Looking back on South Coast history: December 10 to 14
Violence and vandalism claimed the headlines, but progress was being made on the construction of the highway.
There seemed to be no good news in 1993.
December 10
1993
A 16-year-old youth and another man were killed in unrest-related incidents in strife-torn Bhobhoyi.
And… “Seconds after a holidaymaker had telephoned her mother in Pretoria to say the family had arrived safely at their Uvongo holiday destination, she was stabbed to death with a screwdriver. Her killer was arrested shortly afterwards.”
Economic news was no better. “The Umzimkulu Sugar Mill was unlikely to open in 1994, said the managing director of CG Smith. Cane crushing operations would be restructured to cope with all the sugar cane being transported to Sezela Mill.”
1999
Matrics trashed holiday homes in Southbroom. “The teenagers demolished holiday homes, smashing windows and doors, tearing of gutters and ripping up palms and protected cycads.”
It was announced that people parking in the walled area at Hibberdene main beach would be charged a small fee to help ensure vehicle safety.
And… “Stakeholders from KwaMadlala have agreed peace is crucial if development projects are to continue without disruption.”
December 11
1992
“After five years of operation, the Alfred County Railway is making a healthy profit.”
December 12
1997
“The Hibiscus Coast is set to receive a huge boost with major sponsorships and publicity this holiday season.”
December 13
1991
“Gravity is helping the bridge builders span the Mzimkhulu river at the new bridge being built at Batstone’s Drift as they slide the continuous deck down the hill from the south bank to the north.”
Hopefully the new highway would cut road deaths. “Seven people, including four pedestrians, died and more than 30 were injured in car accidents on the Lower South Coast during the first 11 days of December. Two youths also drowned, one at Anerley and the other in the Hibberdene lagoon.”
And leave the streets free for other activities. “The streets of Port Shepstone will be the venue for the next action-packed leg of this year’s Natal Kart and Motorcycle Short Course racing on Sunday.”
“The Natal Parks Board served an interdict on the South Coast toll road contractor this week, preventing him unlawfully taking sand from the beach. They have been ordered to stop damaging a primary dune and to rehabilitate it.”
And… “The South Coast is tense after a weekend of violence in which five family members were massacred and two men killed in separate attacks.”
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