South Africa’s rich history is marked by events that reflect its complex socio-political landscape.
These historical events happened on 17 February
On 16 February, these five significant events across different eras have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.
Six dead after gas leak at the Salisbury Island Naval Base (2017)
On 17 February 2017, a tragic gas leak at the Salisbury Island Naval Base in Durban, South Africa, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers.
The incident also caused injuries to more than a dozen people. The leak occurred in a sewer pit, leading to a swift and hazardous accumulation of gas that overwhelmed the victims.
Archbishop William Barnett condemns apartheid (1979)
On 17 February 1979, Archbishop William Barnett, representing the Anglican Church in Cape Town, issued a significant statement against the apartheid system in South Africa, marking a notable moment of confrontation between the church and the state.
In his declaration, Barnett criticised apartheid as “morally indefensible,” expressing grave concerns over the practices of deaths in detention and the harsh interrogation leading to the death of detainees.
This stance by the Archbishop and the Anglican Church highlighted a growing opposition within religious communities against the apartheid regime, illustrating the moral and ethical conflict it presented to many within South Africa and the international community.
President Thabo Mbeki establishes the Donen Commission of Inquiry (2006)
On 17 February 2006, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa established the Donen Commission of Inquiry, led by Advocate Michael Donen, to investigate alleged illicit activities related to the United Nations’ Iraq oil-for-food programme by certain South African companies or individuals.
The commission aimed to probe the involvement of these entities in potentially illegal transactions under the program, seeking to clarify South Africa’s involvement in the scandal.
This initiative underscored South Africa’s commitment to transparency and accountability in international trade and diplomacy.
Tony Johnstone wins Alfred Dunhill PGA golf tournament (1998)
On 17 February 1998, Zimbabwean golfer Tony Johnstone triumphed at the Alfred Dunhill PGA golf tournament in Houghton, Johannesburg, marking his first European Tour win in six years.
He secured victory by two strokes over local favourite Ernie Els, concluding the tournament on its fifth day due to rain delays. This win ended Johnstone’s drought on the tour and highlighted his resilience and skill in a competitive field.
Club Desportive and Durban City FC is called off because a rule against Coloured players (1962)
On 17 February 1962, a planned soccer match between the Lourenço Marques club Desportivo and Durban City Football Club was abruptly cancelled.
The cancellation was reported by a Lourenço Marques newspaper, highlighting that the decision was based on a policy prohibiting Coloured players from participating in the game. This incident reflects the racial discrimination present in sports during that era, particularly in regions influenced by apartheid policies.