A Brief History of South Africa

A number of the most primeval archaeological sites in Africa are located in South Africa. There are strong presence of relics confirming the existence of various species such as the Homo Habilis, Homo Erectus, and Homo Sapiens. The Bushman and Bantu groups were also early inhabitants with a developed livelihood system.

The arrival of the Portuguese in 1487 marked the beginning of South Africa’s written history. The Cape of Good Hope was discovered by Bartolomeu Dias after traveling the southernmost part of Africa. During the late 16th century, the English and Dutch began its expansion in most trading routes around South Africa. In 1795, Great Britain captured the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town. The First Boer War (1880-1881) intensified the natives’ aspiration for independence. But the British reinforced themselves and won the Second Boer War (1899-1902). The Union of South Africa was established in 1910 and eventually was granted sovereignty from the United Kingdom. South Africa became a republic in May 31, 1961 and replaced the office of the Governor-General with the State President position.

Apartheid, an economical, legal and political discrimination against people who are not “Whites”, became more disputed resulting to sanctions and increasing oppression and disorder within South Africa. The National Party government lifted the ban on the African National Congress (ANC) and freed Nelson Mandela in 1990 after 27 years of sabotage imprisonment. South Africa demolished its nuclear armory and signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. In May 9, 1994, Nelson Mandela was voted as President through the country’s first universal suffrage general elections. The Parliament enacted the new Constitution and Bill of Rights after 2 years.