Because the demand for agricultural land, especially pastures, grew continuously, the settlement steadily spread from Table Bay towards the north and north-east. The Khoikhoi, also called Hottentots, were forced to recede, although they strongly resisted the expansion of the Cape settlers. In 1659, a Khoikhoi uprising resulted in complete defeat, and they had to retreat to the north.
continued
Despite many set-backs - during the first winter 20 of RiebeeckÕs men died - the settlement started to flourish. The number of sailors who anchored at the Cape to stock up on milk, meat and vegetables grew steadily. The construction of a pier rendered the bay safer and even more attractive. Soon there were workshops to repair ships and a hospital for the ill.
With the rapid development of the port the need for labour increased dramatically. Firstly slaves and politically banned people were imported from Indonesia (Java and Sumatra), but soon Dutch settlers arrived and immigrants from all over Europe followed. In 1688, a large group of French Huguenots who were fleeing religious persecution at home, settled at the Cape.
Copyright Southern Domain Online Travel Guides. 33 Andrews Street, Hout Bay 7800, South Africa.
All rights reserved. eMail contact@suedafrika.net.
[
[
