January 13 in South Africa is a day marked by events that range from cultural milestones to tragic occurrences, each leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
These historical events happened on 13 January
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From the birth of a celebrated novelist to incidents that reflect the country’s tumultuous political past, this day encapsulates the diversity of South Africa’s historical narrative.
This article explores five such events that occurred on this day.
1) Birth of Tryna du Toit (1910)
Catherina Charlotte Kotzenberg, better known by her pseudonym Tryna du Toit, was born on 13 January 1910, in De Aar, Karoo. She began writing books at the age of 30 and produced about 40 novels during her career, making a significant contribution to Afrikaans literature and culture.
2) Soccer Match Tragedy (1991)
A tragic event unfolded on 13 January 1991, during a pre-season friendly soccer match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the Oppenheimer Stadium.
The venue, designed to hold 23 000 people, was overcrowded with at least 30 000 attendees, leading to a catastrophic situation where scores of soccer fans lost their lives.
3) Durban Riots (1949)
On 13 January 1949, the city of Durban witnessed an anti-Indian riot, marking a dark moment in South Africa’s history. Ethnic Indians in the centre of Durban’s Indian business area were assaulted by black Africans, igniting tensions and violence that underscored the complex racial dynamics in the country at that time.
4) UN Investigation into Apartheid (1964)
The United Nations took a significant step on 13 January 1964, by appointing a team of four experts to investigate apartheid in South Africa. This team, comprising members from Ghana, Yugoslavia, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, was formed following a resolution by the UN Security Council.
This investigation was a critical moment in the international community’s response to the apartheid regime.
5) Birth of Derek Hanekom (1953)
Derek Andre Hanekom, a prominent South African politician and activist, was born on 13 January 1953, in Cape Town. The son of an Afrikaner clerk, Hanekom’s journey included army service, abandoning law studies, and working abroad as a manual labourer and farmhand, before becoming a notable figure in South Africa’s political landscape.