Pioneering Portuguese of southern Africa (1482-1884)

Abstract

In this study the impact and influence of the pioneering Portuguese in southern Africa is investigated. The history of the Portuguese in Africa is often overlooked and usually confined to the early years of European exploration and Portuguese colonialism of Angola and Mozambique. Most South African historians focus on Portuguese exploratory activities, as this relates to the earliest arrival of Europeans to southern Africa. While general histories on the Portuguese Empire, tend to focus more on events in Brazil or Asia, with limited focus on Africa. The history of the Portuguese in the interior of southern Africa, shipwrecks along the coast and relations with the Boers, remains little known in the region. This study, therefore, brings together this history of the Portuguese in the region in order to illustrate, not only this long historical presence, but more importantly the lasting impact and influence which is felt to this day. It illustrates the important role Portugal has played in shaping major historical events that have taken place in Africa. For 400 years Portugal has been part of southern Africa’s history. Within these five centuries, the Portuguese had an incredible presence on the political, economic and cultural landscape of the region.