South Africa: A Brief History
South Africa is a land of rich history and culture, a land which many are lucky to call
home. When Dutch traders needed a stopping point during their travels, they landed at
the southern tip of what is now known as South Africa, and founding Cape Town.
Farmers in this region then moved north to found their own republics. In 1867 and 1886,
diamond and gold respectively were discovered in the region, causing immigration to
the country and increasing the subjugation of the natives. Ultimately, this led to a severe
split between the white and African races that carried on through the decades, leading
to apartheid favoring white people over black people. The African National Congress, in
opposition of the apartheid, led protests and demonstrations fighting to end the divide
and give the power to the majority—the African race. This led to the first multi-race
election in 1994, and since South Africa has been working to overcome the struggles
apartheid induced on the native people.
Geographic Setting
Located at the southernmost point of the continent of Africa, South Africa is bordered by
Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Totaling at
1,219,090 square kilometers, South Africa is about twice the size of the state of Texas.
Five Major Cities
1. Johannesburg
2. Cape Town
