Looking back on South Coast history, 1991 to 2000: February 5 to 11
The beginning of the school year was not always plain sailing - but there was one very happy teacher.
Blackouts were nothing new, but this one wasn’t caused by cable theft or lightning.
February 5
1993
“Egyptian geese, taking off from a lake in Mbango Valley, flew into the 22kVA power lines spanning the valley, causing a blackout in Port Shepstone on Friday.”
On a black note for partygoers… “Drinking liquor on Margate’s main beach will be banned and, if necessary, laws will be promulgated.”
And… “A 10-year-old Merlewood boy died an agonising death from rabies on Sunday. And so far this year four dogs and a cow have tested positive, compared with 15 for the whole if last year.”
February 6
1998
Ugu management was in trouble… “The inquiry into the theft of R361 000 has already cost taxpayers R107 000.”
February 7
1992
“Education crisis looms. Parents warned of further teacher cuts.”
“An unidentified man is believed to have drowned in rough surf at Margate’s north (Lucien) beach.”
And… “A Transvaal holidaymaker drowned at Southbroom on Tuesday this week.”
The roads weren’t safe either. “A man died when he was dragged over 2km by a truck, from the middle of Port Shepstone to the Main Harding Road last Friday.”
“Fraud card man shoots himself as police close in.”
1997
“The Hibberdene Ratepayers’ Association has issued an ultimatum to the Hibberdene Transitional Council to open its executive committee to the public and recalculate the town’s rates.”
There was a ‘bad’ fire… “Fire destroyed the Amos Business Centre in Harding, causing an estimated R3,5-million worth of damage.”
And a ‘good’ one. “Dagga plants with a street value of R20 000 were destroyed at Murchison on Tuesday.”
February 8
1991
February 9
1996
“The entrance to Margate at the Main South Coast Road/ Marine Drive junction, was blocked by Inkatha Freedom Party protesters for almost 14 hours last Friday. They were demanding the release of six IFP members arrested in connection with the December Mvutshini massacre.”
February 11
1994
“Sheppie teacher wins R1-million.”
“R1,3-million counterfeit R50 notes were seized and seven men arrested by detectives of the Port Shepstone branch of the South African Narcotics Bureau last week.”
2000
“More than 130 children have been unable to find places in local high schools this year.”
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