South Africa (republic)

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Timeline: South Africa (republic)

Years: c. 600 BCE - 2008	Subject: Encyclopedias, Geographical reference
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191735837

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 600 BCE	Phoenicians sail round the Cape of Good Hope and bring back the surprising news that the sun was seen to the north of them Go to Phoenicians in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Exploration The Phoenicians Africa South Africa Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Society
1488	Bartolomeu Dias, sailing for the king of Portugal, becomes the first European navigator to round the Cape of Good Hope Go to Cape of Good Hope in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1652	Jan van Riebeeck establishes a Dutch settlement at the Cape of Good Hope Go to Riebeeck, Jan van (1610–77) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1657	The Dutch in South Africa purchase slaves to do domestic and agricultural work Go to Dutch East India Company in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
c. 1775	Dutch nomads, pressing far north from Cape Town, become known as the Trekboers Go to Afrikaner in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1795	With the Dutch entering the war on the side of the French, Britain seizes their valuable Cape colony in South Africa Go to Cape Colony in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolutionary Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1802	The Treaty of Amiens restores the Cape of Good Hope to the Netherlands Go to Amiens, treaty of (1802) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1806	The British recapture the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch Go to Cape of Good Hope in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1809	The British impose the so-called Hottentot Code, protecting Africans at the Cape but also tying them to employers' farms Go to Hottentot in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1815	The congress of Vienna leaves the Cape of Good Hope in British hands Go to Vienna, Congress of (1814–15) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Africa South Africa Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1816	Shaka wins control of the Zulu and begins to build them into a formidable military machine Go to Shaka (1787–1828) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa South Africa
1820	The first big influx of British settlers, numbering some 5000, arrives at Cape Town in South Africa Go to Cape of Good Hope in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1822	Mzilikazi, after a quarrel with Shaka, leads the Ndebele people to new territories west of Natal Go to Mzilikazi (c. 1796–1868) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Africa South Africa Society
1828	Shaka is murdered by his half-brother Dingaan, who becomes leader of the Zulu in his place Go to Dingaan (1843) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa South Africa
1836	Hendrik Potgieter sets off with some 200 Boers and their cattle at the start of the Great Trek to the north Go to Great Trek (1835–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Hendrik Potgieter and the Boers, protected by a laager at Vegkop, hold off an attack by a large force of Ndebele tribesmen Go to Great Trek (1835–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1837	After a victory at Vegkop, Boers massacre the inhabitants of a dozen Ndebele villages in secret dawn raids Go to Great Trek (1835–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Piet Retief emerges as the new leader of the Great Trek, replacing Potgieter Go to Great Trek (1835–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Potgieter defeats the Ndebele at the Marico river and drives them north of the Limpopo Go to Great Trek, the in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Piet Retief reaches a provisional agreement with Dingaan, the Zulu leader, for a Boer settlement in southern Natal Go to Dingaan (1843) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1838	During a ceremony to celebrate their treaty with Dingaan, Piet Retief and his Boer companions are overpowered and killed Go to Dingaan (1843) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Dingaan's warriors massacre Boer families in a series of dawn raids near the Bloukrans river Go to Dingaan (1843) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires The river Ncome becomes known as the Blood River after thousands of Zulu die attacking Andries Pretorius and the Boers Go to Blood River, Battle of (16 December 1838) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1839	Andries Pretorius sets up the Boer republic of Natalia, with its capital at Pietermaritzburg Go to Pretorius, Andries (1799–1853) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1840	With Boer help, Mpande removes his brother Dingaan from the Zulu throne and takes his place Go to Dingaan (1843) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa South Africa
1843	The British take control of the existing Boer republic and proclaim Natal a British protectorate Go to Natal in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1847	Pretorius leads the last Boer families out of Natal and over the Drakensberg to the high veld Go to Pretorius, Andries (1799–1853) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1848	Harry Smith annexes for Britain the land between the Orange and Vaal rivers, calling it the Orange River Sovereignty Go to Free State in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1854	The Boers establish the Orange Free State as an independent republic, with its own custom-built constitution Go to Free State in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1857	The Boers of the southern Transvaal declare independence as the South African Republic Go to South Africa, Republic of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1871	18-year-old English entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes, on a temporary visit to South Africa, arrives in the new diamond town of Kimberley Go to Rhodes, Cecil (1853–1902) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1872	Cetshwayo becomes king of Zululand, on the death of his father Mpande Go to Cetchewayo, Chief (d. 1884) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa South Africa
