On This Day: What happened on 27 March?

Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 27 March, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.

1960 | The South African Commissioner of Police suspended the pass laws which were used by the African population to limit their movements.

1985 | Forty-two out of Seventy-six learners of Hoërskool Vorentoe died after their school bus sunk into the Westdene dam

1995 | Winnie Mandela is unanimously expelled from the position of deputy minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology.

2019 | It was discovered that former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh stole close to $1 billion before he went into exile in 2017. 

2020 | The first Coronavirus death is recorded in South Africa.

READ: On This Day: What happened on 26 March?

DEATHS

2018 | South African anti-apartheid activist, Archibald “Archie” Mncedisi Sibeko (90) 

2020 | Former Tunisian Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Hamed Karoui (92) 

2020 | Egyptian comedian and actor, George Sidhom (81) 

2020 | Nigerian writer and civil servant, P. A. Ogundipe (92)

BIRTHDAYS

1992 | South African rugby player, Henco Venter

1994 | South African footballer, Lehlogonolo Masalesa

1997 | South African rapper, A-Reece

1997 | South African rugby player, Courtney Winnaar

SPORT

1994 | South Africa was readmitted to the Olympic games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It was banned in 1970.

2009 | 1st Twenty20 in Johannesburg: South Africa defeated Australia by 4 wickets with 4 balls remaining and lead 2-match series 1–0.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

2005 | Medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy”  starring Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh and created by Shonda Rhimes debuts.

AFRICA FACT

Approximately 30% of the earth’s remaining mineral resources are in Africa.