South Africa

By jesper.elbaek
  • Jan 1, 1488

    First european

    Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias is the first European to travel round the southern tip of Africa.

  • First slaveships

  • The Dutch establish the port of Cape Town.

    The Dutch establish the port of Cape Town. They are the first Europeans to settle in South Africa.

  • The British take control of Cape Town.

    The British take control of Cape Town.

  • Mandela steps down as President.

    Mandela steps down as President.
  • Period: to

    Dutch settlers fight the British in the Boer War

    Dutch settlers fight the British in the Boer War. Britain eventually gains control of South Africa.

  • Native National Congress founded

    Native National Congress founded, later renamed the African National Congress (ANC).

  • Policy of apartheid

    1948 - Policy of apartheid (separateness) adopted when National Party (NP) takes power.

  • Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.

    Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.

  • ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment.

  • ANC unbanned, Mandela released after 27 years in prison. Namibia becomes independent.

  • First non-racial elections

    1994 April - ANC wins first non-racial elections. Mandela become president, Government of National Unity formed, Commonwealth membership restored, remaining sanctions lifted. South Africa takes seat in UN General Assembly after 20-year absence.

  • South Africa hosts the World Cup soccer tournament.

    South Africa hosts the World Cup soccer tournament.