#2008vs2018 – Newcastle Edition
The hashtag #2008vs2018 is currently trending all over social media. The Newcastle Advertiser gave our own spin on the trend.
A lot can change in 10 years. Especially true in the case of news.
Newcastle has gone through a lot of change over the past 10 years: it has grown exponentially into a city, and is always at the forefront of new things and constant change.
Take a look at some of our front pages in 2008 compared to the same month in 2018.
July
July 2008 saw the uproar over councillors’ 16% salary increases while residents still face the brunt of soaring costs and rising interest rates.
COSATU organised a strike in Newcastle, but turnout was poor because taxi and bus drivers also joined the strike. The strike was over rising living costs around the country. 10 years later, there was a massive, countrywide bus strike regarding the minimum wage hourly rate, the Newcastle Advertiser’s report can be read here.
McDonald’s opened its doors in 2008 and has remained a popular local favourite ever since.
Most interestingly, Nelson Mandela was still still alive in 2008. Following his death in 2013, the Newcastle Advertiser has celebrated his birthday every year by helping the community and honouring his legacy. He adorns the front page.
August
In August 2008, we reported on exorbitant increases of ratepayers’ electricity bills. Fast forward to 2018 and there are still residents complaining that their electricity bills are too high. However, last year Newcastle’s municipality started an initiative that would help clear residents’ municipal bills.
Moreover, there were reports that Newcastle’s power could be cut.
October
October 2008 saw residents angered at the water problems all over town. In 2018, there are many reports of water issues that still plague the town – they can be accessed here, here, here, or here.
ArcelorMittal made an attempt at a Guinness World Record for cooking the world’s longest sosatie: coming in at 2047,07 metres long and weighing just over 3 tonnes of beef. Their efforts proved successful. Fast forward 10 years later and ArcelorMittal has been found in some hot water over not hiring local artisans, but rather employing workers from other provinces, read the full story here.
What do you remember about the past in Newcastle? Let us know in the comments below.
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
Make sure you follow us for constant updates:
