Permanent historical records ยท Updated 2026-11-03

1988 in South Africa

Explore 6 historical events and records for South Africa in 1988.

Historical records for South Africa in 1988

Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 6 of 6 unique records.

6Unique records
1 of 1Page
5Named events on this page
1Named people on this page
3Places on this page

June

Birth of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla ยท London ยท Politics / ANC

The Wembley celebrations are broadcast to 1 billion worldwide. 80,000 pack Wembley stadium to celebrate Mandelas 70th birthday

July

Birth of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla ยท London ยท Politics / ANC

4 Billion tv-viewers watch Mandelas 70th Birthday Tribute

August

Tuberculosis Diagnosis

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla ยท Cape Town ยท Political Prisoner ยท Politics / ANC

Is hospitalised and diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Tygerberg Hospital Admission

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla ยท Cape Town ยท Political Prisoner ยท Politics / ANC

Receives treatment during a serious decline in prison health.

December

Final Prison Residence

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla ยท Paarl ยท Political Prisoner ยท Politics / ANC

Spends his final fourteen months of imprisonment there.

Victor Verster Transfer

Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla ยท Paarl ยท Political Prisoner ยท Politics / ANC

Moves to a cottage at Victor Verster Prison.

How these records were prepared

Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.