1876	Scottish missionaries establish Blantyre (named after Livingstone's birthplace) as a centre from which to fight slavery Go to Malawi, Christianity in in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Africa South Africa Society
1877	Britain annexes the Boer republic in the Transvaal Go to Transvaal in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1879	The British find a pretext to march into the territory ruled by Cetshwayo, thus launching the Zulu War Go to Zulu War (1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Zulu tribesmen surprise and annihilate a British army encamped near Isandhlwana Go to Isandhlwana, Battle of (22 January 1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Immediately after Isandhlwana a tiny British garrison at Rorke's Drift fights off an overwhelming Zulu attack Go to Isandhlwana, Battle of (22 January 1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires The British destruction of Cetshwayo's kraal at Ulundi ends the Zulu War Go to Ulundi, battle of (1879) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Cetshwayo is captured by the British and is exiled to 'Cape Town Go to Cetchewayo, Chief (d. 1884) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Africa South Africa
1881	The Boers inflict a convincing defeat on a British army at Majuba, in the Transvaal Go to Majuba Hill, battle of (1881) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War Battles British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1883	The British reinstate Cetshwayo as Zulu king, but over a much smaller territory Go to Cetchewayo, Chief (d. 1884) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Africa South Africa
1884	Cetshwayo dies, after being expelled from his kingdom in an uprising led by Zibhebhu and supported by Boer mercenaries Go to Cetchewayo, Chief (d. 1884) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Africa South Africa The Boer republic in the Transvaal regains its independence from Britain Go to Kruger, Paul (1825–1904) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Dinizulu, son of Cetshwayo, employs Boer mercenaries led by Louis Botha to drive his father's enemy, Zibhebhu, from the Zulu kingdom Go to Botha, Louis (1862–1919) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Africa South Africa Botha and his Boer followers are rewarded by Dinizulu with a large tract of land, in which they establish their own Boer republic Go to Botha, Louis (1862–1919) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Africa South Africa
1887	To put an end to the Boer republic in Zululand, the British annexe the Zulu kingdom Go to Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal/South Africa) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Africa South Africa
1889	Cecil Rhodes forms the British South Africa Company to push British commerce and imperial control further north Go to British South Africa Company in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1893	Mahatma Gandhi, travelling with a first-class ticket, is forcibly ejected from the carriage at Pietermaritzburg because of his colour Go to Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand (1869–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Persecution and repression British empire Africa South Africa Empires
1895	Leander Jameson leads a disastrous raid into the Transvaal, in an attempt to topple Paul Kruger's government Go to Jameson Raid (1895) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1896	Cecil Rhodes' involvement with the Jameson raid forces his resignation as the Cape Colony prime minister Go to Jameson Raid (1895) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1897	Zululand, annexed by Britain in 1887, is now merged with the colony of Natal Go to Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal/South Africa) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Paul Kruger, prime minister of the Transvaal, forms an alliance with the other Boer republic, the Orange Free State Go to Kruger, Paul (1825–1904) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires The UK colonial secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, appoints enthusiastic imperialist Alfred Milner as high commissioner in South Africa Go to Milner, Alfred (1854–1925) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1900	Paul Kruger flees after the British take Pretoria and annexe both the Boer republics Go to Kruger, Stephanus Johannes Paulus (1825–1904) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires The relief of Mafeking ends a long siege which brings fame to the British commander of the garrison, Robert Baden-Powell Go to Mafeking, siege of (1899–1900) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1901	Thousands of women and children die in the concentration camps used by the British army for displaced Boer families Go to Boer Wars (1880–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1902	A treaty at Vereeniging ends the Boer War and brings the Boer republics under British control Go to Vereeniging, treaty of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1905	Transvaal politician Louis Botha forms Het Volk ('The People'), a party committed to Afrikaner self-government Go to Botha, Louis (1862–1919) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires The largest diamond yet known is found in a South African mine belonging to Thomas Cullinan Go to Cullinan diamond in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry War Africa South Africa Society
