LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

The Kerkbode, journal of the Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk, has called for a halt to the teaching of evolution in South African schools and universities. In a long editorial, it says that people who propagate evolution are guilty of “subversion” and that the Church dare not remain silent on this. The revival of the evolution controversy by the biggest of the three Dutch Reformed churches is likely to cause a considerable commotion in Church circles. The manner in which the Kerkbode treats the matter suggests that a major antie volutionist offensive is being launched. — July 21 1968

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

Inkatha is considering obtaining a court interdict to invalidate the April 27 election date set by negotiators at the World Trade Centre. The organisation this week boycotted multiparty negotiations in protest at what it described as the abuse of the “sufficient consensus” decision-making mechanism. Inkatha official Walter Felgate confirmed this week that legal action against the negotiating council was seriously being considered. He said Inkatha was yet to reach a final decision on the matter and was also considering mass action, political pressure and an international campaign to win support for its withdrawal from negotiations. “We’re still looking at what is possible, feasible and desirable — what is politically the right thing to do,” Mr Felgate said. — July 25 1993