LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

Chief Gatsha Buthelezi, leader of the Zulu nation, and Mr Harry Schwarz, MPC, Transvaal leader of the United Party, have signed a historic five-point declaration of faith, which sets out the basis of their firm belief that South Africa can provide “equal opportunity”, happiness, security and peace for all its people. The declaration, signed at Mahlabatini, in Zululand, constitutes a major breakthrough in race relations in Southern Africa. It is the first time in this century that a political document of such a nature has been signed by acknowledged Black and White political leaders. The broad agreement, which sets out the principles for co-operation, places the emphasis on peaceful change, opportunity for all, consultation, the federal concept and a Bill of Rights to safeguard all. — January 6 1974

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

Only a quarter of the country’s 834 municipalities are taking action to avoid a meltdown of their computer systems on January 1 2000. Experts warn that critical services such as electricity supply and water purification will break down because of a computer defect known as the millennium bug or Y2K problem. Organisations across the world are working against the clock to deal with an impending crisis caused by the inability of many computers to read the year 2000. Local authorities with their complicated networks, many of which are outdated, are highly susceptible to problems associated with the bug. Systems that control everything from emergency services to traffic lights may crash and most municipalities do not know how to fix the problem. — January 10 1999