Republic occupying the southernmost portion of Africa. In 1910, the British colonies of Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Transvaal and Orange River Colony united to form the Union of South Africa, a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth. In 1961, the republic was established. After 1948, South African internal policy was based on apartheid, a program of separate development of the races. This policy reserved for the white minority (17.5 percent of the population) the best jobs, political control of the government, and much higher wages than those of other ethnic groups. The plan aimed at the eventual creation of a large number of independent ethnic states. Four black states (Bantustans) were created: Transkei (1976); Bophuthatswana (1977); Venda (1979); and Ciskei (1981). None received international recognition, although each issued stamps that were routinely used within their borders. The South African government began to liberalize its policies during the 1980s, and in 1990 the chief black nationalist party, the African National Congress, was legalized. Negotiations between the regime and the ANC led to the removal of apartheid the following year. During 1992/94 events moved rapidly toward majority rule, which was effected with the ANC's April 1994 election victory.
Former Boer republic (officially, the South African Republic) and British colony in southern Africa; now a province of the Republic of South Africa. Boer settlements north of the Cape Colony were recognized as the independent South African Republic in 1852, but during 1877-82, British forces occupied the area. In 1881, the Transvaal again became independent, but increasing tension with the British led to the Boer War of 1899-1902, after which the country became a British colony. In 1910, the Transvaal joined with Natal, Cape Colony and the Orange River Colony to form the Union of South Africa.
A former independent republic in South Africa. The Orange Free State became the British Orange River Colony in 1900 and was incorporated into the Union of South Africa in 1910.
A former British crown colony on the southeast coast of Africa. A short-lived Boer republic, Natal came under British control in 1843. It was incorporated into the Union of South Africa in 1910.
Inverted overprint on 4p stamp of Cape of Good Hope single
Located at the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope was originally a Dutch colony, passing to the British after the Napoleonic Wars. Conflict between English immigrants and established Dutch settlers (Boers) led to the withdrawal of the Boers into the interior after 1836. These tensions, intensified by the discovery of rich diamond and gold deposits, increasing English immigration and Britain's imperialistic policy, resulted in the Boer War of 1899-1902, which ended with British occupation of the formerly independent Boer republics. In 1910, Cape Colony joined with Natal, Transvaal and the Orange River Colony to form the Union of South Africa. During the Boer War, a number of provisionals appeared, the most famous of which were issued at Mafeking, where the defending British force was commanded by Gen. Robert S.S. Baden-Powell, who later established the Boy Scouts.
TRANSVAAL (SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC)
Stamps issued: 1882-1900
10sh Coat of Arms single
Former Boer republic (officially, the South African Republic) and British colony in southern Africa; now a province of the Republic of South Africa. Boer settlements north of the Cape Colony were recognized as the independent South African Republic in 1852, but during 1877-82, British forces occupied the area. In 1881, the Transvaal again became independent, but increasing tension with the British led to the Boer War of 1899-1902, after which the country became a British colony. In 1910, the Transvaal joined with Natal, Cape Colony and the Orange River Colony to form the Union of South Africa.
A former independent republic in South Africa. The Orange Free State became the British Orange River Colony in 1900 and was incorporated into the Union of South Africa in 1910.
An area of southeastern Africa, which was united into a native kingdom under the Zulu tribe in the 19th century. Conquered by Great Britain in 1887, Zululand was incorporated into Natal in 1898.
A short-lived Boer republic in southern Africa. Independence was suppressed by Great Britain in 1885 and Stellaland was incorporated into British Bechuanaland.
Inverted overprint on 4p stamp of Cape of Good Hope single
Located in South Africa, north of the Orange River, this territory was occupied by the British in 1871, and established as a British crown colony in 1873. It was annexed to Cape Colony in 1880 and since 1910 has been part of South Africa. Griqualand West issued one provisional at Kimberley in 1874 and many varieties of the overprint "G" on various Cape Colony stamps during 1877-78. From 1871 to 1877 and after 1880, Cape Colony stamps were in use.
TRANSVAAL (SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC)
Stamps issued: 1869-1877
1p Coat of Arms single
Former Boer republic (officially, the South African Republic) and British colony in southern Africa; now a province of the Republic of South Africa. Boer settlements north of the Cape Colony were recognized as the independent South African Republic in 1852, but during 1877-82, British forces occupied the area. In 1881, the Transvaal again became independent, but increasing tension with the British led to the Boer War of 1899-1902, after which the country became a British colony. In 1910, the Transvaal joined with Natal, Cape Colony and the Orange River Colony to form the Union of South Africa.
