Pretoria in History

Gains recognition from Britain of the independence of the Boer State of Transvaal

Establishes a settlement that develops into Pretoria.

Names the settlement in honour of his father Andries Pretorius.

Pretoria becomes the capital of the South African Republic.

The republican government establishes its permanent administrative centre there.

Appointed Commander of the Transvaal forces

Elected President of the South African Republic, 2nd term

Transvaal is Annexed by the British & Kruger is dismissed

Loses the republic when Britain annexes the Transvaal.

The Transvaal becomes an independent Afrikaner republic at the Convention of Pretoria

The Transvaal becomes an independent Afrikaner republic at the Convention of Pretoria

The Transvaal becomes an independent Afrikaner republic at the Convention of Pretoria

Boer leaders sign the Pretoria Convention restoring Transvaal self-government.

The settlement formalizes restored Transvaal self-government.

Helps formalize the restoration of republican administration.

Boer leaders announce the restoration of Transvaal republican government.

Boer leaders sign the Pretoria Convention restoring Transvaal self-government.

The agreement confirms substantial internal autonomy for the Transvaal.

Joins the Boer triumvirate accepting restored self-government.

Signs the convention confirming Transvaal self-government.

Signs the convention settling the First Boer War.

Signs the Pretoria Convention restoring Transvaal self-government.

Signs the Pretoria Convention after the Boer victory.

Signs the settlement with Britain.

Signs the Pretoria Convention with Britain.

Signs the Pretoria Convention as a member of the Boer triumvirate.

Signs the convention settling the First Boer War.

Signs the Pretoria Convention with British representatives.

Boer leaders announce the restoration of Transvaal republican government.

Secures restored Transvaal self-government under British suzerainty.

The agreement restores Transvaal self-government under British suzerainty.

Establishes his presidential administration in the Transvaal capital.

Begins his first elected term as president of the republic.

The Ou Raadsaal becomes a central symbol of republican government.

Presides as the Volksraad meets in the new government building.

Captures the raiders and strengthens Boer nationalism.

Resigns pending enquiries into the Jameson Raid, found guilty of engineering the raid

Resigns pending enquiries into the Jameson Raid, found guilty of engineering the raid

Resigns pending enquiries into the Jameson Raid, found guilty of engineering the raid

Begins a fourth term as president of the South African Republic.

Continues leading the Transvaal during mounting tensions with Britain.

Advised by Joseph Chamberlain to give civil rights to Uitlanders, in the Transvaal

Advised by Joseph Chamberlain to give civil rights to Uitlanders, in the Transvaal

Issues an ultimatum demanding withdrawal of British troops.

Leaves Pretoria before the British advance.

Leaves Pretoria ahead of the British advance.

The republican government relocates as Roberts approaches the capital.

British troops enter Pretoria during Roberts's advance.

Accepts peace while seeking future self-government for Afrikaners.

De Wet signs the peace settlement that ends the Second Boer War after the Boer representatives accept British sovereignty.

Signs the Treaty of Vereeniging ending the Second Boer War.

Burger signs the Treaty of Vereeniging as a senior Transvaal representative, formally ending the war.

Funeral procession of Paulus Kruger, revives an Afrikaaner political revival

Appointed Transvaal Provisional Assembly

Becomes prime minister under restored responsible government.

Forms a government supported by Afrikaner and English-speaking allies.

Forms the Transvaal government after Het Volk wins the election.

Becomes prime minister after Het Volk wins the Transvaal election.

Botha attends the opening of Parliament by Lord Selbourne

Discusses the future of a united South Africa

Advocates a "two-stream" policy regarding Dutch & English-speaking South Africans

Appointed Senate of the Union of South Africa

Founds & leads the Unionist Party

Becomes the first prime minister-designate of the Union of South Africa.

Is asked by Lord Gladstone to form the Union government.

South Africa becomes a self-governing Dominion of the British Empire. Proclamation of the Union of South Africa

Heads the first cabinet of the Union of South Africa.

Heads the new dominion formed from four former colonies.

Composed of Natal, Cape of Good Hope, Orange Free State & the Transvaal

South Africa becomes a self-governing Dominion of the British Empire

Proclamation of the Union of South Africa. Composed of Natal, Cape of Good Hope, Orange Free State & the Transvaal

Begins governing the new dominion from its administrative capital.

