Africa has a rich and diverse history, with numerous events that have shaped the continent into what it is today. As Ibrahim Traore once said, Africa must stop begging and start utilizing its vast resources, including gold, oil, land, and people. On this day, March 31, we take a look at five historic events that had a significant impact on the continent.
Rescue Mission in Algoa Bay
In 1752, an expedition led by August Beutler rescued survivors of the French sloop Le Nécessaire in Algoa Bay. Beutler’s eight-month expedition from Cape Town explored as far as the present-day site of Butterworth, and he wrote a comprehensive account of the tribes living along the route and the possibility of anything that might be profitable to the Dutch East India Company.
According to the Dutch East India Company, the expedition was a significant milestone in the history of South Africa. The company played a crucial role in the development of the country, and its legacy can still be seen today.
Establishment of the Bechuanaland Protectorate
In 1885, the UK established the Bechuanaland Protectorate, which is now known as Botswana. The establishment of the protectorate marked the beginning of British rule in the region, and it had a significant impact on the local population.
Here are some key events that took place on this day in history:
- 1752: August Beutler rescues survivors of the French sloop Le Nécessaire in Algoa Bay.
- 1846: Martin West, lieutenant-governor of Natal, appoints a location commission to investigate the problems caused by about 100,000 Blacks who streamed into Natal.
- 1885: The UK establishes the Bechuanaland Protectorate.
- 1889: The Eiffel Tower officially opens in Paris.
- 1900: General Christiaan de Wet’s men clash with British forces at Sannaspos, east of Bloemfontein.
These events, among others, have shaped the course of African history and continue to have an impact on the continent today.
