Today in Kimberley's History
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Paul Kruger is elected president - 1883
After the abolition of the triumvirate, consisting of Vice-President Paul Kruger, Commander-General Piet Joubert and W.M. Pretorius, Paul Kruger was elected president of the Transvaal State. This was the new name of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek after the signing of the Pretoria Convention on 3 August 1881. He won the election against Joubert with 3,471 votes to 1,171. Kruger was sworn in on 9 May 1883 as state president and announced a policy based on Christian principles.
The election took place after a prolonged liberation struggle waged by the Boer republic against the British in the 19th century. The struggle can be traced back to 12 April 1877, when Theophilus Shepstone, despite Boer protests, hoisted the Union Jack on Church Square in Pretoria and annexed the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR or Transvaal Republic) as a British colony. In 1880 the Boers launched a war of independence, which was known as the First Anglo-Boer War or First South African War. On 27 February 1881, they gained a convincing victory over the British at the Battle of Majuba Hill and the Republic regained its partial independence soon afterwards as the Transvaal State. Kruger was re-elected for three more five-year terms.
After the abolition of the triumvirate, consisting of Vice-President Paul Kruger, Commander-General Piet Joubert and W.M. Pretorius, Paul Kruger was elected president of the Transvaal State. This was the new name of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek after the signing of the Pretoria Convention on 3 August 1881. He won the election against Joubert with 3,471 votes to 1,171. Kruger was sworn in on 9 May 1883 as state president and announced a policy based on Christian principles.
The election took place after a prolonged liberation struggle waged by the Boer republic against the British in the 19th century. The struggle can be traced back to 12 April 1877, when Theophilus Shepstone, despite Boer protests, hoisted the Union Jack on Church Square in Pretoria and annexed the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR or Transvaal Republic) as a British colony. In 1880 the Boers launched a war of independence, which was known as the First Anglo-Boer War or First South African War. On 27 February 1881, they gained a convincing victory over the British at the Battle of Majuba Hill and the Republic regained its partial independence soon afterwards as the Transvaal State. Kruger was re-elected for three more five-year terms.
The Eureka Diamond is sold in London for 5 700 Pounds - 1946
The 21.19 carat diamond that would come to be known as the Eureka Diamond was discovered by a young boy and his little sister as they played in their family farm along the Orange River at what is now Hopetown. The children often picked up rocks from the river to play with. A man named Schalk van Niekerk visited the farm and, suspecting the rock might be a diamond, offered to buy it from the children. Their mother decided to give it to him instead. Van Niekerk got the diamond verified and sold it for £ 500.
The discovery of the Eureka diamond sparked mild interest in the diamond mining industry, but it was only the discovery of another 83 carat diamond that saw locals and people from abroad rush to the diamond fields of the Northern Cape.
The Eureka diamond is now displayed in Kimberley at the Big Hole Mine Museum after mining company De Beers bought it and brought it back to South Africa.
The 21.19 carat diamond that would come to be known as the Eureka Diamond was discovered by a young boy and his little sister as they played in their family farm along the Orange River at what is now Hopetown. The children often picked up rocks from the river to play with. A man named Schalk van Niekerk visited the farm and, suspecting the rock might be a diamond, offered to buy it from the children. Their mother decided to give it to him instead. Van Niekerk got the diamond verified and sold it for £ 500.
The discovery of the Eureka diamond sparked mild interest in the diamond mining industry, but it was only the discovery of another 83 carat diamond that saw locals and people from abroad rush to the diamond fields of the Northern Cape.
The Eureka diamond is now displayed in Kimberley at the Big Hole Mine Museum after mining company De Beers bought it and brought it back to South Africa.
Nelson Mandela says “thank you” to the world from Wembley Stadium in London - 1990
At the Mandela Day 2 concert at the Wembley Stadium in London, England, Nelson Mandela delivers a speech in which he thanks the world for their wide support for the anti-apartheid struggle. The concert comes a few months after Mandela's release from prison and is attended by over 72 000 people and watched on TV by many millions globally. The concert's line-up includes world famous artists and bands such as Simple Minds, Tracey Chapman, Peter Gabriel and South African Mara Louw.
At the Mandela Day 2 concert at the Wembley Stadium in London, England, Nelson Mandela delivers a speech in which he thanks the world for their wide support for the anti-apartheid struggle. The concert comes a few months after Mandela's release from prison and is attended by over 72 000 people and watched on TV by many millions globally. The concert's line-up includes world famous artists and bands such as Simple Minds, Tracey Chapman, Peter Gabriel and South African Mara Louw.