A passionate speech in praise of Nelson Mandela on the eve of what would have been his 100th birthday
1836 The ship Doncaster is wrecked west of Cape Agulhas and is lost with all hands.
1878 Nqwiliso, tribal chief of West Pondoland and eldest son of Ndamase, signs a treaty, ceding sovereign rights and shipping in the Umzimvubu River mouth to the Cape.
1917 Under mounting pressure, Britain's King George V renounces all his German connections and changes the royal family's name from the alien Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to the more acceptable Windsor. Anti-German feeling was running particularly high at the time with German Gotha bombers pounding England and killing civilians. When he heard the news, German leader Kaiser Wilhelm, a man apparently blessed with a sense of humour despite all his difficulties, is said to have suggested that Shakespeare's play, The Merry Wives of Windsor should be renamed, The Merry Wives of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
1918 Russia's Czar Nicholas II, his wife and their children are murdered by Bolsheviks.
1944 Two ammunition ships explode in Port Chicago, California, killing 320 people.
1945 Allied leaders meet in Potsdam to decide the future of a defeated Germany and the terms of surrender for Japan.
1950 The SABC starts the first national news service in the country.
1998 A Papua New Guinea earthquake triggers a tsunami, which kills 2 700 people.
2007 An Airbus crashes upon landing during rain in São Paulo, Brazil, killing 199 people.
2014 A Malaysia Airlines plane is shot down over Ukraine. All 298 people on board die.
2015 Scientists solve the mystery of sleeping sickness in Kazakhstan villages – uranium mining increased carbon monoxide in the air.
2018 Former US president Barack Obama gives a passionate speech during the 16th annual Nelson Mandela Lecture in Johannesburg, honouring Madiba on the eve of the 100th anniversary of his birth, and warning of 'strongman politics'.
2023 Powerful Typhoon Talim makes landfall on China's Guandong coast, forcing the evacuation of 230 000 people.
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IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
The impact of World War I on South Africa: A forgotten home front
A church service was held on the beachfront for Imperial troops shortly before they sailed to the front, April 1917. Many would never see their homes again. Image: Supplied The first World War wrought significant destruction to towns and infrastructure in many European countries. South Africa was spared such damage, where it was not spared was the loss of life, injuries and illness unleashed on its soldiers, the overwhelming majority of whom were volunteers. The Union Defence Force's first campaign was in German South West Africa (Namibia) in 1914-15. Despite the hardship, only 266 men died by the time the Germans surrendered their colony on July 8, 1915. Enthusiastic crowds greeted the returning troops as they disembarked from troop ships at Durban's docks. What followed in the next three years of the war darkened the mood as the death toll rose. The number of soldiers who were wounded or suffering from disease and shell shock overwhelmed the health facilities in Durban. The carnage in France, particularly the nightmare of Delville Wood in July 1916, and the horrors of the East African campaigns were among the most arduous ever undertaken by South African soldiers. In Natal, citizens had from the earliest days of the war began fundraising for their troops on active service, but from 1916 this was considerably stepped up. The most important was the Governor-General's War Fund, which had been established by the new Governor-General, Viscount Buxton, in 1914. It was a national fund to which any soldier or his dependents could apply for assistance while on active service. The Durban Turf Club gifted a fully equipped Sunbeam ambulance for the SA Brigade in France, July 1917. Image: Supplied As the war progressed, it incorporated some of the local relief funds, including the Mayoral funds in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The aim was to raise £1 million. The rationalisation of fundraising reduced inefficiency, but not the increasing workload. All sorts of local groups devised ways to garner support and donations, from businesses and sporting bodies to churches, boy scouts and schools. Other national bodies which contributed to the war effort were the Red Cross and the Gifts and Comforts Organisation which collected monthly supplies of cigarettes, socks, woollen clothes, matches, dried fruit, sweets and books for servicemen. The Red Cross supported the medical profession, the sick and wounded as well as the provision of stores and equipment for military hospitals. The lack of hospitals and convalescent homes worsened as the war