In 2002, ANC President Thabo Mbeki addresses a large crowd during the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress (ANC) which came eight years after South Africa’s first non-apartheid elections in 1994. Image: Wikimedia Commons
On This Day in South Africa: What happened on 16 September?
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 2002, ANC President Thabo Mbeki addresses a large crowd during the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress (ANC) which came eight years after South Africa’s first non-apartheid elections in 1994. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 16 September, throughout world and South African history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.
ON THIS DAY: 16 SEPTEMBER
1991 | South Africa after the signing of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signed the Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA.
2004 | The President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, opened the second meeting of the South African Parliament (PAP)
1986 | More than 170 mineworkers were reported killed at Kinross Mine, South Africa on this day.
2014 | The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant launched its offensive in Kobani against Syrian-Kurdish forces.
2007 | One-Two-GO Airlines flight 269 with 128 crew and passengers crashed in Thailand killing 89 people.
ALSO READ: What happened on 15 September?
BIRTHDAYS
1959 | South African former cricketer and current CEO of the International Cricket Council, Dave Richardson.
1917 | South African politician, Alwyn Schlebusch died in 2008
1978 | German runner, Claudia Marx.
1991 | English motorcycle racer, Kyle Smith.
1973 | Dutch businessman and member of the International Olympic Committee, Camiel Eurlings.
ON THIS DAY: DEATHS
2002 | American actor, James Gregory, 91.
2007 | American engineer and author, Robert Jordan, 59.
1977 | Greek operatic soprano, Maria Callas, 54.
1932 | Indian-English physician and mathematician, Nobel Prize laureate, Ronald Ross, 75.
2013 | American dancer and choreographer, Patsy Swayze, 86.
SPORTS
1992 | On this day Leeds United became the first English club to play in the Champions League but in their first match, they were beaten 3-0 by Stuttgart in Germany.
ENTERTAINMENT
1987 | “Othello” was staged for the first time in South Africa with a Black actor, John Kani at the Market Theatre on this day.
AFRICA FACT
Naguib Mahfouz is the first Arab writer to win the Nobel prize for Literature born in Cairo, Egypt.
