Looking back on South Coast history: August 27 to September 2
A mixed bunch of news, but dogs made the front page for two years in a row.
Peace initiatives made the headlines at the beginning of the week.
August 27
1993
“Lower South Coasters are responding to the call for a National Peace Day on Thursday, September 2 and the community is urged to form a human chain at noon by joining hands for peace.”
And… “The Human Rights Commission for South Africa appointed Reverend Danny Chetty from Port Shepstone a new commissioner.”
But the violence was still around. “Three men and a youth accused of killing two elderly women by the brutal necklace method were sentenced in the Supreme Court sitting in Port Shepstone on Tuesday this week.”
1999
“Three rescue workers from Port Shepstone and Margate and Saps dog Bruno are joining teams from 19 countries worldwide to assist victims of the Izmit earthquake in Turkey.”
And, closer to home… “Arson is suspected to be the cause of the fire which gutted the charming Umtentweni restaurant, Rose Cottage, early on Monday morning.”
August 28
1992
The economic outlook was not rosy. “Shops close as recession bites.”
1998
“Members of the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union have been striking since August 14, following a wage dispute,” and… “The Margate Ratepayers’ and Voters’ Association is considering a rates boycott over the proposed siting of low cost housing adjacent to the Sea Slopes residential area.”
There was more bad news for Port Shepstone: “A major crime wave hit Port Shepstone in the past two months, necessitating mobilising as many police officers as possible.”
But one dog had his day!
August 29
1997
Municipal accounts came under the spotlight. “Forensic auditors have discovered documentary evidence that R290 000 has been misappropriated from Ugu Regional Council funds and the methods used to do so. The auditors are hoping to submit a detailed report of their findings to council this Friday.”
But there was some positive news. “In a bid to market Port Shepstone, the TLC and the Port Shepstone Publicity Association have produced a promotional video on the town and its surrounds.”
September 1
1995
“While a State of Emergency in violence-torn areas of southern KwaZulu-Natal was not favoured, an Independent Commission of Inquiry and peace-broking will go ahead.”
Meanwhile a section of the armed forces had something to celebrate. “The Freedom of Margate was conferred on 4 Air depot at a colourful parade in Marine Drive last Saturday.”
2000
“Tensions have built up between Izingolweni farmers and the people from the Mthimude Tribal Authority who have invaded their farms and built houses without their permission.”
Farm invasions were not the only problem. “A witness believes the violence between the Harding Taxi Association and the Vethe family could have been resolved. Bhekithemba Vethe blamed policemen for the continued taxi violence.”
“A man accused of raping two young children didn’t have to pay bail and was released on warning.”
And on a more parochial note: “Uvongo residents have collected more than 700 signatures in a bid to save their post office which, for more than 40 years, has been something of an institution in the town.”
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