Looking back on South Coast history: December 17 to 23
Animals got into the news. Along with mounted police patrols, there were camels on the beach and a dog went abseiling.
It was far from peaceful in the immediate inland area.
December 17
1993
“The Southern Natal branch of the African National Congress has made a ‘desperate call to all democratic forces’ to end the carnage in the Murchison and Bhobhoyi areas. According to an ANC regional spokesman, the killings have recently taken an atrocious turn, with the mutilation of victims’ bodies. According to the statement, most of the attacks had emanated from the two protected Inkatha strongholds of Bhokonya and Mbotsha.”
Meanwhile history was made in Port Shepstone when the first steps were taken towards multiracial local government.
And… “Six cinemas and entertainment-orientated shops are set to be included on the new 5 000-square-metre development at the south end of the Shelly Centre.”
December 18
1992
“African National Congress and Inkatha Freedom Party members shook hands after a historical peace meeting on Sunday.”
1998
Camels from Magaliesburg were taking a working holiday on our local beaches.
“The Uvongo River Conservancy is seeking members to help maintain this unique conservation project.”
And… “The Sunday Times recently voted Margate beach the best-organised beach in South Africa.”
December 19
1997
“A policeman and his dog wrote themselves into the record books at Oribi Gorge this week. Wayne has had a number of years’ experience and Zak has also been specially trained to abseil.”
December 20, 1991
December 20
1991
Over 2 400 tickets were issued in 10 days. “Increased law enforcement is playing a part in reducing the accident rate, according to the NPA Road Traffic Inspectorate in Port Shepstone.”
1996
“The murder of a Pretoria holidaymaker on Tuesday has sent shockwaves through the tranquil South Coast town.”
But mounted police patrols meant … “Southbroom beachgoers will be pleased to know they can tan and swim in relative peace this season.”
“Coast watchers scanned the sea from dawn onwards on Tuesday, waiting to sea the ‘Endeavour’, the replica of Captain James Cook’s vessel.”
December 22
1995
“Local peacekeepers, reeling from the Nsimbeni massacres which claimed 10 lives last Friday, were further horrified by the ruthless slaughter of eight people, including four children, on Tuesday.”
Meanwhile… “Local political leaders and peacemakers have called for calm, restraint and renewed peacebroking efforts in the wake of two horrific South Coast massacres in less than a week.”
2000
Port Shepstone Rotary celebrated its Golden Jubilee and members of the Port Shepstone Harbour Development Company said they believed a marina would boost the local economy.
Something was being done in Port Shepstone to address the need for a haven for babies and toddlers with HIV/Aids. “At ‘Rehoboth’ it is intended that babies and toddlers with Aids will receive love and care and be given as happy and pain-free a life as possible.”
But the local government quandary remained unsolved. “A 29-all vote at its first meeting left the new Hibiscus Coast Municipality without a mayor this week.”
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