LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

One of the stormiest weeks in the history of Stellenbosch University ended today with the verkrampte Afrikaanse Studentebond virtually in ruins. Never in the 44 years of its existence has the A.S.B. suffered such a setback at an Afrikaans university. Its future as a national organisation for Afrikaans-speaking students is now in doubt. Students rejected the A.S.B.’s tactic of sowing discord between Afrikaans- and English-speaking students. They cheered Mr. Louis Duplessis, the student leader, when he urged closer co-operation between the two groups. At Stellenbosch at least, the A.S.B. either will disappear, or be reformed to make it acceptable to English-speaking students. — May 19 1968

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

ANC president Nelson Mandela told supporters at a rally in Dundee yesterday the organisation would demand the legal voting age be reduced to 14. He said the ANC would “put tremendous pressure” on those wanting to retain the present voting age of 18, so that ANC youth could take part in elections. “They say a person under 18 can’t think correctly and make a wise choice. We reject that, and demand the voting age should be 14. ANC youths left school from the age of 12 to join Umkhonto we Sizwe, and now we have to vote, we are told those at the forefront of the battle must not vote. We reject that. Those who fought for freedom are the very people it is said should not vote.” — May 23 1993