Looking back on South Coast history: October 1 to 7
Amid stories of violence and new projects, two local sportsmen made their mark.
The month started with a recurring gripe from motorists.
October 1
1993
“Seven months after the last hike, motorists will pay more for using the South Coast toll road from tomorrow.”
“The vision of concerned community leaders and businessmen in 1984 resulted in the opening of a R45 000 skills and trade centre in violence-hit Murchison last week. The centre teaches sewing, welding and carpentry.”
1999
Port Shepstone golfer Jaco van Zyl was selected for the four-man SA team to compete in the Eisenhower Trophy event.
October 2
1992
“Motorists have been warned by the police to be on the lookout for stone-throwing youths, who have turned the N2 coastal highway near Umgababa into a dangerous drive.”
And there was more violence… “Twenty-five people have been killed in the Port Shepstone and surrounding areas during September.”
But a local business was celebrating a landmark.
1998
The missing money attracted attention from high places. “The Minister of Finance, Local Government and Planning, Peter Miller, has appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate and report on allegations of maladministration at the Ugu Regional Council.”
October 3
1997
Pipe dreams were the order of the day: “Construction of the marina at Port Shepstone could start in the middle of 1998 and be completed by the year 2000.”
October 4
1996
“Eight men, including three policemen, accused of involvement in the 1995 Christmas Day massacre of 18 people at Shobashobane, had the charges against them withdrawn. The remaining 23 accused are expected to go on trial before the Supreme Court in Scottburgh on February 3 next year.”
October 6
1995
Port Shepstone was reported to be in line for RDP millions… “But the exact amount this area receives will largely depend on how quickly it can get its project together, according to Port Shepstone TLC Executive Committee chairman, Ravi Pillay.”
Meanwhile… “Inkatha Freedom Party supporters were more interested in shopping than marching through Port Shepstone last Saturday. The expected 10 000 marchers never materialised and only about 200 eventually took part in the ‘peaceful protest’ which started three-and-a-half hours late.”
And local canoeist Ant Stott became SA Junior champion.
2000
“The chaotic introduction of the Cash Paymaster Services’ ‘smart card’ payment system on the Lower South Coast has left many elderly people bewildered and distraught.”
October 7
1994
“With 10 rabies cases diagnosed in the Port Shepstone magisterial area alone this year, 1994 seems set to become a record year for the killer disease in KwaZulu-Natal.”
“The sod-turning ceremony of ‘Kapenta’, Port Shepstone’s first conference and resort centre, signalled the beginning of a major capital investment in the South Coast property market.”
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