1900 – Escape Under Fire

110 days since the beginning of the Siege of Kimberley

Winifred Heberden recorded that Colonel Robert Kekewich had received a secret message from Mr Beaumont in nearby Barkly West. The Barkly residents had been ordered by Boer authorities to report for military service and wanted to know how they should respond. Kekewich's reply was clear. He instructed them not to fight, assuring them that the British Government would compensate any losses they suffered by refusing the Boer command.

The messenger who carried the correspondence had successfully slipped through the Boer lines. He also reported that Mr Wright, who had been imprisoned for publicly declaring that he did not care what the President of the Orange Free State—or any president—said, had been released after paying a fine and receiving permission to travel to Orange River. The diary provides another glimpse into the hidden network of couriers and intelligence that enabled Kimberley to maintain contact with the outside world throughout the siege.

Did You Know?

Throughout the Siege of Kimberley, brave messengers regularly slipped through Boer lines carrying letters and military intelligence, often at enormous personal risk.

1990 – South Africa Begins Its Journey to Democracy

On 2 February 1990, President F.W. de Klerk delivered a parliamentary speech that changed the course of South African history.

He announced that Nelson Mandela would be released from prison, and that the African National Congress (ANC), Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), South African Communist Party (SACP) and several other political organisations would be unbanned after decades of prohibition. The announcement was greeted with celebration by many South Africans who believed that a peaceful future might finally be possible. At St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, Archbishop Desmond Tutu compared the moment to a "Second Coming" as crowds gathered to celebrate.

De Klerk's decision followed years of growing international sanctions, economic pressure, internal unrest and political violence. South Africa had become increasingly isolated from much of the world, while repeated States of Emergency had failed to restore stability. Although the announcement marked the beginning of the democratic transition, the years that followed were far from peaceful. Negotiations were frequently interrupted by political violence, uncertainty and deep mistrust. Nevertheless, the events of 2 February 1990 paved the way for the country's first democratic elections four years later.

For Kimberley, the changes were quickly reflected in local political activity. During the following year, organisations such as the ANC Youth League held public demonstrations in the city, including the campaign on 30 April 1991 calling for the release of all remaining political prisoners.

Did You Know?

Nelson Mandela walked free just nine days after this announcement, on 11 February 1990, ending 27 years of imprisonment.

1989 – P.W. Botha Announces His Resignation

One year earlier, on 2 February 1989, President P.W. Botha announced that he would resign as leader of the National Party following a mild stroke, while initially remaining State President. His decision shocked many within his own party and triggered the leadership contest that eventually brought F.W. de Klerk to power. Within a year, South Africa had entered a completely new political era.

Did You Know?

The leadership change that began on 2 February 1989 directly led to the reforms announced exactly one year later.

1994 – Election Dates Announced

On 2 February 1994, President F.W. de Klerk announced that South Africa's first non-racial democratic elections would be held from 26–28 April 1994. The announcement confirmed that the long process of constitutional negotiations would culminate in elections open to all South Africans regardless of race. Just under three months later, millions of South Africans voted freely for the first time in the country's history.

Did You Know?

The 1994 elections were the first in which all adult South Africans could vote, regardless of race or ethnicity.