Looking back on South Coast history 1991 to 2000: May 14 to 20
The problem of how to curb the violence in the area dominated the week's news over the years, but there was some light relief.
War was declared on the water lettuce in the Mbango river.
May 14
1993
“The 200 little beetles which arrived at the Port Shepstone Borough offices on Friday… have come to rid the Mbango River of an infestation of water lettuce and they are expected to complete their job within a year.”
Meanwhile… “Top quality deposits of the rare element lithium, which could satisfy South Africa’s needs, have been discovered on an Umzumbe farm.”
And… “A visibly shocked and bloodied man ran into the Herald office shortly after 8am yesterday morning, requesting a photographer to take a picture of his motor car, which had been stoned near Murchison Hospital.”
1999
“After 11 years of serving the Port Shepstone council, Pauline Duncan has decided to call it a day.”
May 15
1992
“Three youths died and two were seriously injured after a ‘People’s Court’ hearing at KwaGcaba, near Gamalakhe on May 3. The community had allegedly called a public meeting to ‘deal’ with the youths who, they claimed, had been involved in violent crimes including rape and robbery.”
1998
An Ugu employee was sentenced for theft and a beach picnic site in Mtwalume was taken over by squatters.
But the good news was… “Last Thursday was a red letter day for the KwaMadlala community when a sportsfield was opened in the area.”
May 16
1997
The Mayor of Umtamvuna/Port Edward said the proposed road to East London could be a catalyst for the development of southern KwaZulu-Natal.
May 17
1991
The area was pronounced stable after a peace rally. “It’s easy to start a fight but very difficult to end a war,” said the ANC’s Southern natal chairman, Jacob Zuma at a joint Inkatha Freedom Party and African National Congress meeting.
But… “The Port Shepstone peace initiative, organised by the inter-church agency Practical Ministries, took place against a background of sporadic violence which claimed the lives of seven people last week.”
And… “As many as 200 refugees sought shelter in classrooms at the Albersville Mosque last week following the flare-up of violence in the Murchison area.”
Meanwhile… “Nearly 70 delegates from all over the world who attended the third annual Earthlife African Congress at Sportweni last week staged a protest against marine outfall pipelines and marine pollution in general at St Michael’s beach last Saturday.”
Bad weather prevented a number of aircraft from flying to Margate for the annual Experimental Aircraft Association Convention and Airshow and severely limited flying on the final day. Only 267 of the 400 aircraft expected at the airshow arrived.
1996
“Margate Round Tablers will be kicked out of their unique clubhouse at Lucien Point if a planned restaurant development receives council approval.”
May 19
1995
“President Nelson Mandela will visit the violence-torn KwaXolo Traditional Authority during a three-hour visit to the Lower South Coast this Sunday.”
2000
A horrific collision between two trucks near Hibberdene last Sunday claimed a man’s life and eight animals were killed.
May 20
1994
“The slayings of a local Inkatha Freedom Party leader and an acting chief, in separate incidents this week, have shocked the South Coast community. IFP leader, Wilson Xolo (51) was shot and killed outside his Mvutshini Location (near Ramsgate) home as he was leaving for work on Tuesday morning. On Wednesday morning, the acting chief of the KwaXolo Tribal Authority, Angel Mkhize (62) and two companions were ambushed while travelling in his car towards Izingolweni.”
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