On This Day: What happened on 21 December?

Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 21 December, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.

ON THIS DAY: 21 DECEMBER07

1915 | 2 800 South African miners begin a strike at the Van Rhyn Deep mines due to unfair treatment.

1964 | The South African government and the British government signs an agreement for Britain to provide South Africa with military equipment.

1967 | The first man to undergo a heart transplant, Louis Washkansky, dies in Cape Town after 18 days of having the transplant.

1975 | Madagascar adopts a new constitution under the Ratsiraka administration.

1982 | An investigation begins on the death of white trade union leader, Dr Neil Aggett who committed suicide while he was in detention. 

READ: On This Day: What happened on 20 December?

DEATHS

1920 | Founder of Somali Dervish movement, Mohammed Abdullah Hassan (64)

2012 | South African cricketer, Thomas Bryant (79)

2012 | Zimbabwean politician, Seiso Moyo (56)

2013 | Egyptian diplomat, Ahmed Asmat Abdel-Meguid (89)

BIRTHDAYS

1966 | Deputy President of Kenya, William Ruto

1978 | South African musician, Shaun Morgan

1984 | South African rugby player, Dries van Schalkwyk

SPORT

2011 | FIBA Africa Basketball Clubs Champions Cup final, Étoile Sportive du Sahel from Tunisia win 82-60 against Primeiro de Agosto from Angola. 

ENTERTAINMENT

1937 | The first animated film in the world, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premieres at the Carthay Circle Theatre.

AFRICA FACT

Africa is the oldest populated continent in the world.