This Week On The Continent

7 August 1972: Former Ugandan President and military officer, Idi Amin, orders all people of Asian descent to leave the country within 90 days or face the consequences. Businesses owned by Asians were expropriated and given to his supporters. The businesses were mismanaged and industries collapsed.

8 August 1966: The South African Broadcasting Corporation bans The Beatles records in the country. This was done after the band's lead singer, John Lennon, declared that they were "more popular than Jesus." His remarks were regarded as anti-religious by the corporation.

9 August 1956: An estimated 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the pass laws. Then Prime Minister J.G Strijdom was presented with a petition against the carrying of pass laws by women. It has since been one of the largest mass demonstrations in the history of the country.     

10 August 2012: The Marikana massacre begins near Rustenburg resulting in the deaths of 47 people. Following a strike that began at a mine owned by Lonmin a series of violent events between the South African Police Service and Lonmin security led to the deaths of the miners. 

11 August 1963: Four ANC political detainees escape from Pretoria Central prison.

12 August 1959: The Progressive Party under John Steytler is formed in South Africa. The party was opposed to the ruling National Party's stance and policies on apartheid.

13 August 1960: The Central African Republic gains independence from France.