In 1990, Nelson Mandela issued a statement condemning the Lockerbie bombing, the first mass killing of Americans by terrorists. At least 270 people were killed. Image: Wikimedia Commons
On This Day in South Africa: What happened on 21 January?
We look back on this day in history and remember the people and events that shaped the world we live in today.
In 1990, Nelson Mandela issued a statement condemning the Lockerbie bombing, the first mass killing of Americans by terrorists. At least 270 people were killed. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 21 January, throughout world and South African history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.
ON THIS DAY: 21 JANUARY
1987 | Several men armed with AK47 guns killed more than a dozen people including seven children, in Kwamakhutha Massacre.
1990 | Nelson Mandela issued a statement condemning the Lockerbie bombing, the first mass killing of Americans by terrorists. At least 270 people were killed.
2004 | NASA’s MER-A (Mars Rover Spirit) ceased communications with mission control. The problem was in the management of its flash memory and was fixed remotely from Earth on February 6.
2000 | After the Congress of Ecuador was captured by indigenous organizations, Colonels Lucio Gutiérrez, Carlos Solorzano and Antonio Vargas deposed President Jamil Mahuad. Gutierrez was later replaced by General Carlos Mendoza, who resigned and allowed Vice President Gustavo Noboa to succeed Mahuad.
1954 | The first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was launched in Groton, Connecticut by Mamie Eisenhower, the First Lady of the United States.
ALSO READ: What happened on 20 January?
BIRTHDAYS
1996 | South African rugby union footballer, S’busiso Nkosi.
1998 | South African motorcycle racer, Darryn Binder.
1990 | Indonesian motorcycle racer, Doni Tata Pradita.
1962 | Italian footballer and coach, Gabriele Pin.
1978 | Russian ice hockey player, Andrei Zyuzin.
ON THIS DAY: DEATHS
2011 | Greek-American costume designer, Theoni V. Aldredge, 89.
2019 | American actress, Kaye Ballard, 94.
1978 | English scholar and author, Freda Utley, 80.
1963 | Indian author, poet, and academic, Acharya Shivpujan Sahay, 70.
SPORTS
2019 | On this day, Li Na a retired Chinese professional tennis player became the first Asian player to be elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
ENTERTAINMENT
1982 | On this day, Chinese martial artist and actor Jet Li made his film debut in the film Shaolin Temple, which was the first Hong Kong film shot in China.
AFRICA FACT
Africa has over 2000 tribes, The Hausa tribe in West and Central Africa is the largest tribe.
