In 1990, Nelson Mandela, the deputy president of the African National Congress, addressed a crowd of 300 000 in Port Elizabeth at the country’s largest political gathering at the time. Image: Flickr
On This Day in South Africa: What happened on 1 April?
We look back on this day in world and South African history, remembering the people and events that shaped the world we live in today.
In 1990, Nelson Mandela, the deputy president of the African National Congress, addressed a crowd of 300 000 in Port Elizabeth at the country’s largest political gathering at the time. Image: Flickr
Take a look at what happened on this day, 1 April in history. From a variety of achievements, and milestones throughout human history to groundbreaking inventions and events that shaped the world we live in today.
Here is a look at some of the most notable events that happened on this day.
ON THIS DAY: 1 April
1990 | Nelson Mandela, the deputy president of the African National Congress, addressed a crowd of 300 000 in Port Elizabeth at the country’s largest political gathering at the time.
2001 | A Chinese People’s Liberation Army Shenyang J-8 fighter jet and a US Navy EP-3E surveillance aircraft collide. The Chinese aviator made an emergency exit but was later lost. The Navy personnel is held after an emergency landing in Hainan, China.
1989 | The Community Charge (also referred to as the “poll tax”), a new local government tax instituted by Margaret Thatcher, is first implemented in Scotland.
1954 | Dwight D. Eisenhower, the president of the United States, gives the go-ahead for the establishment of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
1986 | In an effort to spark a populist uprising, members of the Communist Party of Nepal (Mashal) assault several police stations in Kathmandu.
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BIRTHDAYS
1981 | South African gospel musician, TV presenter, and businesswoman, Winnie Mashaba.
1991 | South African adventurer, motivational speaker and author, Keegan Longueira.
1953 | Italian footballer and manager, Alberto Zaccheroni.
1964 | Dutch cyclist and manager, Erik Breukink.
1951 | American general, John Abizaid.
ON THIS DAY: DEATHS
2014 | American pianist and bandleader, King Fleming, 92.
2002 | Finnish soldier and sniper, Simo Häyhä, 97.
2012 | Australian soldier, lawyer, and politician, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Lionel Bowen, 90.
1971 | Irish crystallographer and prison reformer, Kathleen Lonsdale, 68.
1947 | king of Greece, George II, 50.
SPORTS
2000 | On this day, Manchester United thrashed West Ham United 7-1 in a Premier League match.
ENTERTAINMENT
2016 | Actor-turned-singer Kiefer Sutherland released his debut single, “Not Enough Whiskey” on this day.
AFRICA FACT
Ethiopia has been independent for over 3 000 years, making it Africa’s longest independent country.
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