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SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY/ GOV'T | |
| EARLY SETTLERS: The Khoe and San people were believed to be the original inhabitants of South Africa thousands of years ago. These hunter/gatherers began the first government with a Chiefdom, based on control over cattle. A primative social order came over with the European Seafarers in the late 15th century and lasted for the next several centuries. |
BRITISH RULE: As the British gained control of the Cape Colony in the early 1800's, Liberalism took root. Much dissenssion began stewing during these years of British,including slavery in many parts of South Africa. For a while, Natal had a system of political and legal dualism, while the Cape eventually gained responsible self government in the 1850's. |
THE ANGLO-BOER WAR AND
APARTHEID: The year of 1899 brought the Anglo-Boer War between the British and the Boers brought The National Party and discreminatory laws. The African population was rapidly divided into several racial communities, banned from interracial mixing. White Supremacy was very active in the government during this time in South Africa. |
DEMOCRATIC SOUTH
AFRICA: The end of the Cold War brought attention and assistance to South Africa, and in 1994, they held their first democratic election under an interim Constitution. For five years, Nelson Mandela led South Africa through a period of healing and reconstruction. His time ended and Thabo Mbeki became President in 1999 to lead South Africa into a positive looking future. |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT, VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES:
* From Political History to Interesting Facts; Check out this overview of SA.
*Ever wondered what the South African Constitution says?
*Or check out this quick summary of governmental structure.
*Update your knowledge by reading this headline news from South Africa.