South African history By Emma2585 Jan 1, 1487 Portuguese Bartolomeu Dias leads the first european voyage to South Africa Nov 27, 1652 The Dutch Cape Colony is founded Nov 27, 1658 The first slaveship arrives at the colony Nov 27, 1779 War between colonists and natives Nov 27, 1815 The British take over the Cape Colony Nov 27, 1833 slaves are freed Nov 27, 1872 The Cape becomes a self governing colony Nov 27, 1910 The Union of South Africa is formed Nov 27, 1948 Apartheid begins Apr 27, 1994 Nelson Mandela is elected president Jun 1, 2010 South Africa hosts the Football World Cup