1485, 8 December
Explorer and navigator Barholomew Dias anchors in what is now known as Walvis Bay - he gives it the name Golfo de Santa Maria da Conceiçao.
1895, 8 December
Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia wins the battle of Amba Alagi against the forces of Italian General Oreste Baratieri.
1906, 8 December
Britain announces intention to intervene in the Congo Free State if Belgian and German atrocities against natives continues.
1993, 8 December
Winnie Madikizela Mandela is elected president of the ANC's Women's League.
