The Dutch arrived in South Africa in 1652 with the establishment of the VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie) on the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape was set up as a provisioning station, and the Dutch had some clashes with indigenous Khoikhoi peoples over land use, along with conflicts with other European settlers who arrived during this period, particularly over land rights and water use from the indigenous population.
Pushing into Southern Africa
The first Dutch settlers to enter Southern Africa are Jan van Riebeeck and his team of employees, who arrive at what they call Cape Town on April 6, 1652. Van Riebeeck’s mandate is to establish a resupply station for ships of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The company had grown rich by trading spices, silk, tea and other goods between Europe and Asia.
Cape Town
The first Dutch settlement was built at Cape Town, on a site that offered protection from the westerlies and a secure anchorage. The town, which is still known as Cape Town today, was established by Jan van Riebeeck on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to provide food for passing ships and to serve as a base for sending out exploring parties to spy out new trading opportunities.
