Britain, diamond mining , labour control and land expansion

Question 1

Discovery of Diamonds.

Answer 1

• In 1866 Erasmus Jacobs discovered the first diamond on the banks of the Orange River on the De Kalk farm near Hopetown.
• In 1871 a diamond of of 83,5 carat was found , this was the beginnng of the diamond rush .
• This transformed South Africa from an agricultural - based economy to an industrial nation.
• The diamond rush was focused on kimberley .
• Prospectors were involved in open pit mining resulting in the Big Hole.

It also helped finace gold mining in Witwatersrand when it was discovered in 1886.

Question 2

Britain’s Role in the diamond mining.

Answer 2

• Britain ,Cape Colony which it governed had potential for creating wealth.
• Large scale mining was underway so the demand for labour was high. Britain ensured a steady supply of cheap labour.

Question 3

Increase control of Black Workers.

Answer 3

• Through Cecil John Rhodes and the De Beer Brothers Britianhad a major stake in the kimberley mines,.
• They relied on migrant labour.
• They tried to loo for ways to control Africans once they were Kimberley , this led to the formation of closed compounds.

Question 4

Closed compounds

Answer 4

• Accomodation for migrant workers .
• Number of hostels located in a fenced area.
• Accomodation 4 -6 men in a room.
• Small space , men had to share bathroom and toilet facilities.

Question 5

What are the reasons for compounds.

Answer 5

• Reduce indence of diamond theft .
• Ensure a regular supply of discipline and efficent labour.
• Maximse the amount of labour that mine owners get out of the workforce and supervision full time.

Question 6

What are living coditions of compounds

Answer 6

• Overcrowed, dirty and unhealthy.
• Badly built and no window or lights.
• Slept on cement beds .\
• No privacy or place to keep possesions .
• Ration meagre.
• Ill health and diseases.

Question 7

Migrant Labour

Answer 7

• Africans journeyed to work in the mines.
• The pass system was introduced in 1872 to control.
• They used them because they could be payed low wages. they signed a contract that stated they should work in the mines foe a specfic period of time. This allowed the government to to prevent black population from developing.