Take a look at what happened on this day, 17 March in history. From a variety of achievements, and milestones throughout human history to groundbreaking inventions and events that shaped the world we live in today.
Here is a look at some of the most notable events that happened on this day.
ON THIS DAY: 17 MARCH
1992 | The results of the Whites-only referendum, which was held to gauge White support for the reform process he began in February 1990, were made public by President F.W. de Klerk.. (Photo by Gallo Images / Nardus Engelbrecht)
2016 | Rojava Conflict: The Movement for a Democratic Society announced the creation of the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria during a summit in Rmelan.
1988 | Avianca Flight 410, a Colombian Boeing 727 aircraft, crashes into a mountaintop not far from the Venezuelan border, killing 143 people.
1968 | Around 6 000 dead sheep were discovered in Skull Valley, Utah, after the U.S. Army Chemical Corps tested nerve gas there.
1969 | Golda Meir became Israel’s first female prime minister.
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BIRTHDAYS
1982 | South African footballer Steven Pienaar.
1990 | South African rugby union footballer, Uzair Cassiem
1983 | Portuguese footballer, Raul Meireles.
1933 | English author, Penelope Lively.
1966 | English journalist and politician, Andrew Rosindell.
ON THIS DAY: DEATHS
2009 | Brazilian television host and politician, Clodovil Hernandes, 72.
2010 | American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Alex Chilton, 60.
2002 | American actress and producer, Rosetta LeNoire, 91.
2005 | American author, Andre Norton, 93
2006 | French-American fashion designer, Oleg Cassini, 93.
SPORTS
2012 | When Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba passed out on the field just before halftime of the televised FA Cup sixth Round match between Spurs and Bolton Wanderers, referee Howard Webb on this day was obliged to call off.
ENTERTAINMENT
2016 | Prince’s ex-wife Mayte Garcia puts a collection of his memorabilia up for auction on this day.
AFRICA FACT
Senegal commissioned the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, the tallest statue in Africa, to commemorate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence in 2010.
