On This Day in South Africa: What happened on 18 January?

A look at what happened on this day 18 January in history. From various achievements and milestones to groundbreaking inventions and events that shaped the world we live in today.

NOTE: This article is updated daily

Below, is a look at some of the most notable events that happened on this day:

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ON THIS DAY: 18 January

1991 | Iraq initiates the firing of Scud missiles towards Israeli cities.

1978 | The cause of Legionnaire’s disease is identified and isolated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

1964 | Plans for the construction of the World Trade Center in New York are revealed.

1963 | The opening of Parliament includes a debate of no confidence in the Government.

1962 | The United States commences the spraying of foliage with herbicides in South Vietnam to unveil the whereabouts of Vietcong guerrillas.

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BIRTHDAYS

2000 | Nathan Davis Jr, TV Actor

1998 | Aitana Bonmatí, Soccer Player

1991 | Carlacia Grant, Movie Actress

1988 | Ashleigh Murray, TV Actress

1971 | Pep Guardiola, Soccer Coach

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DEATHS

2020 | Peter “Terror” Mathebula, South Africa’s inaugural black world champion boxer, passes away at 68.

2011 | Sargent Shriver, Politician, Dies At 95

2001 | Don Sutton, Baseball Player, Dies At 75

2000 | Jester J. Hairston, TV Actor, Dies At 98

1970 | David O Mckay, Religious Leader, Dies At 96

QUESTION | Who are the richest South Africans in the world today?

SPORTS

2013 | Mauricio Pochettino assumes the role of Southampton manager, replacing Nigel Adkins. Pochettino, who transitioned from Espanyol to St Mary’s, guides the club to a 14th-place finish in 2012/13, defeating Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea along the way. The Saints secure an eighth-place finish a year later. Pochettino departs the south coast in the summer of 2014 to join Tottenham Hotspur.

ENTERTAINMENT

2006 | Animals in Michael Jackson’s private zoo receive a clean bill of health after officials conduct a surprise visit to the singer’s Neverland ranch. A medical officer from the US Department of Agriculture inspects the property in response to concerns raised by the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

QUESTION | Who are the Top 10 richest people in the world today?

AFRICA FACT

The African elephant, the largest land animal globally, can reach a height of up to 3m and weigh as much as 6,000kg. It typically takes adult males 35-40 years to attain their full size, which is about half their lifespan.

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