December 27 has been a date of significant historical happenings in South Africa.
Five historical events that happened on 27 December
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The events listed below range from profound economic shifts to the births of notable figures and occurrences with far-reaching implications.
1. South Africa Abandons the Gold Standard (1932)
On 27 December 1932, South Africa made a crucial economic decision to abandon the Gold Standard. This move was instrumental in pulling the country out of the brink of economic collapse and sparked a period of remarkable economic expansion, particularly in the gold industry.
2. Birth of Prof. Astley Hilary Goodwin (1900)
Astley John Hilary Goodwin, South Africa’s first professional archaeologist, was born on 27 December 1900 in Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal). Goodwin’s significant contributions to archaeology included developing standard terminology and founding the South African Archaeological Society. His works, such as “The Stone Age Cultures of South Africa” and “Method in Prehistory,” remain pivotal in the field.
3. Birth of Dr Joosub Ebrahim (1919)
On this day in 1919, Dr Joosub Hajee Suliman Ebrahim was born in Pretoria. Recognised for his contributions as a businessman, philanthropist, and humanitarian, Ebrahim was awarded the Order for Meritorious Service Class 1: Gold in 1992 by the state president. His legacy continues to inspire many in South Africa.
4. Wreck of the Ship São José (1794)
The Portuguese ship São José, a slave ship, was tragically wrecked on 27 December 1794 in Camps Bay, Cape Town. Carrying nearly 500 slaves, the ship met its end when it ran into submerged rocks, resulting in the loss of about 200 lives. This maritime disaster is a grim reminder of the brutal history of the transatlantic slave trade.
5. Exchange of Prisoners Following the Suez Crisis (1956)
Following the Tripartite Invasion of 1956, which involved Israel, Britain, and France, a major prisoner exchange took place on 27 December 1956. In this exchange, 5,580 Egyptian prisoners of war were released in return for four Israelis held by Egyptian troops, marking a significant event in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict.