1652 - The Dutch Arrival

Originally South Africa was inhabited by indigenous San and Khoikhoi people in the South, followed by migrating Bantu speaking people from the North. In 1652, The Dutch East India Company established the first European settlement in southern Africa in Table Bay (Cape Town). Created to supply passing ships with fresh produce, the colony grew rapidly as Dutch farmers settled to grow crops. Shortly after establishing the colony, slaves were imported from East Africa, Madagascar and the East Indies.