rivonia Trialists are charged with sabotage and attempting to violently overthrow the state

International Labour Organisation (ILO) suspends South Africa

The first ‘Bantustans’ or ‘homelands’ comes into existence when the Transkei Regional Authority is instituted

90-Days Act comences

Dr Albert Hertzog confirms that television would not be introduced in South Africa

Zambia gains independence from Britain

The United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar is renamed United Republic of Tanzania

ANC member, Henry Fazzie sentenced to 20 years in jail under the Sabotage Act

Ingrid Jonker, SA poet, commits suicide.

Gambia is admitted to the United Nations

National Party wins general election

The new ochre-red, white and green tri-colour of the Transkei is adopted

Lesotho addresses political exiles in the country

The Ciskei homeland is established

The Chinese Community in South Africa is granted ‘White’ status

The death in police custody of Ahmed Timol, political activist and underground operative, is confirmed

Democratic Party (DP) indicates its policies and outlines its proposed reforms

Banning orders served on NUSAS leaders

SASO leader, Abram Tiro is assassinated

Hezekiel Sepeng is born

Bram Fischer dies

Samora Machel decrees an end to private ownership

Transkei gains complete independence

Pik Botha is appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs

Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa served with restriction order

Phyllis Naidoo escapes to Lesotho

Moses Kotane, the South African Communist Party and African National Congress stalwart dies in Moscow

ANC recruits receive military training

Camp David peace treaty is signed, ending 30 years of war between Egypt and Israel