Historical Events tagged with "South Africa"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Police Clash with Miners at Marikana
During an industrial dispute, South African police shot and killed 34 miners while wounding 78 others at the Lonmin Platinum mine in Marikana. The miners were on strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions, and had gathered in a field near the mine. The police intervened, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence, marking a significant turning point in labor relations in South Africa.
Continue ReadingCiskei Granted Independence by South Africa
The Ciskei, a self-declared independent 'homeland,' was granted independence by South Africa as part of its apartheid policies. Established in the 1970s, the Ciskei was one of several Bantustans created to segregate black Africans from whites. The independence was not recognized internationally and was seen as an attempt by the South African government to legitimize its racially based policies. The declaration was made official on this date amidst claims from the South African government that the Ciskei had met requirements for autonomy.
Continue ReadingIOC Expels Rhodesia for Racist Practices
The International Olympic Committee expelled Rhodesia due to its racist policies that excluded non-white athletes from participating. This decision followed Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence and its subsequent policies that institutionalized racial discrimination. The IOC acted in line with its principle of promoting equality and inclusivity in sports, reflecting a growing international stance against apartheid and racial discrimination in sports and society as a whole.
Continue ReadingExecution of Morant and Handcock in Pretoria
Harry 'Breaker' Morant and Peter Handcock were executed after their conviction for war crimes during the Second Boer War. The trial was controversial, centering around the treatment of Boer prisoners and the rules of engagement. Their case highlighted the complexities of military law and the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers in wartime. Morant and Handcock’s execution received significant attention and sparked debates regarding the conduct of the British Army in South Africa.
Continue ReadingBritish Troops Break Siege of Mafeking
British forces successfully relieved the besieged town of Mafeking in South Africa, enduring a protracted siege by Boer forces. Led by Colonel Baden-Powell, the relief operation culminated in a decisive encounter that lifted the spirits of British troops and residents alike. The end of the siege was celebrated across the British Empire and marked a significant turning point in the Second Boer War. The operation lasted several days, culminating in the decisive moment when British troops broke through the Boer lines, ensuring the safety of the town and its garrison.
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