Van Riebeeck at the beginnings of Cape town. EdQuest Questions: 1) If you had been a native of South Africa during the time it was colonized, how would you have reacted to the Dutch and British? 2) Who ordered Van Riebeeck to establish a refreshment station? | Colonization South Africa was colonized by the Dutch and the English in the 17th century because of their abundance in fertile lands and precious minerals such as diamonds and gold. In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck established a refreshment station at Cape town, following the orders from the Dutch East India Trading Company. The new town traded with the neighboring Khoikhoi, though it was not a friendly trade. In 1662, Van Riebeeck left Cape town with some of his people in the new colony. The Dutch brought slaves from Madagascar and Indonesia who they often married. Many settlers started to travel around the country. They soon formed the Trekboers, who were independent from their government. When the Dutch power began to fade, the British took their place and prevented the French from taking Cape town and gaining more power. Cape Town |
