The Voortrekker Republic of Natalia (the basis…

The Voortrekker Republic of Natalia (the basis of later Natal Province) had been established in 1839, and by 1842 there werre approximately six thousand people occupying vast areas of pastureland and living under a political system in which only white males have the right to vote.

The British, however, feeling that their security and authority are threatened, annex the republic as Natal on May 4, 1843.

They do not want the Dutch speakers to have independent access to the sea and thereby be able to negotiate political and economic agreements with other European powers.

They also fear that harsh treatment meted out to black Africans—such as Voortrekker attempts to clear the land by removing black Africans from the Republic of Natalia—will eventually increase population pressures on the eastern Cape frontier.

Although acquiescing in the annexation, the great majority of the Voortrekkers effectively abandon Natal to the British and move back to the Highveld in 1843.

The British, having taken Natal for strategic purposes, now have to find a way to make the colony pay for its administration.

After experimenting with several crops, they find that sugar grows well and can be exported without deteriorating.