1906	Mahatma Gandhi, confronted by racial discrimination in South Africa, launches a programme of passive resistance (satyagraha) Go to satyagraha in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War British empire Africa South Africa Empires Transvaal is given the self-governing status promised in the treaty ending the Boer War Go to Vereeniging, treaty of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1907	The Transvaal government presents to Edward VII the Cullinan diamond, now part of the British crown jewels Go to Cullinan diamond in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British monarchs - from 1066 Africa South Africa Rulers and politicians
1909	National delegates from the four provincial parliaments draw up a draft constitution for a South African union Go to South Africa in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Mineral discoveries on the border of Northern Rhodesia and the Belgian Congo give the first hint of the riches of the Copper Belt Go to Zambia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa Central Africa East Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1910	The Union of South Africa becomes an independent dominion within the British empire Go to South Africa in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Louis Botha is prime minister of the newly formed Union of South Africa, with Jan Smuts as his minister of interior and defence Go to Botha, Louis (b. 27 Sept. 1862) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1912	The South African National Native Congress (subsequently the ANC, African National Congress) is set up in Cape Province Go to ANC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1913	Dinizulu's son Solomon follows his father as king or chief of the Zulu people, and direct descendants of Shaka's brother Mwande continue to inherit until today Go to Zulu in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Africa South Africa
1914	J.B.M. Hertzog founds the National Party in South Africa to represent Afrikaner interests Go to Hertzog, J. B. M. (1866–1942) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Africa South Africa
1915	The nearest star to earth, the red dwarf Proxima Centauri 4.22 light years away, is discovered by Robert Innes, Scottish director of the Johannesburg Observatory Go to Proxima Centauri in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science Astronomy and space Africa South Africa
1919	On the death of Louis Botha, Jan Smuts succeeds him as prime minister of South Africa Go to Smuts, Jan Christian (24 May 1870) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1923	The African National Congress (ANC) is formed in South Africa by renaming the South African National Native Congress Go to ANC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1924	James Hertzog's National Party, committed to protecting white privilege, comes to power in South Africa Go to Hertzog, James Barry Munuik (b. 3 Apr. 1866) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa The British rugby team touring South Africa are for the first time called the Lions Go to rugby football in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Africa South Africa Europe Society Britain
1939	September 4 - Jan Smuts defeats J.B.M. Hertzog in a vote on neutrality, and takes Hertzog's place as South African premier Go to Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870–1950) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Africa South Africa Wars since 1900 September 4 - Jan Smuts brings South Africa into the war in support of Britain Go to Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870–1950) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Africa South Africa Wars since 1900
1948	Daniel Malan becomes South Africa's prime minister after his National Party wins the general election Go to Malan, Daniel François (1874–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Africa South Africa Daniel Malan moves swiftly to reinforce apartheid, South Africa's already existing system of racial segregation Go to apartheid in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Social and domestic Africa South Africa Society
1949	Radical young members, including Nelson Mandela, take control of the ANC Go to ANC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Africa South Africa
c. 1950	Soweto begins to be built outside Johannesburg to segregate the city's black labour force Go to Soweto, South Africa in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Social and domestic Africa South Africa Society
1953	South African author Nadine Gordimer publishes her first novel, The Lying Days Go to Gordimer, Nadine (1923– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature Literature in English Fiction Africa South Africa
1958	Hendrik Verwoerd becomes prime minister of South Africa on the death of J.G. Strijdom Go to Verwoerd, Hendrik Frensch (b. 8 Sept. 1901) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1959	The Transkei becomes the first African homeland, or Bantustan, within South Africa Go to Bantustan in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1960	UK prime minister Harold Macmillan, in Cape Town, warns the white settlers of Africa that 'the wind of change' is blowing through their continent See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa South Africa Europe Empires Rulers and politicians South African police fire on a crowd in Sharpeville, near Johannesburg, killing more than sixty people Go to Sharpeville Massacre (21 Mar. 1960) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Africa South Africa Nelson Mandela leads a new armed section of the ANC (African National Congress), formed in response to Sharpeville Go to Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla (1918) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Africa South Africa Albert Luthuli, president of the ANC in South Africa, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Go to Luthuli, Albert John (c. 1898–1967) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1961	Commonwealth opposition to apartheid causes South Africa to leave the organization and become a republic Go to South Africa, Republic of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa Nelson Mandela and the ANC adopt guerrilla tactics against the apartheid regime in South Africa Go to ANC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Africa South Africa
