Looking back on South Coast history: October 8 to 14
Sardines in October and and a huge hike in the cost of shark netting featured this week.
Better news for farmers this week.
October 8
1993
“Widespread rain fell over Southern Natal during the past week and farmers are cautiously optimistic that the long drought is over.”
1999
“Schools have been warned to beef up their security following an armed robbery at St Martin de Porres this week.”
But there was good fun to be had out of school. “South Coast clubbers got the chance to party the night away on a foam-drenched dance floor last weekend.”
October 9
1992
“The Lower South Coast leadership of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Izingolweni and Emzumbe Tribal Authority structures have withdrawn from the Port Shepstone Local dispute resolution Committee.”
But there was a positive step towards the new South Africa: “Harding Town Board has been promulgated as the first non-racial board on the South Coast.”
October 11
1991
“Lower South Coast authorities, which believe that central government should foot the entire bill for shark meshing, will fork out over R300 000 for the 17 beaches under their jurisdiction this year – 25 percent more than last year – because the subsidy to the Natal Sharks Board has not been increased.”
1996
“Robots will be installed at the ‘killer crossroads’ at Port Edward, probably before the Christmas holidays.”
“The Gamalakhe College of Education will open next year and admit 200 first-year students.”
October 13
1995
“Peace efforts took a considerable knock last Sunday when a peace rally at Izingolweni was disrupted after IFP supporters, many armed with traditional weapons, continually surrounded a group of dancing ANC supporters.”
And Port Edward decided to place warning signs in respect of isolated beach areas. The signs will read: ‘Warning! You are entering a lonely and unprotected area. You proceed at your own risk.’
“Sardines in October? Unusual, but not a first.” But the out-of-season shoal took the Sharks Board by surprise and the nets were still in place. “Crowds gathered at St Michael’s beach on Tuesday morning to witness the brave rescue of a whale which had become entangled in the nets.”
October 14
1994
“All five local government negotiating forums have been recognised by Province and are preparing to complete the first phase of the new local government dispensation.”
It was reported that John Mason Park in Umtentweni and the land to the south of it might be developed with low-rise, upmarket residential properties.
And … “A rabid dog, the second this month, was found at St Michael’s last Friday.”
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