by
KIRSTEN C.

NATIONAL FLAG OF SOUTH AFRICA

LOCATION:

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Dutch came to South Africa in the late 1600’s and by the late 1700’s they tried to establish an independent republic.  However, the British took permanent possession in 1815.  The Europeans brought disease and violence to South Africa.  The made the indigenous people move or become slaves.  Even though the slaves were freed in 1833 they were still treated badly.

Colonization hurt the indigenous people.  It hurt them because of slavery, disease and apartheid.  They designated areas where non-whites were not allowed and were forced to live in poverty in rural areas. In 1936 black voters were removed from the voter rolls. 

The Commonwealth did not like the racism in South Africa, so in 1961 South Africa declared itself a republic.  However, apartheid still existed.  The leader of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned in 1964.  In 1989 Nelson Mandela was released from prison when F.W. de Klerk became president.  In 1991 de Klerk and Mandela began working on a new constitution and by 1993 they put an end to apartheid.  In 1994 South Africa had its first multi-racial election, which resulted in victory for Nelson Mandela and his party.  By 1996 a new constitution was approved and adopted.

Additional problems faced by South Africa include a high crime rate and a poor economy.  The worst problem is HIV and Aids.  The current president does not think that HIV and Aids are related, so he doesn’t see the need to buy necessary drugs from the West.  The new president, Jacob Zuma, has been accused of rape and corruption, therefore the problems may continue.

Works Cited

Flag and map courtesy of Microsoft Clipart Gallery.

Stein, R. Conrad.  South Africa.

Info please. www.infoplease.com

Lonely Planet. www.lonelyplanet.com