Samora Machel

20 January 1987

The first hearing looking into the mysterious death of Samora Machel begins

Captain William Kidd

20 January 1697

Notorious Pirate, Captain William Kidd, is reportedly sighted off the coast of Cape Town

Tutu receives the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Non-Violence while visiting Atlanta in January 1986. At left is King's wife, Coretta Scott King. King's daughter Christine is behind Tutu, and Tutu's daughter Naomi is at right. AFP/AFP/Getty Images

20 January 1986

Bishop Tutu receives Martin Luther King Award

20 January 1879

British troops establish their camp at Isandlwana

20 January 1939

The highest temperature in the shade is recorded in the Cape

20 January 1971

The Ruth Prowse Art Centre is opened

20 January 1990

General Lothar Neethling sues Vrye Weekblad and the Weekly Mail

20 January 1977

Paul Adams, former South African cricket player, is born

20 January 1981

The Minister of the Interior warns that re-registration of the Post newspapers would be banned

20 January 2005

Warlord Thomas Shabalala is shot