1652 : The Dutch establish the port of Cape Town __ They are the first Europeans to settle in South Africa. 1852 : The British take control of Cape Town. 1886 : Gold is discovered in Johannesburg __ making the city rich. 1910 : South Africa becomes an independent nation. 1918 : Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela is born on July 18 __ in a small village in South Africa.