South Africa has a long history of migration and settlement by various groups starting 3000 BC. Major kingdoms were established by the Zulu and Xhosa tribes in the 1400-1600 period. The Dutch established Cape Town in 1652 and were the first Europeans to settle in South Africa. Apartheid was introduced in 1948, legally separating racial groups. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for opposing apartheid before being released in 1990. South Africa's first democratic elections open to all races were held in 1994, where Mandela was elected president, marking the end of apartheid.

1. South Africa History Timeline & Facts

2. Concise History of South Africa 3000BC - 1000BC Evidence of migration of people from Somalia and Ethiopia The Zulus, who belong to the Nguni-speaking peoples, constitute the majority of the population. Other tribes include the Khoi, San, and Xhosa

3. 0-1000 AD400 AD - Migration of the Bantu peoples into South Africa 700 AD - Trade with the Arabs and Phoenicians in ivory, rhino horn, gold, shells and slaves

4. 1400-1600 Zulu and Xhosa tribes establish large kingdoms in the South Africa region1480 - Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias first European to travel round the southern tip of Africa1652 - The Dutch establish the port of Cape Town. They are the first Europeans to settle in South Africa

5. 1800’s1852 - The British take control of Cape Town.1867 - Diamonds discovered at Kimberley1886 - Gold is discovered in Johannesburg, making the city rich1899-1902 Dutch settlers fight the British in the Boer War. Britain eventually gains control of South Africa

6. Gold is discovered in the 1880’s

7. Early 1900’s 1910 - South Africa becomes an independent nation.1912 - Native National Congress founded, later renamed the African National Congress (ANC). 1913 - Land Act introduced preventing Blacks from purchasing land1918 - RolihlahlaDalibhunga Mandela is born on July 18 in a small village in South Africa. A teacher later gives him the English name Nelson.

8. 1950’s1948 - Apartheid is introduced. Laws legally and physically separate different racial groups1950 - Group Areas Act passed to segregate black and white people 1950 – 1952 The African National Congress (ANC) led by Nelson Mandela initiates a civil disobedience. Defiance of Unjust Laws as a protest against apartheid

9. 1960’s1960 - In the town of Sharpeville, 67 Africans are killed while protesting Apartheid. 1961 - South Africa declared a republic1962 - Mandela is arrested for plotting against the government. Though he stays active politically, he will spend 27 years in prison.1964 - Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment

10. 1970 – 19801970's- 1980's Civil unrest, sanctions imposed on South Africa, forced resettlement process and Township revolts. More than 3 million people forcibly resettled in black 'homelands’Black protesters are killed in an uprising in Soweto

11. 1990-19911990 - President F.W. de Klerk announces the end of apartheid. 1990 - Nelson Mandela released from prison after 27 years. 1991 - De Klerk repeals remaining apartheid laws and international sanctions are liftedPresident F.W. de Klerk

12. 1995-19961993 - De Klerk and Mandela are jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.1994 - South Africa holds its first elections in which all races can vote.

13. 1994Nelson Mandela is elected President

14. 1995-19961995 - South Africa hosts and wins the World Cup soccer tournament.1996 - Truth and Reconciliation Commission begins hearings on human rights crimes committed by former government and liberation movements during apartheid era.

15. 1996 - 19991996 - Parliament adopts new constitution. National Party withdraws from coalition, saying it is being ignored.1998 - Truth and Reconciliation Commission report brands apartheid a crime against humanity and finds the ANC accountable for human rights abuses.1999 - Mandela steps down as President

16. 2000 - 2008Thabo Mbeki is the voted to be the next presidentHe denies HIV causes AIDSPrevalence rates rise to 30%, among the highest in the world

17. 2008-2009Jacob Zuma is elected presidentSouth Africa continues construction of stadiums and roads to prepare for 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament