Paul Kruger  born – 1825

Paul Kruger (Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger), son of Casper Kruger, was born in Whittlesea, Eastern Cape, on his grandfather's farm.  In 1842 he married Maria du Plessis, with whom he had one son. Thereafter he married Gezina du Plessis, who bore him seven daughters and nine sons. As a political figure, Paul Kruger was elected as the State President of the South African Republic (Transvaal) at age 57. Thereafter, he became known as the face of Boer resistance against the British during the South African/Second Boer War (1899-1902). The Kruger National Park, as well as the Krugerrand coin, was named after him after his death in 1904.

Foundation stone for Masonic temple in Kimberley laid – 1888

The foundation stone was laid on 10 October 1888 during a ceremony attended by a large gathering of Freemasons and Kimberley residents. Lord Rosmead, Governor of the Cape Colony and High Commissioner for Southern Africa, performed the ceremony, highlighting the importance of both the building and Kimberley's growing status within southern Africa.

British Government Rejects Transvaal Ultimatum of 9 October – 1899

The Anglo-Boer War (most notably the Second Boer War) commenced on 11 October 1899 after the British government rejected an ultimatum issued by the South African Republic on 9 October, demanding the withdrawal of British troops. 

The text of the British reply to the Boer ultimatum: Chamberlain to Milner, High Commissioner, sent 10.45 pm, 10 October, 1899:

"Her Majesty's government has received with great regret the peremptory demands of the South African Republic, conveyed in your telegram of October 9. You will inform the government of the South African Republic in reply that the conditions demanded by the government of the South African Republic are such as Her Majesty's government deems it impossible to discuss."

F.W. de Klerk announces the release of political prisoners – 1989

Shortly after taking over from P.W. Botha as state president, F.W. de Klerk announced the unconditional release of eight long serving political prisoners of the liberation movements African National Congress (ANC) and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). This demonstrated the government's readiness to submit to ANC demands. The eight prisoners were former ANC secretary-general Walter Sisulu, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi, Wilton Mkwayi, Ahmed Kathrada, Jafta Masemola and Oscar Mpetha.