1778
VOC extends eastern boundary to the Fish and Bushmans rivers
In 1778, the VOC proclaimed an eastern boundary associated with the Fish and Bushmans rivers while settlers, Xhosa communities and commandos were already using and contesting the Zuurveld.
View in timelineIn 1778, the VOC defined an eastern boundary associated with the Fish and Bushmans rivers and the Zuurveld. The measure sought to organise colonial jurisdiction and contain conflict involving trekboer settlement, cattle, grazing and Xhosa political authority. It was a Company proclamation rather than an agreement accepted by all communities using the region.
Significance
The proclamation shaped the legal language of later frontier administration but did not resolve competing land use or prevent further settlement and armed conflict.
Why it matters
The proclamation formalised a Company claim over a conflict zone and supplied a legal framework for later commando operations, even though it did not secure agreement or consistent enforcement on the ground.
Disputed interpretations
The proclamation is established, but its legal meaning, practical enforcement and relationship to existing residence, grazing and political authority are contested.
Perspective notes
The boundary appears in colonial administrative records as a Company jurisdictional measure. Xhosa and other communities retained their own political authority and land-use practices, which the proclamation could not unilaterally settle.