31 May 1902
Treaty of Vereeniging
Britain and the Boer republics signed the Treaty of Vereeniging, ending the South African War and placing the Transvaal and Orange Free State under British sovereignty.
View in timelineOn 31 May 1902, Britain and delegates from the South African Republic and Orange Free State signed the Treaty of Vereeniging. The agreement ended the South African War, placed the former republics under British sovereignty and promised reconstruction support and eventual self-government. Black South Africans, despite extensive participation and suffering during the war, were excluded from the central negotiations and the political settlement that followed.
Significance
The peace settlement closed the war and opened the reconstruction politics that led to the Union of South Africa in 1910.
Why it matters
The peace settlement closed the war and opened the reconstruction politics that led to the Union of South Africa in 1910, while excluding Black South Africans from the central peace negotiations and future political settlement.
Perspective notes
Boer delegates accepted British sovereignty in exchange for peace, financial assistance and a path toward self-government. The settlement ended fighting but did not protect the political rights, land or security of Black communities who had participated in and suffered through the war.