On April 3^rd, our first meeting of the Probus year was chaired by our new President Tim Eynon. Jane McKeown gave a fascinating talk about “Historical Events in South Africa”.

Jane spoke of the first Portuguese settlers arriving in 1488, followed by Danish, German, French and the Dutch and English settlers in the 17^th century. Treatment of the native tribesmen was harsh, and settlements were established on lands where separate tribes were already living. 1820 saw mass arrivals from England to establish an Empire. Often settlers unsuited to the local conditions were incentivised with subsidised travel and promises of (poor) land, but life was very difficult, involving fighting the tribesmen.

Conflict between settlers and tribesmen continued in the 20^th century, with young skilled South Africans leaving the country for a more peaceful life. While some returned when apartheid was lifted, President Mandela’s death increased the unrest to its present turbulent state.