LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

Robert Sobukwe, former leader of the banned Pan African Congress, is expected to be placed either under a banning order or house arrest when he is released from Robben Island. The Minister of Justice is empowered to impose such conditions as he may think fit. When the Minister announced Sobukwe’s pending release this week he said restrictions considered necessary for the security of the State would be imposed on him. While the details of the restriction order are not known yet, the general effect, obviously, will be to prevent Robert Sobukwe from resuming his former political contacts, although there is no suggestion, of course, that this is what he would like to do. — April 27 1969

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

With elections to end white rule just 48 hours away, South Africa’s political leaders this weekend wound up their campaigns by bitterly attacking each other in a last-ditch attempt to woo voters. In Soweto, ANC leader Nelson Mandela launched a scathing attack on President FW de Klerk, accusing him of being racist, religiously intolerant, divisive and having no plan to better the lives of South Africans. In Cape Town, President de Klerk, in a final thrust to capture the crucial coloured vote, hoisted both the swart gevaar and rooigevaar flags at the NP’s last Western Cape rally. Inkatha leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi branded Mr Mandela and President de Klerk “brothers in political crime”. — April 24 1994