December 23 holds a unique place in South African history, marked by a blend of cultural, political, and economic events that have shaped the nation’s identity
Five historical events that happened on 23 December
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From the birth of a renowned artist to significant political actions and economic crises, this date captures moments that reflect the diverse facets of South Africa’s past.
Helen Martins: The Birth of a Visionary Artist (1897)
On 23 December 1897, Helen Elizabeth Martins, a figure destined to become one of South Africa’s most enigmatic outsider artists, was born in the Karoo village of Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape.
Martins, the youngest of six children, spent her early life in Nieu Bethesda, a place that would greatly influence her artistic journey. After acquiring a teaching diploma, she married Johannes Pienaar, a teacher and dramatist, furthering her foray into the creative world.
Martins is best known for her work at the Owl House, where her childhood home turned into a fantastical artistic environment filled with sculptures and colourful designs. Despite her reclusive nature, Martins’ legacy continues to captivate and inspire, embodying the spirit of individualism and creativity.
The Banning of Four Black Newspapers (1980)
On this day in 1980, a significant event in the history of South African media occurred: the banning of four prominent black newspapers by the government.
The Post Transvaal, Saturday Post, Sunday Post, and the Sowetan, all crucial voices in the black community, faced censorship, coinciding with the end of an eight-week strike by black journalists.
This act of suppression sparked widespread protest and highlighted the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression during a turbulent period in South Africa’s history.
The Amanzimtoti Bombing: A Tragic Day (1985)
The Amanzimtoti bombing on 23 December 1985, carried out by uMkhonto weSizwe member Andrew Sibusiso Zondo, resulted in the tragic loss of five civilians, including two women and three children, and leftover forty others injured.
This devastating event, which took place at a busy shopping centre during the festive season, underscored the deep-seated tensions and the high price of political strife.
Remembering Tatamkhulu Afrika: A Literary and Activist Legacy (2002)
On 23 December 2002, South Africa lost one of its most revered poets, writers, and struggle activists, Tatamkhulu Afrika. Born in Egypt as Mohamed Faud Nasif, Afrika’s journey to South Africa saw him orphaned early and raised in various cultural settings, shaping his unique perspective.
His death, following a tragic accident, marked the end of a prolific career that spanned poetry, novels, and activism. Afrika’s voice remains an integral part of the nation’s literary and cultural heritage.
The 1932 Monetary Crisis: A Turning Point in Economic History (1932)
The monetary crisis on 23 December 1932, was a pivotal moment in South Africa’s economic history, heavily influenced by the global impact of the Great Depression. With the country’s key exports in the agricultural and mineral sectors suffering due to reduced global demand, South Africa faced significant economic challenges.
The situation led to the abandonment of the gold standard, a move that would have long-lasting effects on the nation’s economy and its alignment with international monetary systems.