December 18 has been a day of notable significance in South Africa’s rich and multifaceted history.
Five historical events that happened on 18 December
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From groundbreaking political changes to advancements in technology and critical health announcements, this date marks several key moments that have shaped the nation’s trajectory.
This listicle delves into five such events, each highlighting a different aspect of South Africa’s journey through time.
1923 – First Experimental Radio Broadcast in Johannesburg
This day marked a technological milestone when the Western Electric Company conducted Johannesburg’s first experimental radio broadcast.
This event was crucial in kickstarting the development of the broadcasting industry in South Africa, paving the way for widespread communication and information dissemination across the nation.
1946 – Birth of Steve Biko
Steve Biko, the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, was born on this day in Qonce, formerly named King William’s Town.
His leadership and advocacy for black empowerment played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement. Biko’s tragic death in police custody in 1977 made him an international symbol of the struggle against apartheid and racial injustice.
1899 – Appointment of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts
The British Empire appointed Field-Marshal Lord Roberts as the supreme commander in South Africa, during the height of the Second Boer War.
This appointment was significant in the context of the British military strategy and had lasting impacts on the war’s course and subsequent relations between the British and the Boer republics.
2017 – Cyril Ramaphosa Chosen to Succeed Jacob Zuma
On this day in 2017, the ANC elected Cyril Ramaphosa as controversy-laden Jacob Zuma’s successor, marking a pivotal moment in South African politics.
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This transition represented a shift in the political landscape, heralding a new era in the leadership of the ANC and the country’s governance.
2020 – Announcement of New Covid-19 Variant, 501.V2
On this day in 2020, South Africa reported the detection of a new COVID-19 variant, 501.V2, responsible for driving a second wave of infections.