January 27 has been a day of significant historical events in South Africa, encompassing a wide array of activities from women’s movements against oppressive laws to political unrest, international sports achievements, diplomatic shifts, and critiques of foreign policy.
These historical events happened on 27 January
These events not only shaped South Africa’s past but also influenced its future course. This article delves into five such occurrences, each marking a significant chapter in the nation’s diverse history.
1) Women Draw up a Petition against Pass Laws (1914)
On 27 January 1914, the Executive Committee of the Orange Free State Native and Coloured Women’s Association sent a petition to Governor-General Gladstone, pleading for the relaxation of pass laws.
This action was a culmination of a series of protests by Black women in the Orange Free State against the imposition of pass laws, initially aimed only at African men.
The movement saw significant mobilisation and resistance, with women actively protesting, burning their passes, and enduring arrests.
Their struggle, though momentarily losing momentum, laid the groundwork for future anti-pass campaigns, significantly influencing the trajectory of women’s resistance in South Africa.
2) Mass Arrests in Pondoland (1961)
The Pondoland revolt, a manifestation of resistance against the Bantu Authorities Act, led to mass arrests on 27 January 1961. The conflict, primarily in Eastern Transkei, was a response to the imposition of tribal authorities and the land reclamation program.
The revolt saw the Pondo people, with little trust in their Chiefs due to their collaboration with the apartheid regime, engage in widespread resistance.
This led to the deployment of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) and police, resulting in mass detentions and trials, and allegations of torture and violence against the protestors.
3) Bafana Bafana Wins Against Algeria (1996)
On 27 January 1996, the South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, claimed a significant victory against Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals, with a score of 2-1 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
This win was a crucial step in their journey to eventually win their first major cup since their return to international sporting activities in 1992.
The team, under the guidance of the late Clive “The Dog” Baker, saw remarkable contributions from players like Mark Fish and John “Shoes” Moshoue.
4) European Community Lifts Economic Sanctions (1992)
A pivotal moment in South Africa’s international relations occurred on 27 January 1992 when the European Community announced it would lift economic sanctions imposed in 1985.
This decision followed a global movement against apartheid, with various countries and the United Nations imposing sanctions to pressure the South African government to end its apartheid policies.
The lifting of these sanctions marked a significant step towards South Africa’s reintegration into the global community and was a response to internal political reforms.
5) Criticism of South Africa’s Foreign Policy in SADC Region (1983)
On 27 January 1983, at the third Annual Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa faced criticism for its foreign policy and deliberate interference in the SADC region.
This criticism underscored the complex and often contentious nature of South Africa’s regional relationships during a period marked by its apartheid policy.
The country’s foreign policy was pursued in various settings, sometimes deviating from expected norms, which led to criticism and tension within the SADC region.