Race Relations In Southern Africa

Introduction

In this chapter, learners will delve into the complex interactions between indigenous Africans and white settlers, focusing on cultural exchanges and their lasting impact on both communities. They will analyze the economic relationships that developed between these groups, examining trade patterns and labor systems that shaped their economic structures. The chapter also explores the evolving dynamics of race relations in the post-Great Trek era, emphasizing how social, political, and economic factors influenced interactions between different racial and ethnic groups.

Relationships Between Indigenous Africans And The White Settlers

The history of white settlement in Southern Africa is a complex narrative characterized by both cooperation and conflict between European settlers, their descendants, and the indigenous peoples of the region. This intricate history has left a lasting impact on Southern Africa’s demographics, politics, and social dynamics, shaping the region in profound ways.

Early Dutch Settlement: The Dutch were the first European settlers to establish a presence in Southern Africa...

Integration of French Huguenots and Other European Settlers: The Dutch settlers were soon joined by a diverse array...

British Influence and Settlement: In 1820, the Cape Colony saw the arrival of British ex-servicemen...

The Interactions Between White Settlers And Indigenous Groups Varied Across Different Communities

KoiKhoi: Initially, the KoiKhoi people participated in trade with the Dutch settlers...

Saan (Bushmen): The Saan fiercely resisted the encroachment of Dutch influence as European settlers expanded...

Bantu: In the 17th and 18th centuries, on the eastern frontier of South Africa...

Race Relations During The Period Of The Great Trek And After

The arrival of white settlers in Southern Africa, primarily Boers (Dutch-speaking settlers) and the British...

Mfecane and The Great Trek: The Mfecane, a period of widespread displacement and conflict...

The Relationship Between The White Settlers And The Zulu

In the early 19th century, the Boers from the Cape Colony, dissatisfied with British policies...

The Relationship Between White Settlers And The Swazi

During the first half of the nineteenth century, the Basuto, under the leadership of Moshoeshoe...

The Relationship Between White Settlers And The Griqua

Origins and Composition of the Griqua

The Griqua originated as a diverse mixed-race community formed through the intermingling...

Role of Missionaries

In the early 1830s, missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived to support the Griqua. These missionaries played a dual role in introducing Christianity and providing practical skills that enhanced the Griqua's resilience. The missionaries taught the Griqua various skills, including shooting and riding, which were crucial for their defense and survival. The missionaries also contributed to the community's development by offering educational and technical assistance. Although Moshoeshoe, a notable Griqua leader, did not convert to Christianity himself, he encouraged his people to embrace the new faith, which further integrated them into the broader colonial and missionary networks.

Conflict with the Ndebele

In 1831, the Griqua faced a significant military defeat by the Ndebele, a powerful indigenous group. This defeat led to a major schism within the Griqua community, with a substantial portion, led by Adam Kok (III), choosing to migrate eastward to Philipolis. This strategic move was aimed at positioning themselves along the Voortrekker routes to the North, anticipating future conflicts and opportunities. The defeat and subsequent migration were pivotal events that reshaped the Griqua’s territorial and political landscape, influencing their interactions with other groups in the region.

Migration and Land Loss

In 1861, under the threat of losing their land, approximately 3,000 Griqua embarked on a migration that mirrored the Great Trek undertaken by the Boer pioneers. This migration led them to Griqualand East, a new area of settlement. However, this move came at a cost as they left behind Griqualand West, a region where diamonds were discovered in 1867. The discovery of diamonds in the area they had vacated added to the pressures and challenges faced by the Griqua, as the influx of prospectors and settlers intensified land disputes and competition.

Challenges During the Great Trek

The Great Trek, which saw a large influx of Boer pioneers into Southern Africa, created significant challenges for the Griqua. The Voortrekkers, driven by their own ambitions for land and settlement, outnumbered the Griqua, leading to the appropriation of their land. Despite the efforts of missionaries to defend Griqua rights and negotiate favorable terms, the sheer number of Voortrekkers and the pressures of colonial expansion made it difficult for the Griqua to retain their territory. This period of land loss and displacement marked a significant downturn in the Griqua's fortunes.

Treaties with the British

To maintain peace and manage relations with the Griqua, the British government negotiated several treaties. Notable treaties included those with West Griqua chief Andries Waterboer in 1834 and East Griqua chief Adam Kok in 1843. These treaties established treaty-states and were intended to manage interactions between the Griqua and colonial authorities. The agreements aimed to recognize Griqua autonomy while integrating them into the broader colonial framework. However, these treaties often proved to be temporary solutions, as tensions and disputes continued to arise.

Annexation and Political Tensions

In 1845, political tensions escalated when Adam Kok, adhering to his treaty obligations, attempted to extradite an Afrikaner to Cape authorities. This action, intended to enforce colonial laws, triggered a rebellion among Afrikaners, who were subsequently suppressed by Cape troops at Zwartkoppies. The annexation of the land between the Orange and Vaal Rivers by Sir George Harry Smith in 1848, known as the Orange River Sovereignty, aimed to extend British control and resolve regional disputes. However, the annexation and its enforcement were met with resistance from the Griqua and other local groups.

Annexation of Orange River Sovereignty

The annexation of the Orange River Sovereignty by Sir George Harry Smith marked a significant attempt by the British to consolidate their authority in Southern Africa. This move was intended to pacify the region and establish clear boundaries between British and Boer territories. The annexation aimed to provide stability and control but was met with mixed reactions from both the Griqua and other local groups. The Colonial Secretary, Earl Grey, had ambivalent views on the annexation, reflecting the broader complexities of British colonial policy in the region.

Mixed British Attitudes

The British government's approach to the annexation of the Orange River Sovereignty was characterized by mixed attitudes. While Sir George Harry Smith sought to extend British control and stabilize the region, the Colonial Secretary Earl Grey exhibited more ambivalent feelings about the move. This mixed response highlighted the internal conflicts and uncertainties within the British administration regarding colonial expansion and governance in Southern Africa.