Transition to Independence
South Africa has had a long journey to the gaining of their independence. Their journey started in 1652 when the Dutch become the first Europeans to settle in South Africa and establish a port in Cape Town. They seize Cape Town from the Netherlands in 1795 and they begin to build a force. From 1835-1840 is the 'Great Trek'. The Boers break off from Cape Town and move locations. In 1852 the British take control of Cape Town and grant limited self-government to the Transversal. In 1886, gold is discovered in the Transversal. This creates an issue, because everyone is coming to get gold. Nobody is listening to the governmental 'rules' that are there. They called this the 'gold rush'. From 1899-1902, the British and the Transversal are at war. They are at war because the British want to come into the Transversals land and have some gold, and the Transversal think that they shouldn't have the right to just come in and help themselves. The British end up defeating the Dutch and gain control of South Africa. Finally in 1910, South Africa becomes an independent nation.
Sources: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/12/20/1324406222970/Independence-Day-Celebrat-001.jpg
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14094918
http://www.timeforkids.com/destination/south-africa/history-timeline
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14094918
http://www.timeforkids.com/destination/south-africa/history-timeline
Government
South Africa's Government system can get a little confusing. They are a Constitutional Democracy. They have a 3 tier system and an independent judiciary. The three levels are National, Provincial and Local. They all have legislative and executive authority in their own spheres.
National and Provincial
These levels have Advisory Leaders which are drawn from Traditional Leaders.
The Constitution of South Africa states that the country be run on a system of co-operative governance. (source 1)
Legislative
Vested in Parliament located in Cape Town. This consists of two houses, The National Assembly and The National Council of Provinces. The National Assembly is a house that has no less than 350 people but no more than 400 people at the same time. The people voted in serve a 5 year term. The house is Presided by a Speaker (currently Dr. Frene Ginwala) and Assisted by a Deputy (currently Ms Baleka Mbete). The National Assembly Seats to each Party = The proportion to outcome of National Election every 5 years. The National Council of Provinces was created to achieve cooperative governance and participatory democracy. It consists of 54 permanent members and 36 special delegates. The 36 special delegates elect their own chair person.
President
The president can server up to two 5 year terms. The president is elected by the members of the National Assembly. The presidential branch is what they call a 'cabinet'. It contains the President, Deputy President (assigns powers and functions dismissed) and 25 ministers.
National and Provincial
These levels have Advisory Leaders which are drawn from Traditional Leaders.
The Constitution of South Africa states that the country be run on a system of co-operative governance. (source 1)
Legislative
Vested in Parliament located in Cape Town. This consists of two houses, The National Assembly and The National Council of Provinces. The National Assembly is a house that has no less than 350 people but no more than 400 people at the same time. The people voted in serve a 5 year term. The house is Presided by a Speaker (currently Dr. Frene Ginwala) and Assisted by a Deputy (currently Ms Baleka Mbete). The National Assembly Seats to each Party = The proportion to outcome of National Election every 5 years. The National Council of Provinces was created to achieve cooperative governance and participatory democracy. It consists of 54 permanent members and 36 special delegates. The 36 special delegates elect their own chair person.
President
The president can server up to two 5 year terms. The president is elected by the members of the National Assembly. The presidential branch is what they call a 'cabinet'. It contains the President, Deputy President (assigns powers and functions dismissed) and 25 ministers.
