Looking back on South Coast history: August 13 to 19
More came out of the sea this week than just tons of shad.
The sardine season might have been over, but there was still excitement among anglers.
August 13
1993
“In a bumper shad run in July a conservatively estimated 228 tons were caught by 74 040 anglers between Port Edward and Scottburgh.”
“A veld fire interfered with last Saturday’s dog dipping. The two law enforcement officers on duty at the dip were called away to help fight the blaze.”
1999
“Margate councillors were shocked to learn of the sudden deaths of two New National Party councillors. Both men died on August 8 from heart attacks.”
“Burry Stander of Umtentweni has brought pride to the South Coast, wrapping up two national titles in the U13 mountain biking age group.”
“Port Shepstone was abuzz with excitement on Monday, with many people taking part in the Soap box Derby.”
August 14
1992
“Exactly one year after the major fires of 1991, runaway fires again swept through Southern Natal last weekend, killing two people, destroying at least two houses, burning 80 000 tons of sugar cane and ruining grazing. While most of the fires appear to have started naturally, a number of cases of arson have been alleged.”
And… “Representatives of the South African Police, African National Congress, Inkatha Freedom Party, Local Dispute Resolution Committee, Practical Ministries. The International Red Cross and community workers were locked in debate at the Murchison Hospital on Wednesday afternoon in an effort to find a solution to end violence which has killed 12 people since Sunday.”
1998
“A Mehlomnyama man owes his life to a police dog, which found him I a cane field, bleeding badly from a gunshot wound.”
“Nineteen-year-old Jaco van Zyl made history when he became the first Port Shepstone men’s golfer to be selected for KwaZulu-Natal.”
August 15
1997
Some problems just won’t go away. “Amid allegations of gross misappropriation of funds, a national firm of chartered accountants has been appointed to conduct a forensic audit on the Ugu Regional Council.”
August 16
1991
“Sad news for the Lower South Coast local authorities which have applied for funds for beach improvements, is that no funds are available and the Natal Provincial Administration will not have any for the foreseeable future.”
It was reported that the St Michael’s Sands Hotel and golf course had been sold for an undisclosed six-figure sum to a company based in Seoul, Korea. A multi-million rand facelift and upgrading programme was said to be planned.
August 18
2000
While Durban retained the lion’s share of the domestic tourism market, the South Coast was the next most popular holiday destination, according to a survey.
However, “Locals didn’t show much support for the Water, Wheels and Wings expo at Margate airport last week.”
August 19
1994
“Hopes of the conflict in KwaXolo being resolved increased this week with both the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party showing a wish to talk, rather that fight, to resolve their differences.”
But there was still trouble elsewhere. “About 150 taxis blocked the N2 main Harding road for more than three hours last Saturday morning. The taxi drivers were protesting at the shooting of one of their drivers.”
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