How the First Diamond Mines were Stolen in South Africa

The first documented case of diamond discovery in South Africa was near Hopetown in the Cape Colony in 1867. A little while later, there were claims of diamonds discovered at Tati, then at Hartley Hills and other areas occupied by the Shona further north in modern day Zimbabwe. By 1871, there were an estimated 40,000 black people and 25,000 white people working the diamond fields in South Africa. The burgeoning industry led to the increased investments in railroads which now ran from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London.

The expansion of mining, farming and railroad work created a demand for more labor but most Black people preferred to work for themselves and did not want to be forced into wage labor. The expanding economy creating many conflicts of interest from an economic perspective and was a defining moment in the desire to economically exploit black people in South Africa. Farmers and mine field owners wanted to use black people for labor. Farmers and merchants also hoped that black people working in mines and farms would also be customers because they would not be able to grow their own food and would buy their produce. Emerging landlords close to the mines wanted Africans to move there so they could charge rent. The demand for labor was so great that is attracted migrants from other areas in South Africa. Some came from as far as modern-day Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

First Theft

When the Transvaal attempted to assert claims over diamond mines, Tswana chiefs with the help of lawyer, David Arnot disputed those claims. However, Henry Barkly who had become governor in 18790, declared British authority over the lands and published the Keate award which meant most of the diamond rich lands were not under British rule.

As diamond mining expanded, more people entered the business and it inevitably led to a flood of diamonds on the market which reduced the price. At the same time, it became more and more expensive to excavate the ever-deepening mines which required more skills and tools. In the early years of diamond mining, any person could get a diamond claim regardless of race. Black people could legally own and operate diamond claims. However, when competition intensified white miners became discontent and demanded that mine claims be given to whites only. When Lieutenant Governor Robert Southey attempted to espouse value of equality he was unceremoniously removed from office and blacks were no longer allowed to have claims. During this time, many black people could afford to buy guns and they did. However, as fear of an African uprising spread, black people were forced to register their arms.

The fear was so great that Langalibalele, Chief of the Hlubi was summoned to appear before Theophilus Shepstone, Secretary of Native Affairs for failure to persuade his people to register their guns. When he failed to appear, they issued a warrant him. In their attempts to arrest him, three white officers were killed. The white administration became hysterical and brutally destroyed his chiefdom. Their land cattle were confiscated, the women and children were sent into slavery for three years and Langalibalele was banished to Robben Island.