Takes office as first prime minister when the Union begins.

Becomes a leading figure in Botha's South African Party.

Leads formation of the South African Party after Union.

Creates a broad governing organization around reconciliation and union.

Helps shape the governing party's national programme.

Oversees legislation creating the Union Defence Force.

Creates a unified military structure for the Union.

Establishes a unified military structure for the Union.

Organizes implementation of the new Union Defence Force.

Reconstructs his cabinet after political conflict with Hertzog.

Excludes Hertzog as divisions among Afrikaner politicians deepen.

Advocates, "South Africa First" & should use imperialism for its own sel-interest

Conquers German SW Africa

Founds the National Party for 2 stream English & Dutch cultural & national development

Founds the National Party for 2 stream English & Dutch cultural & national development

Suppresses a Boer revolt under General de Wet

Suppresses a Boer revolt under General de Wet

Hertzog's federal party expands its organization into Pretoria.

The Transvaal branch of the National Party is established.

Supports Botha in suppressing the Afrikaner wartime rebellion.

Coordinates government military operations against rebel commandos.

Helps organise loyalist forces against the rebels.

Faces an Afrikaner revolt against the invasion of German South West Africa.

Campaigns on a platform of neutrality & gradual progress towards full independence. Appointed Party Leader of the South Africa National Party

South Africa administers South West Africa under League mandate.

Begins his premiership after the Pact election victory.

Makes Afrikans the official language

Forms a government with Labour support and an Afrikaner nationalist programme.

Seeks to repatriate South Africas Indian minority. Makes Afrikans the official language

South Africa restores gold convertibility after sterling returns to the pre-war parity.

Supports legislation recognizing Afrikaans as an official language.

The change replaces Dutch for official constitutional purposes.

Founds the Department of External Affairs

South Africa begins sending diplomats broad

South Africa leaves gold after sustained pressure caused by remaining separate from sterling.

Appointed Deputy Prime Minister

Passes the Natives Bill which removes the Cape Natives from the common roll

Forms the United Party with Smuts so his Native Bill can be passed

Forms a coalition government with Jan Smuts.

The alliance responds to economic and political pressures during the Depression.

Builds the Purified National Party as an Afrikaner opposition movement.

Rebuilds National Party organization in the Transvaal.

Appointed Party Leader of the Purified National Party

The PNP becomes the official opposition to the Hertzog-Smuts coalition. Refuses to support the amalgamation of the National Party & the South African Party. Founds the Purified Nationalist Party

Helps Malan form the Purified National Party

Leads nationalists rejecting fusion with the United Party.

Supports Malan's anti-fusion nationalist movement.

Refuses to join the new United Party coalition.

Organizes Transvaal supporters outside the United Party.

Becomes deputy leader within the new fusion organization.

Combines Hertzog's National Party faction with Smuts's South African Party.

Helps create the United Party through political fusion.

Helps establish the United Party with Hertzog.

The denial of poltical rights by race or color becomes legitimate. Sets up the Native Representitive Council

The Natives Bill excludes African representation in the House of Assembly. Passes the Aliens Bill to prevent Jewish immigration

Cape Africans are removed from the common roll.

Cape Natives are placed on a separate roll & allowed to vote for just 3 white MPs.

The Natives Bill excludes African representation in the House of Assembly.

Enactment of the "native bills", Herzog has the necassary 2/3 majority.

The Native Trust & Land Bill is passed.

Passes the Aliens Bill to prevent Jewish immigration.

Cape Africans cannot purchase land outside reserved areas.

Presents the Natives Representation Bill to a sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

The Native Laws Amenment Act extends segregation & control

The Native Laws Amenment Act extends segregation & control

Founds & leads the reunited Nationalist Party

The cabinet is split, 7 vote for war & 6 against

On the day Britain declares war on Germany Hertzog supports neutrality

Forwards a motion in the House Assembly to remain neutral but defeated by 13 votes

Makes a speech in Senate comparing Hitler's efforts with the struggle for Afrikaaners. Hertzogs motion for South African neutrality is defeated by the Senate. Hertzog is forced to resign when his policy of neutrality in World War II is defeated

Hertzog is forced to resign when his policy of neutrality in World War II is defeated

Hertzog is forced to resign when his policy of neutrality in World War II is defeated

Becomes prime minister after Parliament rejects Hertzog's neutrality policy.

