On This Day: What happened on 1 January?
We look back on this day in history and remember the people and events that shaped the world we live in today. Every day is worth remembering.
Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 1 January, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.
ON THIS DAY: 1 JANUARY
1956 | Sudan becomes independent from Egypt and the United Kingdom
1960 | Cameroon becomes independent from France and the United Kingdom
1970 | A 17-year-old Indian who sold flowers was fined for breaking municipal by-laws. He sold his flowers in a racially restricted area.
1972 | For the first time, policewomen were employed and recognised as full members of the South African Police Force.
1986 | The government of South African closed its borders and cut off food and fuel supplies with Lesotho. This happened after Lesotho refused to sign a non-aggression pact with South Africa.
1999 | The Defence Special Tribunal Act, No 81 of 1998 became usable.
READ: On This Day: What happened on 31 December?
DEATHS
2004 | South African professional golfer, Harold Henning (70)
2007 | South African-English biochemist, Professor Roland Levinsky (64)
2014 | Tanzanian Minister of Finance, William Mgimwa (63)
BIRTHDAYS
1906 | South African poet and writer, Dr Benedict Vilakazi
1925 | First Tanzanian Minister of Finance, Paul Bomani
1930 | Fourth President of Sudan, Gaafar Nimeiry
1948 | South African novelist, Zakes Mda
SPORT
1910 | English cricketer George Simpson-Hayward makes his Test debut when England played South Africa. South Africa won by 19 runs.
1992 | ESPN Radio Network is launched.
ENTERTAINMENT
1908 | In New York City’s Times Square a ball was dropped at midnight to symbolise the start of the New Year.
1971 | American television ban cigarette advertisements.
1951 | The Zenith Radio Corporation test the first Pay Per View Movies.
AFRICA FACT
Sixteen countries in Africa are landlocked. Two countries, Swaziland and Lesotho, are located within South Africa.