LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

Homosexuals are “extremely reluctant” to give evidence before the Parliamentary Select Committee to inquire into homosexual practices, a spokesman for a group of homosexuals said this week. Their fear was that they would become victims of a “witchhunt”, he said. He was commenting on an appeal by the Minister of Justice, Mr. Pelser, who invited homosexuals to come forward and give evidence before the Select Committee, which was appointed after the First Reading of a Bill to curb homosexuality and lesbianism. “We fear that if we reveal the whole truth about homosexuality in this country, there will be action against us,” said my informant. — February 25 1968

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

Zulu dancers and braais greeted black and Afrikaner Inkatha Freedom Party supporters at Vryheid’s first IFP rally in the Natal Midlands town on Saturday morning. The rally was a festive occasion with eight stewed oxen for the more than 5 000 supporters, including 300 whites, present to honour IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi and the guest of honour, Vryheid MP Jurie Mentz. The NP politician crossed the floor last month to become the IFP’s first parliamentary voice. He was followed by Mr Mike Tarr, who represented Maritzburg North for the DP, and Mr Farouk Cassim, from Stanger, north of Durban. — February 28 1993