Leads supporters committed to entering the war against Germany.

Forms a government committed to participation in the war.

Forms a government committed to war against Germany.

Takes control of the United Party after Hertzog's resignation.

Directs South Africa's entry into the Second World War.

Opposed smuts internationalism & participation in the second World War

Becomes a central leader of the reorganized Afrikaner nationalist opposition.

Helps establish the Reunited National Party after the wartime split.

Refuses to place South West Africa under United Nations trusteeship

The Statute of Westminster abolishes the 2/3 majority for constitutional change. The Status of the Union Act & Statute of Westminster abolish 2/3 maj for const change. The Status of the Union Act abolishes the 2/3 majority for constitutional change. The Status of the Union Act abolishes 2/3 majority vote for constitutional change. The Status of the Union Act abolishes 2/3 majority needed for constitutional change

The Coloured Voters Bill to disenfranchise blacks is rejected by the courts

The Statute of Westminster abolishes the 2/3 majority for constitutional change. The Status of the Union Act abolishes 2/3 majority vote for constitutional change. The Coloured Voters Bill to disenfranchise blacks is rejected by the courts. Responsible for introducing Apartheid

The Statute of Westminster abolishes the 2/3 majority for constitutional change. The Status of the Union Act abolishes the 2/3 majority for constitutional change. The Status of the Union Act abolishes 2/3 majority needed for constitutional change

The Statute of Westminster abolishes the 2/3 majority for constitutional change. The Status of the Union Act abolishes 2/3 majority vote for constitutional change. The Coloured Voters Bill to disenfranchise blacks is rejected by the courts. Responsible for introducing Apartheid

The Statute of Westminster abolishes the 2/3 majority for constitutional change

Forms the 1st all Afrikaner Government, with a majority of 5

Forms the 1st all Afrikaner Government, with a majority of 5

Begins implementing the formal apartheid programme.

Forms a National Party government after the general election.

The law becomes an early pillar of statutory apartheid.

Government enacts a ban on marriages classified as interracial.

Responsible for the implementation of Apartheid

Appointed Leader of the Senate

Government establishes racial controls over residential and business areas.

Government creates compulsory racial classification under national law.

The classification system underpins many later apartheid measures.

The act enables large-scale forced removals under apartheid.

The Supreme Court judges Apartheid as unconstitutional

The Supreme Court judges Apartheid as unconstitutional. Parliament is transormed into a High Court & validates the Coloured Voters Bill

Passes legislation making Parliament a high court ensuring Apartheids legality

Passes legislation making Parliament a high court ensuring Apartheids legality

The system imposes racially segregated schooling under apartheid.

Promotes legislation transferring African education to state control.

The High Court of Parliament Courts rule apartheid is unconstitutional. Despite the creation of the High Court of Courts rule apartheid is unconstitutional

Heads a pro-apartheid Government

The High Court of Parliament Courts rule apartheid is unconstitutional. Despite the creation of the High Court of Courts rule apartheid is unconstitutional. Despite the creation of the High Court Courts rule apartheid is unconstitutional

Despite the creation of the High Court Courts rule apartheid is unconstitutional

Becomes prime minister following Daniel Malan's retirement.

Leads a government committed to strengthening apartheid.

Arrested for treason although never tried

Government completes removal of Coloured voters from the common roll.

Constitutional changes entrench separate racial representation.

Arrested for treason although never tried

Closes the Russian consulate

Participates in delivering petitions against discriminatory pass laws.

Carries petitions to the seat of government with other leaders.

Presents opposition to extending pass laws to African women.

Mobilizes opposition to compulsory passes for African women.

Helps lead the national women's march against pass laws.

Helps lead thousands of women to the Union Buildings.

Joins the four principal leaders of the women's march.

Helps lead the women's march to the Union Buildings.

Faces high treason charges arising from Congress Alliance activities.

Appears during the Pretoria phase of the Treason Trial.

Withdraws from the commonwealth rather than abandon Apartheid

Withdraws from the commonwealth rather than abandon Apartheid

Wins National Party leadership following Strijdom's death.

Becomes prime minister after Strijdom's death.

Moves from Native Affairs administration to national political leadership.

Takes national leadership of the apartheid government.

