The first Sub-Saharan African to study at a European university, Jacobus Elisa Johannes Capitein (African name not known), defends his dissertation at the prestigious University of Leiden in The Netherlands. Stolen from his parents in Gold Coast (Ghana) at age 8, he was given to a Dutch man who provided his education in Holland and recognised his intellectual talent. Perhaps realising that he will never be sent back to Africa as a minister if he does not agree with European views, the dissertation he defends concerns a Christian’s right to own slaves.

For the second time, one of Africa’s first independent newspapers, Cape Town’s South African Commercial Advertiser, is shut down by the British governor of Cape Colony. The newspaper advocates “responsible government”- meaning government elected by and answerable to citizens. Governor Lord Charles Somerset intends to close the newspaper for good, but the publishers will travel to London to make an appeal. The newspaper, which also calls for equal rights for black Africans, will reopen in 1828.

The Malian city Ségou falls to the forces of Omar Saidou Tall (pic), Emperor of West Africa’s Toucouleur Empire. Salvaging the sacred royal family idols, the Segou king Ali Diara flees to Hamdullahi. However, Tall will conquer Hamdullahi in May 1862.

The Battle of Gallabat is a victory for the Mahdist Sudanese over Ethiopia. The Sudanese fortified themselves inside Gallabat, surrounding the town with thorn bushes that are as effective as barbed wire. Ethiopian Emperor Yohannes is mortally wounded during the attack, and his leaderless forces disperse, demoralized.

The South African Air Force does poorly in its first combat missions - not against a foreign enemy but against striking white gold miners. Government has declared martial law against the violent Rand Rebellion, and SAAF planes make 127 flights, giving air support to police between today and 15 March. However, two pilots are killed, two are wounded and two airplanes are shot out of the sky by miners using rifles and pistols.

Not quite a newspaper, but British authorities in Seychelles continue to publish a daily leaflet of news taken from a wire service that comes through the undersea telegraph cable. Named the Reuters Telegrams and Advertisers, the leaflet will change its name in 1942 to Government Bulletin, when it will have a circulation of 800.

Africa’s first fully-automated lighthouse begins operation in Milnerton, South Africa. The signal is a navigational aid at Cape Town’s Table Bay, where some of South Africa’s most turbulent seas endanger shipping.

Radio Seychelles goes on the air, broadcasting from a studio at Union Vale. The population of the archipelago’s 115 islands is 45,500.

Cuban President Fidel Castro (pic left, with Libyan leader Muhammar Gaddafi) receives Libya’s highest decoration, the Order of Courage. He is the first foreigner to receive the award. On 14 March, Castro will receive Somalia’s top decoration, the Order of the Somali Star, First Class.

U.S. President Jimmy Carter concludes the second of three trips to Egypt during his presidency with an address before the People’s Assembly.

Africa’s largest recorded mass-killing from lightning occurs in Rwanda, when a lightning bolt strikes a Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the Nyaruguru District, killing 16 and injuring dozens more. (pic: A community funeral held for the lightning victims).