Warfare had cut off the lucrative trade routes between Europe and Asia. The Portuguese decided to send explorers in search of a sea route around Africa to Asia.

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The Spanish and Portuguese dominated the trade route via the Cape throughout the sixteenth century.

But they feared both the KhoeSan and the reputation of Cape Point as a 'cape of storms'. They developed other bases and left the Cape largely unvisited.

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The English formed the English East India Company (EEIC) and in 1602 Dutch lords established the Dutch East India Company (VOC) under a government charter. These powerful trading companies discovered the 'trade winds' and expanded trade to Asia.

The British used the Cape to replenish their ships - and even kidnapped some Khoe to teach them English!

But it was a group of VOC sailors rescued after a year at the Cape that began a campaign to persuade the VOC to establish a permanent settlment there.

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The VOC maintained a number of bases around the world to support its trade. The Cape represented a strategic addition, and they were worried that the British would take control of the area before them.

A merchant named Jan van Riebeeck volunteered to lead the party and he set out on Christmas Eve 1651 to establish a permanent supply station at the Cape.

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