The Portuguese did not establish permanent settlements in South Africa primarily because their main focus during the Age of Exploration was on finding sea routes to Asia, particularly to the lucrative spice markets in the East Indies. The efforts of Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama were directed towards establishing maritime routes that would allow them to navigate around the southern tip of Africa and reach the Indian Ocean.
Once Vasco da Gama successfully reached Calicut (in present-day India) in 1498, the Portuguese continued to prioritise trade routes to Asia rather than settling in South Africa. The lack of substantial resources or a perceived economic advantage in South Africa led to a limited Portuguese presence in the region. Additionally, the harsh climatic conditions and the absence of immediate economic opportunities for settlement may have contributed to the Portuguese focus on maritime exploration and trade rather than colonization.
Even though the Portuguese didn’t specifically settle in South Africa, various trading posts were established on their trip north from Natal (today’s Durban).
Portugal established several trading posts along the eastern coast of Africa during the Age of Discovery. These trading posts served as strategic bases for Portuguese ships travelling to and from India, facilitating commerce and control over key sea routes. Some notable trading posts include:
- Sofala (Present-day Mozambique): Sofala was a vital trading post for the Portuguese, known for its gold trade. The Portuguese established a fort at Sofala to secure their interests and control the trade in gold and other valuable commodities.
- Kilwa (Present-day Tanzania): Kilwa was a prosperous city-state and a major trading centre along the Swahili Coast. The Portuguese sought control over Kilwa to dominate the lucrative trade routes. They captured and occupied Kilwa in 1505, establishing their influence in the region.
- Mombasa (Present-day Kenya): Mombasa, another important Swahili city-state, became a target for Portuguese expansion. The Portuguese established a fort, Fort Jesus, in Mombasa in 1593, intending to control the trade routes and safeguard their interests along the coast.
- Mozambique Island (Present-day Mozambique): Mozambique Island, off the coast of Mozambique, was a key Portuguese trading post. The island served as a crucial stop for ships travelling to and from India, offering a safe harbour and facilities for repairs.
- Quelimane (Present-day Mozambique): Quelimane, located north of Sofala, also became a notable Portuguese trading post. It played a role in the spice trade and contributed to Portugal’s economic interests in the Indian Ocean.
These trading posts were strategically positioned to dominate key maritime routes and facilitate trade with the rich civilisations and resources of the East. The establishment of forts and trading posts allowed Portugal to exert control over trade, interact with local rulers, and shape the dynamics of commerce along the eastern coast of Africa during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Ultimately, it was the Dutch who established the first European settlement in South Africa in 1652, with the founding of a refreshment station at the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch and later the British played a more significant role in the colonisation and settlement of South Africa
Timóteo Correia
