LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

The Government is pressing ahead with plans to close more than 600 bars across the country serving non-Whites, a move which will deliver a R10-million blow to hoteliers and wine farmers. Industry sources believe these closures will rapidly be followed by a campaign to prevent bottle stores in White areas from selling drink to non-Whites. This second move would hit beer sales, for non-Whites tend to buy wine in bars and beer in bottle stores. It is established Government policy to stop hotels in White areas from selling liquor to non-Whites. The Minister of Justice has instructed the National Liquor Board to inquire into the implementation “of declared State policy”. — August 9 1970

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

Following threats of legal action, the SABC has cancelled this evening’s broadcast of a programme on the abuse of women. Participants were invited to recount experiences of abuse. One participant who did just that was the deputy president of the ANC Women’s League, Thandi Modise. She described how she was abused by a well-known ANC activist. However, she claims, when the alleged abuser heard about the programme he threatened to take the SABC to court if it was screened. A senior SABC official, Joe Thloloe, said the programme had not necessarily been withdrawn. The SABC was merely “improving it” [as] “that person was not given a chance to respond”. — August 6 1995