On This Day: What happened on 3 March?

Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 4 March, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.

1953 | The Criminal Law Amendment Act No 8 is passed in South Africa. It introduced whipping and up to five years in prison for even minor offences if the law was broken for political reasons.

1980 | ZANU PF leader, Robert Mugabe wins the elections to become the first black Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.

1990 | After the release of Nelson Mandela from Robben Island, 343 political prisoners went on a hunger strike demanding their release.

2018 | The World’s worst listeria outbreak which killed 180 is traced back to a processed meat factory in Polokwane, South Africa.

READ: On This Day: What happened on 3 March?

DEATHS

2016 | Tanzanian diplomat and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Rwegasira (81) 

2016 | Kenyan politician, George Ndung’u Mwicigi (83) 

2017 | South African herbalist, Margaret Roberts (79)

BIRTHDAYS

1934 | South African tennis player, Sandra Reynolds

1968 | South African tennis player, Dianne Van Rensburg

1984 | South African musician, Jeremy Loops

1986 | South African cricket player, Dominic Telo

SPORT

ENTERTAINMENT

2019 | South African musician Mampintsha was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend Babes Wodumo on Instagram Live.

AFRICA FACT

There are an estimated 1 500 – 2 000 languages spoken on the continent of Africa. In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages and 11 official languages in South Africa.