On This Day: What happened on 01 June?

Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 01 June, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.

1964 | Kenya becomes a republic and Jomo Kenyatta was the country’s first president. 

1979 | The first black-led government in 90 years started ruling in Zimbabwe. 

1994 | The Republic of South Africa becomes a member of the Commonwealth. 

1998 | Ferdi Bernard was found guilty of the murder of anti-apartheid activist David Webster. He was also charged with fraudulent transactions and possessing firearms and ammunition illegally.

READ: On This Day: What happened on 31 May?

DEATHS

2002 | South African cricket player, Hansie Cronje (32)  

2019 | South African Secretary-General of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Sibongile Judith Nkomo (63) 

2020 | Nigerian reggae singer and songwriter, Majek Fashek (57)

BIRTHDAYS

1943 | South African cricket player, Lorrie Wilmot 

1952 | South African-English director and playwright, David Lan 

1985 | Angolan football player, Mário Hipólito 

1986 | Nigerian football player, Chinedu Obasi 

1986 | Kenyan runner, Moses Ndiema Masai

SPORT

2010 | Tri-nations series – Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 9 wickets in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. After 2 matches Sri Lanka was in the lead with 5 points while India and Zimbabwe had 4.

2011 | Nigeria beat Argentina 4-1 in the Friendly international (top 10 in FIFA World Rankings) match.

ENTERTAINMENT

2019 | The 25th South African Music Awards was held at the Sun City Arena. The show was hosted by Bob Mabena, Melanie Bala, Twasa Seoke and Khuli Chana. 

2020 | Zimbabwean film “Cook Off” premiered on Netflix.

AFRICA FACT

Africa is the most centrally located continent in the world. Both the prime meridian (0 degrees longitude), and the equator (0 degrees latitude) cut across it.