What happened in October 1978?
A flashback of stories Heraut reported on in an October 1978 edition.
• BJ Vorster retires as prime minister after 25 years in politics. In his farewell speech, he often referred to Hannes Visagie, MPC for Nigel at the time, and thanked him for his dedication towards the town during his time as president. Visagie also thanked the former prime minister for his contribution towards the growth of Nigel.
Visagie was later elected as MP unopposed.
• James du Toit celebrated 25 years as town clerk in Rensburg. The town had its biggest growth between 1970 and 1973, with a housing project of R1.5-million and property values bought for R400 before 1970 increased in value to R3 000.
• The first online computer service went into operation at the Allied Building Society in Nigel. The mayor of Nigel, CM van der Heever, attended the occasion and was told this new technology will eliminate the checking of accounts in other branches by telephone.
• It was called ‘the biggest motoring news in 30 years’, the launch of The new Volkswagen Golf priced from R4 095. Special offers on the new Toyota Corolla or the Hi-Ace were on offer by Autoren or if you were more of a Ford fan, the new Ford Cortina was, according to Ford, so great they have been selling at a rate of one every five minutes.
• The Methodist Church in Nigel celebrates its 75th anniversary. The church was the first to be built in Nigel and opened on October 3, 1903.
• If you needed a new fridge or freezer, OK Bazaars had it on special for R299 and while you were there, you could pick up a hi-fi system for R99.
• For grocery shopping, a variety was offered from rump steak at R2.78 p/kg or topside mince for R1.64 p/kg. Milk was on special at Pick n Pay for 31c a litre and lemon cream biscuits for 34c.
• A tornado hit Balfour and Grootvlei on October 16 and destroyed houses and businesses. It was reported that at least eight thunderstorms hit the area from different directions.
• Poena van Heerden, leerder van Hoër Volkskool en lid van Heidelberg Gimnasstiek-klub, verower ’n goue medalje by die SA Kampioenskappe. Hy was die jongste lid van die klub waar sy pa, Maj Van Heerden, die afrigter was.
• Mev Betsie Verwoerd besoek Heidelberg tydens die Betsie Verwoerd Damesklub se 21ste bestaansjaarvieringe. Gewilde kunstenaars soos Groep 2 en Carika Keuzenkamp het gesorg vir musiek.
