September 1828★★★★★
Assassination of Shaka
The Zulu king Shaka was assassinated by his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana; Dingane succeeded him.
DeathPolitics· South Africa
Timeline
9 events19th century
20th century
- May 31, 1910★★★★★
Union of South Africa is formed
The Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange River colonies united as the Union of South Africa, a self-governing dominion of the British Empire.
Politics· South Africa - January 8, 1912★★★★★
African National Congress founded
The South African Native National Congress, forerunner of the ANC, was founded in Bloemfontein to defend the rights of Black Africans.
Politics· South Africa - May 26, 1948★★★★★
National Party wins power and apartheid begins
The National Party won South Africa's general election and began enacting apartheid, a legally enforced system of racial segregation that lasted until the early 1990s.
Politics· South Africa - March 21, 1960★★★★★
Sharpeville massacre
South African police opened fire on a crowd protesting pass laws at Sharpeville, killing 69 people; the ANC and PAC were subsequently banned.
Politics· South Africa - June 16, 1976★★★★★
Soweto uprising
Black schoolchildren in Soweto protested against compulsory instruction in Afrikaans; police opened fire, and the ensuing crackdown left hundreds dead.
PoliticsRevolution· South Africa - February 11, 1990★★★★★
Release of Nelson Mandela
After 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison, opening the way to negotiations to end apartheid.
Politics· South Africa - April 27, 1994★★★★★
South Africa's first multiracial election
South Africa held its first election with universal suffrage across all races; the ANC won and Nelson Mandela became president, marking the end of apartheid.
Politics· South Africa
21st century
- July 9, 2002★★★★★
African Union launched
The African Union was formally launched in Durban, replacing the Organisation of African Unity.
Politics· South Africa