The Arrival Of The Dutch In The Cape

Question 1

What year did the Dutch East India Company (DEIC or VOC) arrive in the Cape?

Answer 1

1652

Question 2

Why did the Dutch arrive at the Cape? What were their intentions?

Answer 2

The Dutch intended to establish a refreshment station between Europe and Asia. The Cape Peninsula was a suitable choice due to its location (directly on the route between Asia and Europe by sea) and its easily defendable landscape.

Question 3

How did the Dutch respond to the existence of indigenous people in the Cape? What were these people called?

Answer 3

The ‘indigenous people’ of the Cape refers to the Khoikhoi and the San people. The Dutch did not respect their culture or customs, and followed their own rules. Thus began the process of land dispossession of indigenous people in South Africa.

Question 4

What obstacles did the Dutch face while setting up the station?

Answer 4

They underestimated the investment needed to establish an agricultural base, and were too optimistic about the prospects of trading for livestock with the Khoikhoi. Their agricultural yield was disappointing.

Question 5

What year did JVR settle the first vrijburgers/Free burghers?

Answer 5

1657

Question 6

What did the Dutch trade for with the Khoikhoi?

Answer 6

Meat. In return they gave copper, tobacco and brandy.