Final answer:
The Dutch settlement in South Africa began in 1652 with the establishment of Cape Colony and lasted until 1815 when the British took control over the territory. This period saw Dutch settlers, or Afrikaners, displace indigenous groups, and later move inland during the Great Trek to form independent republics in response to British rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The period of Dutch settlement in South Africa spans from the year 1652 to 1815. During this time, the Dutch East India Company (DEIC) established Cape Town as a way station in 1652, which rapidly grew into a permanent colony known as the Cape Colony. This settlement transformed into a significant outpost, disrupting the lives of indigenous peoples like the pastoralist Khoikhoi. Dutch settlers, also known as Boers or Afrikaners, sought to expand their territories and cultivate the land, often resulting in displacement and conflicts with the native populations.
In 1806, the British took control over the Cape Colony from the Dutch. The transfer of control to Britain during the Napoleonic Wars marked a shift in colonial administration. The Great Trek in 1836 by Afrikaners signified the further migration and establishment of independent republics in response to British policy changes, such as the abolition of slavery and the imposition of the English language in schools and legal matters.