Today in history

1841 The emigrant Boers at Pietermaritzburg propose a treaty of alliance with Britain.

1981 Under a proposed Population Registration Act amendment, a uniform identity document is to be issued to all races.

1985 Painter Maud Sumner, pictured, dies in Johannesburg.

1989 Delegates from 33 African nations set up the Anti-Apartheid African Committee to mobilise resistance to apartheid.

1999 Police Captain Benny Lategan, who is investigating Pagad-linked crimes, is killed in a driveby shooting in Cape Town.