A Brazilian woman feeds table scrapes to enslaved African children and is attended to by enslaved African servants in this popular illustration from today, which is meant for framing and display. From 1501 to 1866, Brazil imported more enslaved Africans than any single country: 4.9 million from 1501 to 1866.
Construction is well along on the Union Buildings in South Africa, with the topping of the West tower overlooking Pretoria. Dedication of the complex to house the Executive Branch of government is set for next year (1913).
The only transportation in Nyasaland (Malawi) to locations unconnected to roads or the railway are still river steamers. Some of the ships are 50 years old; all provide dependable service.
The influential U.S. magazine The New Yorker publishes the short story “A Watcher of the Dead" by Nadine Gordimer, bringing international attention to the South African writer and future recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
In Gambia, political activist Cham Joof (pic) leads a march to Government House in Banjul to press the visiting British Secretary of State for Colonies on various issues. Marchers chant one of their demands: “Bread and Butter!” Colonial authorities respond to what will become known as “The Bread and Butter Demonstration” by beating and tear-gasing marchers. Joof is arrested and put on trial.
As the Six-Day War erupts between Egypt and Israel, Israeli troops reach the Suez Canal. Egyptian President Gamal Nasser admits the humiliating loss, and resigns from government. Mass street demonstrations to protest his decision will occur on 10 June, and Nasser will reverse his decision on 11 June.
The Silver Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is celebrated in Britain’s former African colonies out of respect for the head of the Commonwealth who makes regular state visits on tours of the continent.
Zimbabwe wins its first one-day cricket international, against Australia.
Angola government planes mistakenly bomb a school in Waku Kungo that they believe to be a rebel base, killing 89 children, as the country’s seemingly endless civil war concludes its second decade of fighting.
Considered one of Hollywood’s worst major films set in Africa, Congo, a retelling of King Solomon’s Mines, is released to critical scorn.
In Tanzania, measurements show that 85% of the snow cover of Mount Kilimanjaro has disappeared since the first measurement taken a century before, in October 1912.
South African cyclist and Africa’s first international sports champion, in Aberdeen, Cape Colony. Improved international travel in the late 19th century allowed athletes from around the world to compete against each other. Meintjes’ 1893 win at the International Cycling Association World Championships in Chicago, USA was recorded as the first international championship won by someone from the African continent. He represented Transvaal Republic.
Kenyan economist and academic, in Port Victoria, British Kenya. Most noted for his work in sustainable development, his research on the impact of new technologies on developing economies earned him international honours. His work has influenced African government’s economic decision marking.
Nigerian rapper, co-founder of Mo’ Hits Records and winner of several international music awards, in Zaria, Nigeria.
Tanzanian fashion model, in Shinyanga, Tanzania. The award winning model was discovered in her role as Miss Tanzania in the 2007 Miss Universe pageant. She has worked with the world’s top fashion designers and on advertisements for major international companies.
