Page 58 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

56  INTRODUCING SOUTH AFRIC A

Clash for Gold and Diamonds

The discovery of diamonds in the North ern Cape laid the
foundation for South Africa’s economy and created a massive
migrant labour system. Subsequent strikes of gold in the east
of the country promised an untold source of wealth best
exploited under a single British authority. African king doms and
two Boer republics were coerced to join a British confederation. Areas of Conflict
Resistance to the British masterplan led to a series of skirmishes Boer strongholds, war zones
that cul minated in the South African (Boer) War of 1899–1902.
The British crushed the Boer resistance, and on 31 May 1902,
the Peace of Vereeniging was signed, ending hostilities.

Gold Fever
Finds of alluvial gold at
Pilgrim’s Rest (see p336)
and Barberton preceded
the 1886 discovery of
Johannesburg’s
Main Reef.

Leander Jameson
(1853–1917)
After the discovery of
the Transvaal gold reefs,
Jameson masterminded
a failed revolt intended
to topple President
Paul Kruger of the
Transvaal Republic.

Cecil John Rhodes (1853–1902)
This ruthless financier became involved in organizing
the Jameson Raid into the Transvaal Republic in 1896, while
he was prime minister of the Cape. The interference in the
affairs of another state effectively ended his political career.

1878 Walvis Bay (in 1884 Lesotho
1867 A 21-carat today’s Namibia) is pro-
diamond is found claimed British territory becomes a British
near Hopetown in protectorate
the Northern Cape
1860 1865 1870 1875 1880
1877 Britain annexes 1881 Boers
South African Republic defeat
1871 Diamonds found at British
Colesberg Kopje (Kimberley). 1879 Britain invades the Zulu kingdom of army at
Gold found in Pilgrim’s Rest Cetshwayo, adjoining its colony of Natal Majuba
Cut diamond

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