South Africa’s rich and diverse history is marked by notable events that have shaped its current landscape.
These historical events happened on 6 February
From political shifts to the loss of iconic figures, each event has left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective memory.
Today, we delve into five historical events that occurred on 6 February, offering a glimpse into South Africa’s past and its impact on the present.
1. P.W. Botha Offers to Resign (1979):
On 6 February 1979, P.W. Botha, a key figure during South Africa’s apartheid era, shocked his colleagues and the nation by announcing his intention to resign from the presidency of the National Party, while remaining State President.
This move followed a mild stroke he suffered, signalling a tumultuous time in South African politics.
Botha’s tenure was marked by heightened violence and state suppression against resistance movements, leading scholars to describe South Africa as a praetorian state due to its significant military involvement in state affairs.
2. The Passing of John Moeti (2023):
John Moeti, a former Bafana Bafana legend and a central figure in South Africa’s 1996 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, passed away on 6 February 2023 at the age of 55.
Born in Soweto, Moeti was renowned for his exceptional skills as a central midfielder, combining robust defensive capabilities with a keen eye for passing.
His contribution to South African football, both at the club level with Orlando Pirates and internationally, left a lasting legacy, remembered by fans and the football community alike.
3. San Involvement in the Battle of Chrissiesmeer (1901):
On 6 February 1901, the Battle of Chrissiesmeer, also known as Lake Chrissie, became a significant event during the Anglo-Boer War. This confrontation was initiated by an attack led by General Louis Botha against the British forces under General Smith-Dorrien.
The strategic use of San (Bushmen) as scouts and messengers played a crucial role in this battle. Their intimate knowledge of the local terrain allowed the Boers to launch a surprise attack in the early hours, although the battle ended without a decisive victory for either side. Despite the Boers’ initial success, they were unable to maintain their position, and Botha ordered a retreat.
This skirmish resulted in significant casualties on both sides and the loss of many horses, impacting the British advance into the eastern Transvaal. The San’s participation highlights their involvement in the conflict and the tactical advantage their skills provided.
4. Lifting of the ‘72-hour Curfew’ (1980): On 6 February 1980, Dr Piet Koornhof, the Minister of Cooperation and Development, announced a significant policy change with the lifting of the ’72-hour curfew’ in South Africa.
This curfew had been a restrictive measure affecting many citizens’ lives, particularly in urban areas and townships. The lifting of this curfew was a response to the growing internal and international pressure against the apartheid regime’s policies.
While the move was seen as a step towards relaxation of the oppressive laws, it also underscored the complexities of navigating the political landscape of South Africa during a period of intense struggle for freedom and equality.
This event marked a moment of change, albeit within the broader context of apartheid’s enduring impact on the country.
5. Athanase Seromba Surrenders to the ICTR (2002): Athanase Seromba, a figure accused of participating in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda, surrendered to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) on 6 February 2002.
His surrender was a significant moment in the efforts to bring to justice those responsible for one of the most tragic events in recent history. Seromba was accused of orchestrating the slaughter of thousands of Tutsi refugees who had sought shelter in a church.
This act of surrender to the ICTR underscores the ongoing pursuit of accountability and justice for the victims of the genocide, highlighting the international community’s commitment to confronting and addressing the atrocities that occurred.