South Africa can look at millennia of history and is seen mankind's place of origin. With the arrival of the first ship of the dutch East India company the colonial history of South Africa - the forced immigration of slaves and the systematic subjection of indigene peoples - began. 20th century's Apartheid led to stronger racism, which became the foundation of a state order. This work gives memorable and plausible information on the history of the state up to current events. Next to a presentation to the political history, focusing on the 20th century, this work introduces to the many faced south African economic, cultural and social history.