South Africa begins occupation of South-West Africa

Map of the South-West Africa Campaign in 1915.

Date: 12 Jan 1915
Updated: 20 Jul 2026

Few years after the Second Anglo-Boer War (11 Oct 1899 – 31 May 1902), the European continent got embroiled in hostilities, which culminated in the break out of World War I in 1914. The outbreak of this war presented South Africa with long sought opportunity to pursue its ambitions to incorporate the German protectorate of South West Africa, now Namibia, into South Africa. With these international developments the South African government, under the leadership of General Louis Botha, put an offer to Britain to invade the South West Africa. After the British concession, South African forces invaded the German protectorate at Ramansdrift. Though Britain had acceded to the offer, the plan went astray, as there were sympathisers among Afrikaner community towards German cause.

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Last updated · 20 Jul 2026

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). South Africa begins occupation of South-West Africa. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/af/ref/E-0011375

South African History Online (2011) 'South Africa begins occupation of South-West Africa', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/af/ref/E-0011375 (Accessed: 23 July 2026).

South African History Online, South Africa begins occupation of South-West Africa [website], https://sahistory.org.za/af/ref/E-0011375, (accessed 23 July 2026).

"South Africa begins occupation of South-West Africa." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/af/ref/E-0011375. Accessed 23 July 2026.

South African History Online. "South Africa begins occupation of South-West Africa." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/af/ref/E-0011375.