dragged on. In Durban, No.3 General Hospital had two bases, one in Addington and the other at the Drill Hall of Durban Light Infantry. Convalescent hospitals were created at Ocean Beach for whites and at Jacobs for black Africans, especially those returning from East Africa. Boy Scouts rally at Ocean Beach. They were presented with a flag in appreciation for services given to the war effort, June 1917. Image: Supplied Nurses and patients at Caister House, the Greenacre home in Musgrave Road, February 1918. Image: Supplied Private homes were also turned over to the military for the duration of the war. These included Caister House which belonged to the Greenacre family and Grasmere, the Musgrave home of the Smith family. The shortage of nurses enabled the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) to come into their own. These were untrained civilian nurses, often from middle or upper class families, who provided continuity of care for recovering soldiers. Some also did cooking in a convalescent home, others drove ambulances. They increased their skills during the war, winning the respect and gratitude of trained nurses and patients alike. Voluntary Aid Detachment ladies at the Durban docks with wounded soldiers being loaded into an awaiting ambulance, April 1917. Image: Supplied Being a major port, troop ships docked in Durban. Many wounded were treated in the town before going home or returning to the front. This included thousands of soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. Their long voyage to or from Europe was broken by a stopover in Durban. A columnist wrote in September 1917 that 'Durban has been a panorama of Khaki during the week… giving townspeople an idea of the magnitude of the war. Soldiers come and go; some on their way to battle fronts, others bearing on their scarred and mutilated bodies grim evidence of the fiery furnace through which they have passed in the service of king and empire. Outings and entertainment were arranged for the 'khaki visitors', who were 'enthusiastically appreciative of the people of Durban and the kindness of the women workers of the huts.' The huts were established by the YMCA at Congella, in West Street and at Ocean Beach. The Army and Navy Institute as well as other institutions provided reading and writing rooms and facilities for sports like billiards. Other activities were at Albert Park or in the grounds of homes belonging to prominent citizens. Outings were arranged to Mitchell Park and as far as Mount Edgecombe. Many photos survive of soldiers on crutches or in wheelchairs enjoying the efforts made for them. The war finally ended on 11 November 1918, but troops continued to return home in 1919. Many faced hardship and struggled to adapt to their old lives. There was also the Spanish flu which started spreading during the last months of the war and into 1919, despite attempts to contain it by quarantining returning soldiers on Salisbury Island. It was to little avail. As early as 8 November 1918, a columnist wrote of the dreadful progress of the epidemic, noting that South Africa had already lost more lives through this scourge than during the whole period of the war. And so the hospitals and convalescent homes faced an increased workload. The home front in World War 1 has received little attention, but the contribution made at home - whether in the large towns or small villages - was significant. Those civilians at home certainly did their bit. In July 1917, the first anniversary of the slaughter at Delville Wood was commemorated with a solemn service in Durban. This commemoration endures to this day with the SA Legion organising a service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph. It will take place on Sunday, July 20, at 10.15am. Sadly, the Defence Force and even the regiments which sacrificed so many men, have become increasingly indifferent to this long-ago battle. One school, Glenwood High, continues to honour its World War 1 dead, with a service set to take place in its school hall on July 24. We should honour those who gave their lives in war and be grateful it was not us. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
How to spend your 67 minutes this Mandela Day
