On This Day in South Africa: What happened on 20 September?

Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 20 September, throughout world and South African history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.

ON THIS DAY: 20 SEPTEMBER

1978 | The Prime Minister of South Africa, John Vorster resigned at the request of his colleagues, on the grounds of ill health.

1976 | A delegation of seven Colored leaders met with South Africa’s Prime Minister Vorster to discuss the future of the Colored community.

2019 | Roughly 4 million people, mostly students, protested around the world against climate change.

2018 | At least 161 people died after the ferry sank near the pier in Ukara Island in Lake Victoria and part of Tanzania.

2008 | A dump truck packed with explosives exploded in front of the Marriott hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing 54 people and injuring 266 others.

ALSO READ: What happened on 19 September?

BIRTHDAYS

1972 | South African-born Canadian American entrepreneur and environmentalist, Kimbal Musk.

1960 | English singer-songwriter and drummer, Dave Hemingway.

1969 | South African Radio & Television Presenter, Mark Pilgrim.

1991 | South African rugby union footballer, Nick Schonert.

1990 | American singer-songwriter and guitarist, Phillip Phillips.

ON THIS DAY: DEATHS

2013 | American general, James B. Vaught, 87.

1996 | American pianist, composer, and conductor, Paul Weston, 84.

1957 | Finnish pianist and composer, Heino Kaski, 72.

2003 | Zimbabwean politician, first Vice-President of Zimbabwe, Simon Muzenda, 81

1996 | Zambian politician, first Vice-President of Zambia, Reuben Kamanga, 67.

SPORTS

2004 | South Africa’s sprinter Oscar Pistorius reaches the final on this day at the Athens Paralympic Games

ENTERTAINMENT

2019 | “Rambo: Last Blood” was theatrically released on this day in the United States.

AFRICA FACT

Angola is rich in natural resources and is the second largest producer of oil and diamonds in sub-Saharan Africa.