In 2006, President Thabo Mbeki created a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of illegal activities in the United Nations oil-for-food program in Iraq. IMAGE: Wikimedia Commons
On This Day in South Africa: What happened on 17 February?
We look back on this day in history and remember the people and events that shaped the world we live in today.
In 2006, President Thabo Mbeki created a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of illegal activities in the United Nations oil-for-food program in Iraq. IMAGE: Wikimedia Commons
Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 17 February, throughout world and South African history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.
ON THIS DAY: 17 FEBRUARY
2006 | President Thabo Mbeki created a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of illegal activities in the United Nations oil-for-food program in Iraq.
1996 | NASA’s Discovery Program began when Shoemaker’s NEAR spacecraft lifted off on the first ever orbit and landing mission on an asteroid, 433 Eros.
1970 | Jeffrey R. MacDonald, a US Army captain, was charged with murdering his pregnant wife and two daughters.
1964 | In the case of Wesberry v. Sanders the US Supreme Court ruled that congressional districts must be roughly equal in population.
1863 | A group of Geneva citizens founded the International Committee for Aid to the Wounded, which later became known as the International Committee of the Red Cross.
ALSO READ: What happened on 16 February?
BIRTHDAYS
1984 | South African cricketer, AB de Villiers.
1996 | South African actress, singer, Sasha Pieterse.
1980 | Israeli footballer, Klemi Saban.
1963 | American comedian and voice actor, Larry the Cable Guy.
1989 | English swimmer, Rebecca Adlington.
ON THIS DAY: DEATHS
2015 | American-Canadian football player and manager, John Barrow, 80.
2017 | American politician, Robert H. Michel, 94.
2016 | Trinidadian cricketer, Andy Ganteaume, 95.
2021 | Tanzanian politician, Seif Sharif Hamad, 78.
2013 | English actor, Richard Briers, 79.
SPORTS
2016 | On this day, Nike ended its endorsement deal with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao over his homophobic comments.
ENTERTAINMENT
1936 | The world’s first superhero, “The Phantom”, made his debut in Lee Falk’s cartoon strip comics on this day.
AFRICA FACT
According to Africa Facts Zone Johannesburg, South Africa is the richest city in Africa while Kigali, Rwanda is the cleanest city in Africa.
