CalEvents:Apr/Apr 6
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for April 6
Date
Event
Significance
April 6, 1652
Jan van Riebeeck establishes Cape Colony in South Africa
On this day, Dutch colonialist Jan van Riebeeck established the Cape Colony in present-day Cape Town, South Africa. This event marked the beginning of European settlement in South Africa and laid the foundations for centuries of colonial rule and apartheid.
April 6, 1917
The United States enters World War I
On this day, the United States entered World War I. While this event is not directly linked to Pan-African history, African Americans fought in the war, and their participation helped fuel the demand for civil rights and equality, ultimately contributing to the growth of the African-American civil rights movement.
April 6, 1960
South Africa becomes a republic and leaves the Commonwealth
On this day, South Africa officially became a republic and withdrew from the British Commonwealth. The move was driven by the apartheid government, and it isolated South Africa further in the international community as the country continued to face opposition to its racial segregation policies.
April 6, 1994
Rwandan Genocide begins after President Habyarimana's plane shot down
On this day, the Rwandan Genocide began after the plane carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana was shot down. The event triggered a systematic killing campaign primarily targeting Tutsis, leading to the deaths of around 800,000 people over the next 100 days.
April 6, 1999
Nelson Mandela visits Libya to strengthen Pan-African ties
On this day, Nelson Mandela visited Libya to strengthen diplomatic ties between South Africa and Libya, led by Muammar Gaddafi. Mandela’s visit symbolized his commitment to Pan-African solidarity and the unification of African nations through diplomacy and economic cooperation.
April 6, 2009
Former South African President Jacob Zuma acquitted of corruption charges
On this day, Jacob Zuma, who would later become President of South Africa, was acquitted of corruption charges in a case that drew significant national and international attention. His acquittal paved the way for his political rise, despite ongoing concerns about governance and corruption in South Africa.
April 6, 2017
Protests in South Africa over President Zuma’s controversial cabinet reshuffle
On this day, large protests erupted in South Africa in response to President Jacob Zuma’s controversial cabinet reshuffle, which included the firing of respected Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. The protests reflected deep frustrations with Zuma’s leadership and concerns about political corruption and economic stability.