Looking back on South Coast history: July 8 to 15
It was not a happy week, with violence dominating the headlines.
The week started badly and, with very few exceptions, got worse.
July 8
1994
“In the worst outbreak of violence on the Lower South Coast in recent months, six people, including an eight-month-old baby, died last week.”
July 10
1992
“Nine people were killed and four wounded in violent incidents, mainly in the Murchison area.”
And it wasn’t expected to get any better: “The cancellation of seven bus services between Gamalakhe, Margate and Port Shepstone in the next few days cold escalate violence as between 6 000 and 7 000 commuters attempt to get to work or school.” And, as if that were not bad enough: “ Bus fares were also increased by 15 percent on July 1.”
On a more cheerful note: “The official opening of the Hiberdene Flying Club took place on Sunday with a fly-in, followed by a delicious breakfast. Six planes and eight microlights flew in.”
1998
There was a twist to the story of the Shobashobane massacre. “A national intelligence agent said he had warned police that a mass attack on ANC supporters in the area had been planned and would happen on Christmas Day in 1995.” [The Herald states 1996, but this is clearly a misprint, as evidenced by later reports on the same story.]
July 12
1991
“By the end of this year, Southern Natal’s present population can be expected to increase by almost 40 000 – an increase greater than the present total population of all the local authority areas from Hibberdene to Port Edward.”
“Runners will pit muscle against metal when the great Hibiscus Train Race from the Dawn View Hotel in Shelly Beach to Paddock gets under way on Sunday.”
“The recent scrapping of a deep sea outfall pipeline proposal for Park Rynie means that a ‘de facto’ pipieline-free zone now exists between Umkomaas and Port Edward.”
“Water is to cost more on the Lower South Coast from October 1 when water tariffs are increased by between eight and 10 percent. New connections increase by between 40 and 50 percent and miscellaneous service by between 200 and 300 percent.”
1996
“Houses were flooded, water pipes burst and electricity cables and trees were blown down during the torrential storms which lashed the South Coast over the weekend.”
“Bakkie goes for a swim.”
July 14
1995
“A strike, scheduled to take place after last night’s final shift, was expected to force five of the seven Illovo Sugar mills in Natal, including Umzimkulu and Sezela, to close.”
2000
“Two people died and five were injured when the vehicle driven by a 14-year-old boy rolled down a cliff at Nkothaneni, near Gcilima, last Monday. The boy was arrested later that day.”
July 15
1994
“Ratepayers in Margate and Uvongo face mammoth hikes in rates over the next three years following the disclosure this week that rates rebates in both towns are to be scrapped.”
Violence was taking its toll on the community. “Three people were killed and three others injured as violence continued on the Lower South Coast last weekend.”
And… “Two refugee camps have been set up to accommodate the estimated 1 500 to 2 000 people who have fled the violence-torn KwaXolo area during the past week.”
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