The following lists events that happened during 1739 in South Africa.
Incumbents Acting Governor of the Cape Colony - Daniël van den Henghel
Governor of the Cape Colony - Hendrik SwellengrebelBoucher, M. "Swellengrebel, Hendrik". Dictionary of African Christian Biography.
Events
The last Khoikhoi rebellion against the Dutch happens in the south-western Cape. It is suppressed, and the survivors become farm labourers. The Khoikhoi accuse Olifants River farmers of cattle theft. They are proven right, the cattle are returned, but the farmers defy their summons. San Bushmen raids in the north force farmers to flee. Acting governor Daniël van den Henghel raises a commando, and offers amnesty to participants. Etienne Barbier and his men refuse to pay taxes and accuse the government of tyranny, exploiting the governor's amnesty. Barbier remains in hiding but is eventually caught. Etienne Barbier is executed by drawn and quarter as South Africa's first rebel, his remains are displayed as a warning. Hendrik Swellengrebel becomes the first Cape-born Governor of the Cape Colony.
References