LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

Miss Barbara Zoellner, the beautiful, sophisticated 19-year-old Johannesburg socialite who “secretly” became engaged to 46-year-old Professor Chris Barnard on October 1, revealed to me this week for the first time the full story of how she met, fell in love with and chose to marry the man who has been described as “the most sought-after consort for the world’s most beautiful women”. Ten days ago, Professor Barnard, on arriving from Japan, dashed to her parents’ mansion in Inanda and astounded her by placing a massive diamond and ruby ring on her finger and saying: “I hope this is good enough for you as an engagement ring. I had it specially made in New York weeks ago.” — October 12 1969

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

Transvaal towns will never be the same again. This week, two traditionally conservative platteland towns elected mayors of colour to represent them. On Tuesday, the Transitional Local Council of Potchefstroom elected Dr Ebrahim Sooliman, 46, as its mayor. And on Thursday, under the glaring floodlights of the Kees Taljaard Stadium, the home of the Middelburg Rugby Club, Mr Ben Mokoena, 35, was inaugurated mayor of Middelburg. The Middelburg ceremony was unique. It was the first time a South African mayor was publicly inaugurated. Dr Sooliman’s deputy in Potchefstroom will be Miss Marlize Kruger, the only woman on the council. — October 9 1994