Is appointed deputy minister of internal affairs by Verwoerd.

Joins the executive government after a decade in Parliament.

A Bill is passed which abolishes all native representation in Parliament

Appointed Leader of the ANCs army, Umkhonto Wesizwe, "spear of the nation"

The ANC flees to Mozambique & develops a military wing, Umkhonto We Sizwe

Questions whether existing apartheid policies can continue unchanged.

Expresses misgivings about government policy after Sharpeville.

Challenges government allegations against Congress Alliance leaders.

Participates as the defence opens its Treason Trial case.

Defends government security policy amid international condemnation.

Faces a national political crisis after police killings at Sharpeville.

Urges peaceful resistance to the pass system after Sharpeville.

Publicly burns his reference book in protest against pass laws.

Publicly burns his pass during a demonstration

Is detained with thousands of activists during the emergency.

Emergency regulations expand government powers following Sharpeville.

Emergency powers permit mass detention and restrictions on meetings.

Government declares a state of emergency after Sharpeville.

Remains imprisoned while Treason Trial proceedings continue.

Serves as governor-general during the declaration of emergency.

Government restores enforcement of pass laws after temporary suspension.

Pass controls resume during the post-Sharpeville emergency.

Government bans the ANC and PAC under new legislation.

Announces the banning of the ANC and PAC.

Open political activity by both liberation movements becomes illegal.

Enforces legislation prohibiting both liberation organisations.

Testifies as government allegations against Congress leaders are challenged.

Gives evidence during the defence phase of the Treason Trial.

Announces that the republic referendum will occur on 5 October.

Prepares white voters to decide South Africa's constitutional status.

Remains Crown representative while voters approve a future republic.

Serves as governor-general during the republic referendum.

The ANC is banned from South Africa

Becomes the 1st South African Head of State which previously was the British monarch

Leaves court without conviction on the treason charges.

The court rejects the state high treason case.

Is acquitted with the remaining Treason Trial defendants.

Is acquitted at the conclusion of the Treason Trial.

Becomes the first State President of the Republic of South Africa.

Replaces the governor-general as republican head of state.

Enters Cabinet as minister of community development and Coloured affairs.

Administers policies connected with apartheid urban restructuring.

Mandela represents himself & has Joe Slovo as a legal adviser. Mandela is convicted of incitement & leaving the country illegally, given 5 yrs. The ANC sets up a "Free Nelson Mandela" Committee

Opening day of the Nelson Mandela trial, the Rivonia Trial, State Prosecutor

Opening day of the Nelson Mandela trial, the Rivonia Trial, de Wet is presiding Judge

Opening day of the Nelson Mandela trial, legal adviser to Mandela

Mandela represents himself & has Joe Slovo as a legal adviser. Mandela is convicted of incitement & leaving the country illegally, given 5 yrs

Receives five years imprisonment after conviction.

Is sentenced for incitement and leaving South Africa illegally.

Is returned from Robben Island to Pretoria Local Prison.

Remains incarcerated as the Rivonia prosecution develops.

Appears with other defendants in the developing Rivonia Trial.

Faces sabotage charges carrying the possibility of a death sentence.

Opening day of the Nelson Mandela trial, the Rivonia Trial. Mandela is indicted with sabotage & conspiracy

Main witness for the state against Mandela

Mandela & Sisulu are accused of 222 acts of sabotage

Mandela & Sisulu are accused of 222 acts of sabotage

Mandela & Sisulu are accused of 222 acts of sabotage

Pleads not guilty to sabotage and conspiracy charges.

Rejects the prosecution case during the Rivonia Trial.

Expands his administrative standing inside the National Party government.

Takes responsibility for the public works portfolio.

Defence counsel

Attorney for Nelson Mandella

Judge in the Rivonia trial

Defends democracy and explains the turn toward sabotage.

Delivers his famous statement from the dock.

Tried alongside Nelson Mendella

Tried alongside Nelson Mendella

Tried alongside Nelson Mendella

Tried alongside Nelson Mendella

Opening day of Mandellas defence

Tried alongside Nelson Mendella

Tried alongside Nelson Mendella

Tried alongside Nelson Mendella

Yutar sums up the prosections case against Mandela in the Rivonia trial

Yutar sums up the prosections case against Mandela in the Rivonia trial

Is sentenced to life imprisonment after the Rivonia Trial.

