1871 in South Africa
From Freepedia
See also: 1870 in South Africa, other events of 1871, 1872 in South Africa and the Timeline of South African history.
Events
- A 83.50 carat (16.7 g) diamond is discovered and leds to a diamond rush. The town of New Rush springs up (later renamed Kimberley
- The Griqua claims to the diamond fields are recognised and the Griqua leader Waterboer seeks British protection
- Britain annexes the diamond fields of Kimberley and Griqua West
- The diamond mining stimulates migrant labour, two thirds of Black workers come from Limpopo valley
- A mail route is established from Cape Town to the diamond fields
- Gold is discovered in Pilgrim's Rest area
