On 19 January, South Africa witnessed a series of significant events that have shaped its history.
These historical events happened on 19 January
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From influential leaders being born to key political demonstrations, each event has played a part in the country’s evolving narrative. T
Today, we reflect on five such events that occurred on this date, showcasing the diverse and rich tapestry of South African history.
1. Birth of Maria Mary Burton (1940)
Maria Mary Burton, born on 19 January 1940 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, emerged as a significant figure in South Africa’s fight against apartheid.
Burton, known for her leadership in the Black Sash, a prominent anti-apartheid organisation, was born to Molly and Peter Ingouville.
She moved to South Africa after marrying her husband Geoffrey Burton in 1961. Witnessing the injustices of apartheid, Burton joined the Black Sash in 1965 and later became its national president from 1985 to 1990.
Her contributions extended beyond the Black Sash, including her role as a commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in the 1990s.
2. Capture of Collen Chauke (1999)
On 19 January 1999, Collen Chauke, South Africa’s most wanted fugitive at the time, was captured in Nelspruit near the borders with Swaziland and Mozambique.
Chauke, a former member of the African National Congress‘s armed wing Umkhonto weSizwe, was arrested in connection with a multi-million rand robbery from the SBV cash depot in Pretoria.
His capture followed a notorious escape from Pretoria’s local prison, where he held a prison warder hostage. Chauke, linked to several murders and robberies, later died in 2003 while in prison.
3. Protests Against South African Rebel Cricket Tour (1990)
On this day in 1990, police in Johannesburg forcefully disrupted demonstrations against the controversial ‘rebel tour’ of South Africa by the English Cricket team.
The tour, led by Mike Gatting, was met with intense opposition from anti-apartheid groups including the ANC and the National Sports Congress.
The tour sparked significant controversy, as it occurred amidst political turmoil in South Africa, with the apartheid government supporting the cricketers financially.
This event reflected the intersections of sports and politics during a pivotal period in South Africa’s history.
4. J.B. Vorster’s Anti-Terrorism Vow (1973)
On 19 January 1973, South African Prime Minister JB Vorster made a firm declaration to combat terrorism.
This statement came in the context of the border closure between Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Zambia, with accusations of harbouring terrorists.
Vorster’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by his staunch support of the apartheid policy and his implementation of various repressive measures to maintain the apartheid regime.
5. Meeting of Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi and President Kaizer Matanzima (1983)
A significant political meeting took place on 19 January 1983, where Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi of KwaZulu met with President Kaizer Matanzima of Transkei in Tongaat.
They jointly expressed their opposition to the Tricameral Constitutional proposals by the National Party Government, which excluded black representation.
This meeting highlighted the ongoing struggle against apartheid policies and the efforts to include black South Africans in the political process.