January 6 is a date that has seen significant events in the history of South Africa, spanning from political movements to influential individuals’ actions and milestones.
These historical events happened on 6 January
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These events have played a role in shaping the nation’s path and continue to be remembered for their impact on South Africa’s journey through time.
1) ANC’s 90th Anniversary Celebration (2002)
On 6 January 2002, the African National Congress (ANC) celebrated a major milestone – its 90th anniversary. The celebration took place at a rally in Kings Park Stadium, Durban, with ANC President Thabo Mbeki addressing the masses.
This event, coming eight years after South Africa’s first non-racial polls in 1994, signified the long and storied history of the ANC in South Africa’s political landscape and the struggle against apartheid.
2) Cecil John Rhodes Forced to Resign (1896)
Cecil John Rhodes, the then prime minister of the Cape Colony, was forced to resign on 6 January 1896. This action was a direct consequence of his involvement in the infamous Jameson Raid.
The raid, which was a failed attempt to overthrow the government of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR or Transvaal Republic), significantly tarnished Rhodes’ reputation and marked a pivotal moment in South African history.
3) Donald Woods’ Arrival in Britain (1978)
On this date in 1978, Donald James Woods, the editor of the banned Daily Dispatch newspaper, arrived in Britain with his family after fleeing South Africa.
Woods, who had been prosecuted seven times under the apartheid government’s publication laws, sought refuge in Britain following his relentless efforts to reveal the brutality of the Security Police.
His journey to Britain was a significant moment in the struggle against apartheid and the fight for press freedom.
4) Harold Macmillan’s “Winds of Change” Tour (1960)
British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan began his influential “winds of change” tour of Africa on 6 January 1960 in Ghana, which had become the first Sub-Saharan country to gain independence in 1957.
Macmillan’s tour, and particularly his subsequent speech, acknowledged the inevitable decolonisation of African countries and the shift towards independence, marking a significant moment in the history of the continent.
5) Joe Slovo’s Death (1995)
On 6 January 1995, Joe Slovo, a prominent communist intellectual and a key figure in South Africa’s national reconciliation, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Slovo was a long-time National Chairperson of the South African Communist Party and played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid movement. His death marked the end of an era for South African politics and the struggle against apartheid.
