Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 23 February, throughout world and South African history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.
ON THIS DAY: 23 FEBRUARY
1962 | Progressive Party member Helen Suzman condemned the Promiscuity Act, saying that the law was creating misery and disenfranchisement and turning the police into “peeping toms”.
2020 | Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old African-American citizen, was shot and killed by three white men after visiting a house under construction while jogging in Satilla Shores neighborhood near Brunswick in Glynn County, Georgia.
1998 | In the United States, tornadoes in central Florida damaged or destroyed 2 600 structures and killed 42 people.
2007 | A train derailed on an express evening service near Grayrigg, Cumbria, England, killing one person and injuring 88. This led to hundreds of points being looked into in the UK after a few such accidents.
ALSO READ: What happened on 22 February?
BIRTHDAYS
1974 | South African cricket coach and former cricketer, Herschelle Gibbs.
1976 | South African musician, Petronel Malan.
1928 | German racing driver, Hans Herrmann.
1947 | Danish politician, Speaker of the Danish Parliament, Pia Kjærsgaard.
1965 | Cricket player of South Africa, Steve Elworthy.
ON THIS DAY: DEATHS
2008 | Slovenian economist and politician, 2nd President of Slovenia, Janez Drnovšek, 58.
2019 | American actress, Katherine Helmond, 90.
2013 | Indian lawyer and academic, Lotika Sarkar, 68.
2021 | Saudi Arabian politician, Ahmed Zaki Yamani, 91.
2006 | Spanish footballer, Telmo Zarra, 85.
SPORTS
2022 | Anthony Elanga’s strike leaves Champions League last-16 tie in balance on this day after a 1-1 in match between Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
ENTERTAINMENT
1970 | The Doors’ Morrison Hotel is certified as the band’s fifth consecutive Gold album on this day.
AFRICA FACT
Madagascar IS the fourth largest island in the world.