1964	Nelson Mandela is sentenced to life imprisonment and is sent to a gaol on Robben Island Go to Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla (b. 18 July 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1966	Prime minister Hendrik Verwoerd is stabbed to death in the South African parliament Go to Verwoerd, Hendrik Frensch (1901–66) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1967	South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard, in Cape Town, transplants the heart of a young woman into a 55-year-old grocer, Louis Washkansky Go to Barnard, Christiaan Neethling (1922–2001) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Science Medicine Africa South Africa
1976	Hundreds of deaths and casualties result from police firing on a demonstration by schoolchildren in the black township of Soweto Go to Soweto in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Africa South Africa
1977	Steve Biko, founder of Black Consciousness, dies of head wounds received in police custody in Pretoria Go to Biko, Steve (b. 18 Dec. 1946) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Africa South Africa
1983	South African novelist J.M. Coetzee publishes The Life and Times of Michael K, and wins the Booker Prize Go to Coetzee, J. M. (1940– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature Literature in English Fiction Africa South Africa
1984	Desmond Tutu, rector of an Anglican church in Soweto, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Go to Tutu, Desmond Mpilo (1931– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1986	Western nations finally impose sanctions on South Africa in response to apartheid Go to South Africa in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa Desmond Tutu is the first black African to be archbishop of Cape Town Go to Tutu, Desmond Mpilo (1931– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Religion Christianity Social and domestic Africa South Africa Society
1989	Frederik Willem de Klerk, promising reform, wins a whites-only South African presidential election Go to De Klerk, Frederik Willem (18 Mar. 1936) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1990	South African president F.W. de Klerk announces his radical intention to end apartheid Go to De Klerk, Frederik Willem (18 Mar. 1936) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa Nelson Mandela is given an ecstatic reception on his release after twenty-six years in prison on Robben Island, near Cape Town Go to Mandela, Nelson (Rolihlahia) (1918– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Africa South Africa Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi transforms Inkatha into a political party, the Inkatha Freedom Party Go to Inkatha Freedom Party in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Africa South Africa
1992	The New York company Dance Theatre of Harlem tours South Africa, with the slogan 'Dancing Through Barriers' Go to Dance Theatre of Harlem in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Performing arts Dance Africa South Africa North America United States
1993	Apartheid ends in South Africa, after two thirds of white voters vote for its abolition in a referendum Go to apartheid in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Africa South Africa Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk are jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their partnership in South Africa Go to Mandela, Nelson (Rolihlahia) (1918– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1994	A new constitution in South Africa guarantees equal rights to all citizens Go to South Africa in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa South Africa's first non-racial election is won by the ANC with 63% of the vote Go to ANC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Africa South Africa Nelson Mandela is sworn in as the first president of the new democratic South Africa Go to Mandela, Nelson (Rolihlahia) (1918– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa With apartheid ended, South Africa rejoins the Commonwealth of Nations Go to South Africa in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
1996	Archbishop Desmond Tutu chairs South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission Go to Tutu, Desmond Mpilo (1931– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Africa South Africa Society
1999	Nelson Mandela retires from active politics and is succeeded by Thabo Mbeki as South Africa's president Go to Mbeki, Thabo (1942– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa South Africa
2007	Jacob Zuma is elected president of the African National Congress in South Africa, in place of Thabo Mbeki Go to African National Congress in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Africa South Africa
2008	Thabo Mbeki resigns as President of South Africa, after losing the support of his party, the African National Congress Go to African National Congress in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Africa South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe is elected temporary President of the Republic of South Africa after the resignation of Mbeki Go to Mbeki, Thabo Mvuyelwa (b. 18 June 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Africa South Africa

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date: 06 August 2021

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