How to spend your 67 minutes this Mandela Day AS South Africans prepare to commemorate the South African icon Nelson Mandela's legacy tomorrow (July 18), Durban South communities and organisations are creating meaningful ways to contribute to their 67 minutes. Also read: Meals on Wheels feed the needy with 1 000 sandwiches for Mandela Day Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) Crow is appealing to the community for help to rebuild a ravaged antelope enclosure following the extreme winds in June. This vital enclosure is used to house young antelope for overnight feeds. How you can help: • Take on a company team to rebuild the enclosure • Donate material: – 28 x 3m gum poles – 2.4m fencing slats – Cement and nails • Donate R67 • Purchase an item off Crow's Takealot Wishlist To help contact Heidi at [email protected] or visit their website at Also read: Anti-GBV run unites Wentworth community Blue Bundu Brigade Animal Rescue and Rehoming The animal NPO looks after injured and healthy rescue dogs and requesting the community's help to build up their food storage. How to help: • Buy Monty & Me Essential dry food at a special price from the Montego M-Power shop • Arrange a once-off or monthly donation • Donate using EFT Banking Details: Blue Bundu Brigade Animal Rescue and Rehoming Bank: First National Bank Account number: 63129488284 Branch code: 250655 Also read: Final push to get The Bluff touch rugby athlete to Ireland Brighton Beach Victim Friendly Centre Having identified a need through their anti-bullying work, the centre is preparing 67 hygiene packs for children at schools on The Bluff. Still needed: • 21 x toothbrushes • 62 x deodorants • 17 x bars of soap Donations can be dropped off or arranged through: WhatsApp: 083 734 2841 Email: [email protected] Isaiah 54 Children's Sanctuary The sanctuary is launching a 'Mandela Month of Essentials' appeal to support the children in their care. How to contribute: • Donate grocery items, cleaning supplies, baby toiletries or cooked meals • Donate towards the purchase of a 7-seater vehicle to transport children • Donate a '67 Brave Bag' of essentials for newly admitted kids To view the full list of needs: WhatsApp Youandi Gilain on 084 488 1359 Facebook: Isaiah 54 Children's Sanctuary Also read: The unbreakable bond of Cindy and Rambo Tabitha Care Services Will be having a community clean-up at the WIP Centre from 09:30. Rapid Response Team SDB Will be conducting a clean-up operation in the Wolraad and Woodville Road areas at 09:30. Warming the Hearts Through Feeding Regardless This initiative is hosting a 'Sunshine Shopping' event offering free clothes and essentials to those in need in Ward 66. Event details: • Date: 18 July 2025 • Time: 12:00 – 13:30 • Venue: Former Boxing Club on 186 Tara Road • Drop-off time for donations: 07:00 – 11:00 For more information contact Merle on 060 986 9403 or Naz on 073 754 7842. Malibongwe Senior Citizens Members will dedicate their 67 minutes to the cleaning of the corner of Clinic Road from 08:00. From fixing enclosures for animals, to nurturing vulnerable children and tidying up the community streets, Durban South have a variety to choose from to live Madiba's values. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
A passionate speech in praise of Nelson Mandela on the eve of what would have been his 100th birthday
1453 End of the 100 Years War between England and France (it was just called that, it lasted 116). 1836 The ship Doncaster is wrecked west of Cape Agulhas and is lost with all hands. 1878 Nqwiliso, tribal chief of West Pondoland and eldest son of Ndamase, signs a treaty, ceding sovereign rights and shipping in the Umzimvubu River mouth to the Cape. 1917 Under mounting pressure, Britain's King George V renounces all his German connections and changes the royal family's name from the alien Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to the more acceptable Windsor. Anti-German feeling was running particularly high at the time with German Gotha bombers pounding England and killing civilians. When he heard the news, German leader Kaiser Wilhelm, a man apparently blessed with a sense of humour despite all his difficulties, is said to have suggested that Shakespeare's play, The Merry Wives of Windsor should be renamed, The Merry Wives of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. 1918 Russia's Czar Nicholas II, his wife and their children are murdered by Bolsheviks. 1944 Two ammunition ships explode in Port Chicago, California, killing 320 people. 1945 Allied leaders meet in Potsdam to decide the future of a defeated Germany and the terms of surrender for Japan. 1950 The SABC starts the first national news service in the country. 1998 A Papua New Guinea earthquake triggers a tsunami, which kills 2 700 people. 2007 An Airbus crashes upon landing during rain in São Paulo, Brazil, killing 199 people. 2014 A Malaysia Airlines plane is shot down over Ukraine. All 298 people on board die. 2015 Scientists solve the mystery of sleeping sickness in Kazakhstan villages – uranium mining increased carbon monoxide in the air. 2018 Former US president Barack Obama gives a passionate speech during the 16th annual Nelson Mandela Lecture in Johannesburg, honouring Madiba on the eve of the 100th anniversary of his birth, and warning of 'strongman politics'. 2023 Powerful Typhoon Talim makes landfall on China's Guandong coast, forcing the evacuation of 230 000 people. DAILY NEWS
