1652: The First Footprint – How the Dutch Planted Colonial Roots at the Cape

Step back into 1652, when the Dutch East India Company established a supply station at the Cape of Good Hope. 1652: The First Footprint brings to life the dramatic landing of Jan van Riebeeck and his men, the building of the first fort, and the planting of colonial roots that would shape South African history for centuries.

This book explores the motives behind the Dutch settlement, the encounters with indigenous Khoikhoi communities, and the long-term impact of Europe’s first colonial footprint in Southern Africa. Written in a clear, engaging style, it is perfect for students, history enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to understand how South Africa’s story of colonisation began.