South Africa Timeline

By KiaChristiansen
  • Jan 1, 1400

    Migrants from the north

    4th century - Migrants from the north settle, joining the indigenous San and Khoikhoi people.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1400 to

    South Africa history

  • Jan 1, 1480

    First European travelled around the southern tip of Africa.

    1480s - Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias is the first European to travel round the southern tip of Africa.

  • First Europeans settle in South Africa.

    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.

  • Gold is discovered in Johannesburg

    Gold is discovered in Johannesburg, making the city rich.

  • Boer War

    1899-1902. Dutch settlers fight the British in the Boer War. Britain eventually gains control of South Africa.

  • South Africa becomes an independent nation.

    Formation of Union of South Africa by former British colonies of the Cape and Natal, and the Boer republics of Transvaal, and Orange Free State.

  • Native National Congress

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

  • President Nelson Mandela was born

    Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela is born on July 18 in a small village in South Africa. A teacher later gives him the English name Nelson.

  • Apartheid is introduced

    Apartheid is introduced. Laws legally and physically separate different racial groups

  • Protest against apartheid

    The African National Congress, a black civil rights group, begins a Campaign for Defiance of Unjust Laws as a protest against apartheid. Nelson Mandela is one of its leaders

  • 67 Africans are killed while protesting Apartheid.

    In the town of Sharpeville, 67 Africans are killed while protesting Apartheid.

  • Mandela is arrested for plotting against the government.

    Mandela is arrested for plotting against the government. Though he stays active politically, he will spend 27 years in prison.
    Mandela was a layer and he was a terrorist, from the whites view.

  • The end of apartheid

    President F.W. de Klerk announces the end of apartheid. Mandela is freed from prison after serving 27 years. Namibia becomes independent.

  • De Klerk and Mandela are jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

    De Klerk and Mandela are jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

  • Nelson Mandela is elected President.

    South Africa holds its first elections in which all races can vote. Nelson Mandela is elected President.

  • South Africa hosts and wins the World Cup rugby tournament.

    South Africa hosts and wins the World Cup rugby tournament.

  • Mandela steps down as President.

    Mandela steps down as President.

  • Thabo Mbeki begins his second term as president.

    The African National Congress wins a landslide election, gaining almost 70% of the votes. Thabo Mbeki begins his second term as president.

  • Jacob Zuma is elected President.

    Jacob Zuma is elected President.

  • South Africa hosts the World Cup soccer tournament.

    South Africa hosts the World Cup soccer tournament.