South Africa has a rich and diverse history that can be traced back to ancient times. April 10 stands as another thread woven into this remarkable tapestry. Let us explore the layers of South African history, delving into the past and unravelling the narratives that left their mark on this extraordinary land.
1999: Bafana Bafana loses to Gabon at Odi Stadium
South Africa lost 1-0 to Gabon in an African Nations Cup qualifier game at Odi Stadium, despite the strong team selected by coach Trott Moloto. Moloto had made surprising changes to his team after their win over Botswana national team in a Cosafa Castle Cup.
1993: Thembisile Chris Hani is killed
Thembisile Chris Hani, a South African political activist, was assassinated on 10 April 1993 by Januzs Walus, a Polish refugee with close links to the White Nationalist AWB. Hani’s assassination was also linked to Conservative Party MP Clive Derby-Lewis and a theory that the ANC was involved.
1978: Transkei breaks all diplomatic ties with the Republic of South Africa
In 1980, Transkei re-established its diplomatic relations with South Africa after breaking all ties with the latter a year earlier. The Prime Minister demanded the withdrawal of all South African Defence Force members from the Transkei Army.
1972: South Africa signs a multilateral treaty prohibiting the development of biological weapons
On 10 April 1972, the Convention on the Prohibition of Bacteriological and Toxic Weapons was signed. This multilateral treaty banned the development and stockpiling of weapons for biological warfare. It became effective on 26 March 1975, and is the first international treaty to ban an entire class of weapons. 144 states have signed it, including the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
1954: Thomas Kgope is born
Thomas Kgope, talented SA artist, was born in Rustenburg, Transvaal. After Kgope showed interest in art, artist Norman Catherine, for whom he worked as electrician, gave him some material and demonstrated basic art techniques to him. He exhibited in 1987 and 1988.
