LOOKING BACK

The giant of Johannesburg’s skyline, the 269-metre J.G. Strijdom Tower in Hillbrow, which was opened by the Prime Minister, Mr Vorster, at a gala opening last night, is likely to become the city’s number one tourist attraction. Not only does it dominate Johannesburg’s fast mushrooming skyscraper-studded horizon, but it is probably the tallest structure in Africa. Visibility from its public observation deck, which is equipped with seven coin-operated telescopes, is about 80 kilometres on a clear day. Starting at the 181-metre level, the tower has a seven-floor complex of luxurious restaurants in the sky. Bars are licensed to stay open from 11am to 2am on weekdays. — April 18 1971

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

The ANC secretary-general, Cyril Ramaphosa, is quitting Parliament to spearhead an allout challenge on white domination of the South African economy. At a press conference in Cape Town yesterday, President Nelson Mandela said he had agreed to release Mr Ramaphosa because he had a critical role to play in ensuring that “this wide gap between white and black business is closed”. Mr Ramaphosa said: “If black economic empowerment does not become a reality, this successful transition and democracy is in jeopardy and everyone loses, including white business.” He will be joining Dr Nthato Motlana’s New Africa Investments Limited as executive deputy chairman. — April 14 1996