History of South Africa By SadayG Jan 1, 1487 Portuguese explorers reach the Cape of Good Hope Jan 1, 1652 Jan van Riebeeck arrives with the Dutch East Indida Company Jan 1, 1658 Dutch begin to import slaves Jan 1, 1806 Britain gains control of the Cape Colony Jan 1, 1809 First pass laws enacted Period: Jan 1, 1817 to Dec 31, 1830 Mfecane movement creates unreal unrest in eastern areas Jan 1, 1834 British end slavery in all British colonies Jan 1, 1836 British return some land to the Xhosas Period: Jan 1, 1836 to Dec 31, 1840 Afrikaner Great Trek Jan 1, 1838 The Battle of Blood River Period: Jan 1, 1860 to Dec 31, 1866 Indians first arrive in south Africa as indentured servants Jan 1, 1867 Diamonds first discovered Jan 1, 1886 Gold first discovered Jan 1, 1893 Gandhi arrives in South Africa Period: Jan 1, 1899 to Jan 1, 1903 South Africa War Jan 1, 1910 Union of South Africa formed Jan 1, 1911 Mines and Works Act passed Jan 1, 1912 African National Congress established Jan 1, 1913 National Party founded Period: Jan 1, 1914 to Jun 1, 1918 World War I Jun 1, 1919 First mass protest organized by the ANC Feb 18, 1923 South African Indian Congress s established Native Urban Areas Act passed Period: Jan 1, 1939 to Dec 31, 1945 World War II Jan 1, 1944 ANC Youth League formed Jan 1, 1949 National Party gains power and adopts apartheid Period: Jan 1, 1956 to Jan 1, 1960 Treason Trial Jun 1, 1976 Soweto uprising Feb 18, 1990 Nelson Mandela released from prison Jan 1, 2003 TRC issues final report