Is sentenced for sabotage-related offences with fellow defendants.

Receives life imprisonment in the Rivonia Trial.

Receives a life sentence at the Rivonia Trial.

Receives life imprisonment at the end of the Rivonia Trial.

Receives life imprisonment following the Rivonia verdict.

Avoids the death penalty but faces indefinite incarceration.

Becomes the only white defendant among those given life imprisonment.

Is convicted alongside other senior liberation movement leaders.

Is sentenced with Mandela and other accused leaders.

Is appointed minister of defence after Verwoerd's premiership.

Begins fourteen years directing South African defence policy.

A Parliamentary messenger stabs Verwoerd during a session in the House Assembly

A Parliamentary messenger stabs Verwoerd during a session in the House Assembly

Death of Hendrik Verwoerd, assassinated

Becomes prime minister after Hendrik Verwoerd's assassination.

Continues National Party rule during intensified regional conflict.

First elected to the South African Parliament

The Chief of six million Zulus founds Inkatha

Death of Steve Biko, dies in custody

Dies in custody after being transported to Pretoria.

His death becomes an international symbol of apartheid-era police abuse.

Takes control of government during the Information Scandal.

Wins the National Party leadership contest after Vorster resigns.

Takes control of both the governing party and premiership.

Becomes prime minister after John Vorster resigns.

Relinquishes the defence portfolio after fourteen years.

Remains prime minister while Magnus Malan becomes defence minister.

Wins overwhelming Transvaal party support for his policy direction.

Defeats Andries Treurnicht's challenge over constitutional reform.

Wins a white referendum on the proposed tricameral constitution.

Secures approval for constitutional restructuring excluding Black voters.

Separate Asian, coloured & white assemblies are created

Separate Asian, coloured & white assemblies are created

Mozambique & South Africa end hostilities. 1st agreement signed between South Africa & a black nation

Mozambique & South Africa end hostilities

Becomes executive State President under the new constitution.

The office of prime minister is abolished.

Appointed Chief of Staff of the Umkhonto we Sizwe

The ban on Inter Racial Marriage is lifted

South Africa pledges to abolish bans on mixed-race sex

Pass books are abolished

Abolition, lifts restrictions on the movement of non-whites

Abolition, lifts restrictions on the movement of non-whites

Pass books are abolished

Enforces a reporting ban in South Africa

Legalizes mass demonstrations for the first time since 1976

Resigns the party leadership & presidency after suffering a stroke

Legalizes mass demonstrations for the first time since 1976

Resigns the party leadership & presidency after suffering a stroke

President de Klerk announces his intention to lift the ANC ban

Positions himself to succeed Botha as head of government.

Is chosen National Party leader after P W Botha resigns.

Begins the presidency that leads into constitutional negotiations.

Is inaugurated as State President at the Union Buildings.

Passes legislation which abolishes Apartheid

Passes legislation which abolishes Apartheid

The South African National Party opens its membership to all races

The ANC rules out any veto for minority groups in a post-apartheid society

The ANC rules out any veto for minority groups in a post-apartheid society

South Africa accedes to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear-weapon state.

A white referendum gives a mandate to end white minority rule

A white referendum gives a mandate to end white minority rule & begin power sharing. A white referendum gives a mandate to end white minority rule

Widespread anti-aprtheid demonstrations

Begins leading the Government of National Unity.

Inaugurated as President of the Government of National Unity. Announces a "rainbow nation at peace with itself & the world"

Is inaugurated as South Africa first democratically elected president.

Succeeds Nelson Mandela as head of the democratic government.

Is inaugurated as president at the Union Buildings.

Is inaugurated as president at the Union Buildings.

Begins his first presidential term after the general election.

Leads the African National Congress to victory in the general election.

Leads the African National Congress to victory in the general election.

General election outcome recorded for Cyril Ramaphosa: Leads the African National Congress to victory in the general election.

Government context for this general election: Leads the African National Congress to victory in the general election.

Is inaugurated after the 2019 general election.

Takes the presidential oath during a national ceremony in Pretoria.

Declares a national state of disaster.

Announces a nationwide lockdown in response to COVID-19.

South Africa begins a national lockdown.

Begins a new term after re-election by Parliament.

Takes the presidential oath at the Union Buildings.