This Day in History

Lesotho addresses political exiles in the country

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

National Party wins general election

Gambia is admitted to the United Nations

Ingrid Jonker, SA poet, commits suicide.

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

Zambia gains independence from Britain

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

90-Days Act comences

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

International Labour Organisation (ILO) suspends South Africa

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

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

Patrice Lumumba, Prime Minister of the Congo Republic, is assassinated

State of Emergency follows Sharpeville massacre

Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba

Conservationist and entrepreneur Rufus Maruma is born

The PAC is formed

The Freedom Charter is adopted in Kliptown

SA artist Vincent Baloyi is born

Gamal Abdel Nasser becomes premier of Egypt

WW2 veteran Job Masego dies

The Group Areas Act comes into effect

South Africa heeds United Nations call to assist Korea

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

Engenas Barnabas Lekganyane is buried in Morija

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

Graça Machel is born

South Africa becomes a charter member of the United Nations

Jakes Gerwel is born

African National Congress Youth League is founded

Chris Hani is born

William Selborne Dies

Adolph Hitler Opens VW Plant In Germany

Italy invades Ethiopia

University of Pretoria is established

Enoch Mgijima dies

The Rand Revolt breaks out

South Africa observes Armistice Day

Bantu Women’s League protests against pass laws