Looking back on South Coast history, 1991 to 2000: March 26 to April 1
It was a week of weeds - particularly dagga.
Illegal crops were being grown on a large scale.
March 26
1993
“Twenty-four tons of dagga, worth R3,6-million to the grower but with a street value of more than R28-million, was seized and destroyed in raids on dagga lands between Umzinto and Port Edward last week.”
“Port Shepstone has been given the green light to build a crematorium.”
And… “The South Coast Publicity Association is the third biggest in the country but receives no money from the Southern Natal Joint Services Board and very little from local authorities.”
March 27
1998
Herald reporter Ian Hush was invited by Sanab to be present at a ‘drug bust’, which turned out to be quite spectacular. “Three men were charged with dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and an unlicensed firearm after a ‘drug bust’, shootout and high speed chase last week. They were also charged with attempted murder.”
March 28
1997
The battle over the Round Table’s clubhouse continued. “Local environmentalists and Round Tablers are rejoicing after the Town and Regional Planning Commission rejected a proposal to develop the area at Lucien Point.”
March 29
1991
Political unrest cause many people to flee their villages. “Over 1 000 people took refuge at Murchison Hospital and local churches when fighting broke out between Inkatha and ANC supporters in Madakane Ward early last Sunday morning.”
But some people had reason to celebrate.
March 31
1995
Toll road was in the news again. “The missing link between Umtentweni and Hibberdene will be completed by March 1998.”
2000
“Rabies is steadily increasing on the South Coast. Since February there have been two confirmed cases.”
March 31
2000
Dagga wasn’t the only ‘weed’ targeted for destruction.
April 1
1994
“Motorists who have been looking forward to the opening of the toll road from Umtentweni are in for a shock – it will cost R3,50 per car and is considerably longer than the existing coast road.”
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