History of Southern Africa
Southern Africa is comprised of Angola and Zambia on the north with South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland on the south. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are located in the center. Southern Africa is rich in history, culture and natural resources but is also steeped in a long history of internal problems.
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History
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Southern Africa is known as the "Cradle of Humankind" because of the scientific belief that the evolution of humans began here some five million years ago. Just outside of Johannesburg, South Africa, multiple sites are part of this discovery and have provided researchers with some of the most extensive examples of hominid fossils to date. The region is also fertile and rich with minerals, which in recent centuries became a draw for colonialist endeavors.
Culture
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The culture of Southern Africa is primarily routed in tribalism. The oldest known tribe, or ethnic group, still in existence is the San, often referred to as the Bushmen. They primarily inhabit the Kalahari region, but also can be found in other areas of Southern Africa such as Botswana. The San are hunter gatherers while later tribes, such as the Zulu, are more warrior like. Over the centuries the Zulus have emerged as the largest group in the region. The term "tribe" has given way to "ethnic group" over the years to include the large populations of caucasians that settled in the region during European expansion.
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Colonial Rule
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While most of the world has been touched by colonial rule, it has completely permeated Southern Africa. From British rule in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana; Portuguese rule in Angola and Mozambique; British and Dutch rule in South Africa and German rule in Namibia. Colonial rule began systematically in the late 1800s and contued until just after World War II when African independence and resistance movements took hold. The last country to officially be granted complete independence was South Africa in 1994, although it can be argued that this was not independence but rather the beginning of democracy.
Issues
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Southern Africa post-colonialism is not without strife. Most of the larger countries have been embroiled in some form of civil war for decades. Countries that avoided civil war, such as Zimbabwe, have fallen into the hands of corrupt leadership. The economies of many of these countries have been destroyed by these factors. South Africa is the only country in the region to have maintained an infrustructure worthy of developing nation status. This is due in part to the successful transition of power from minority white rule to majority black rule in 1994.
Effects
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The effects of a post-colonial Southern Africa have been varied. In many ways it has been a resounding success, especially if considering Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. However, the disasterous effects of post-colonialism are evident in Zimbabwe and Angola. While corruption is rampant all over Africa, Zimbabwe has become the poster child for the failures of African independence thus far. As a whole the region is inexperienced in democratic self rule and economic proficiency so it comes as no surprise that there are growing pains.
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