On This Day in South Africa: What happened on 31 January?
We look back on this day in South African – and world – history, remembering the people and events that shaped the world we live in today.
A look at what happened on this day 31 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: 31 JANUARY
1985 | President P. W. Botha extends a conditional release offer to Nelson Mandela from prison.
1981 | Lech Walesa declares an agreement in Poland, granting Saturdays off to laborers.
1976 | Ernesto Miranda, known for the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda vs. Arizona, is fatally stabbed.
1968 | The Tet Offensive commences in Vietnam as Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers launch attacks on strategic and civilian locations throughout South Vietnam.
1966 | U.S. planes recommence bombing North Vietnam after a 37-day pause.
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BIRTHDAYS
2000 | Julián Álvarez, a Soccer Player, is born.
1981 | Justin Timberlake, a Pop Singer, is born.
1956 | Trevor Manuel, Minister In The Presidency: National Planning Commission, enters the world.
1947 | Jonathan Banks, a TV Actor, is born.
1941 | Eugene Terre Blanche, the controversial leader of the AWB (Afrikaner Resistance Movement), is born.
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DEATHS
2015 | Richard von Weizsacker, German politician and the first president of reunited Germany, passes away at the age of 94.
2014 | Paul Humphrey, American jazz, R&B, and rock session and touring drummer, dies at 78.
2012 | Anthony Bevilacqua, American cardinal, passes away at 88.
2011 | Michael Tolan, American actor, dies at the age of 85.
2010 | Jürg Baur, German composer, dies at 91.
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SPORTS
2011 | Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll sign with Liverpool. On deadline day, Liverpool completes the signings of strikers Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, with Fernando Torres leaving Anfield to join Chelsea. Suarez, arriving from Ajax, is assigned the No. 7 shirt and goes on to score 69 goals and assist in 23 more in 110 Premier League matches for Liverpool.
ENTERTAINMENT
2011 | English guitarist Mark Ryan, aged 51, passes away. He joined The Ants and appeared with the band in the Derek Jarman movie Jubilee (released in July 1977). Subsequently, he became part of The Photons and was associated with The Moors Murderers.
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AFRICA FACT
Table Mountain, an iconic landmark of South Africa, stands as one of the oldest mountains globally.
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