People and Events on September 17, 1993

Sofiane Boufal

31 Years Old

A Moroccan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder, known for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability.

Sophie Howard

31 Years Old

Scottish footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Scotland women's national team and various clubs, including Rangers and Hibernian. Known for her skills on the pitch and advoc...

Nikolai Prokhorkin

31 Years Old

Russian ice hockey forward who played in the Kontinental Hockey League and represented Russia in international competitions. Known for his speed and scoring ability.

The Day the Walls of Apartheid Began to Crumble

September 17th, 1993, was a day that would go down in history as a pivotal moment in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. On this day, the South African government, led by President F.W. de Klerk, and the African National Congress (ANC), led by Nelson Mandela, signed the Record of Understanding, paving the way for the country's first multiracial democratic elections.

Paving the Way for Democracy

The Record of Understanding marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, as it acknowledged the ANC's right to participate in the country's transition to democracy. This agreement came after months of intense negotiations between the government and the ANC, facilitated by the National Peace Accord.

Birth of Future Sporting Stars

On this day, three future sporting stars were born: Sofiane Boufal, a Moroccan professional footballer known for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability; Sophie Howard, a Scottish footballer who would go on to play for the Scotland women's national team and advocate for women's football; and Nikolai Prokhorkin, a Russian ice hockey forward who would represent Russia in international competitions.

A Milestone in International Relations

September 17th, 1993, also marked the signing of the Israel-Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Declaration of Principles, also known as the Oslo Accords. This historic agreement aimed to establish a framework for peace in the Middle East, with Israel recognizing the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people.

Celebrating International Literacy Day

This day also marked the 27th anniversary of International Literacy Day, a global celebration of literacy and education. Established by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966, this day aimed to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and education in promoting social and economic development.

A Lasting Legacy

As we look back on September 17th, 1993, we remember a day that marked a significant step towards democracy, equality, and international cooperation. It was a day that paved the way for a brighter future, not just for South Africa, but for the world at large.