ON THIS DAY

1919 The German Workers’ Party, which would become the Nazi Party, is founded. 1933 Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins in San Francisco Bay.

1945 The Soviet Union recognises the new pro-soviet government of Poland. 1957 In a speech given to the US Congress, President Dwight D Eisenhower announces the establishment of what will later be called the Eisenhower Doctrine. 1965 Mac Maharaj, Laloo Chiba, Raymond Nyanda and Andrew Masondo arrive on Robben Island prison.

1968 Alexander Dubček comes to power; “Prague Spring” begins in Czechoslovakia.

1970 The 7.1 megawatt Tonghai earthquake shakes Tonghai County, Yunnan province, China, with a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme). Between 10 000-15 621 were killed and 26 783 were injured.

1972 US President Richard Nixon orders the development of a Space Shuttle programme.

1976 Start of daily television transmissions in South Africa.

1976 The Khmer Rouge proclaim the Constitution of Democratic Kampuchea. 1985 US Senator Edward Kennedy visits South Africa.

1991 The US Embassy to Somalia in Mogadishu is evacuated days after violence enveloped Mogadishu during the Somali civil war.

2007 Pretoria High Court Judge Nkola Motata is arrested. | African News Agency (ANA)