1877, 12 April
Sir Theophilus Shepstone, accompanied by a small contingent of mounted policemen, issues a proclamation in Church Square, Pretoria, annexing the Transvaal for Britain. He had been given a special commission by Britain's secretary of state for the colonies the previous year to negotiate with the Transvaal government on the question of federation for South African states.
1902, 12 April - Boer War: Peace
Peace negotiations commence in Pretoria between OFS President Marthinus Theunis Steyn and General Lord Kitchener. An initial request by the Boers to retain their independence is met with incredulity.
1947, 12 April
French authorities suppress a revolt in Madagascar.
1975, 12 April
French president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing is the first to visit Algeria since independence was achieved in 1962.
1979, 12 April
Three US Embassy aides, accused of spying, are deported from South Africa.
1980, 12 April
William Richard Tolbert Jr., president of Liberia, is killed in a military coup. He is replaced by Samuel Kanyon Doe, the Chairman of the People's Redemption Council.
1988, 12 April
Death of Alan Paton, founder member of the Liberal Party in South Africa and renowned author of Cry, the Beloved Country.
1993, 12 April
Thousands of blacks take to the streets to protest the assassination of Chris Hani amid calls for an armed uprising.
