The SA government gives limited powers of internal self-government to Damaraland

Prior to 1870, the Damara people occupied most of central Namibia, but large numbers were displaced or killed in clashes. When the first Europeans visited Namibia they were a group of semi-nomadic gardeners, pastoralists and hunter-gatherers. Damaras also had skills in mining and metal work. In 1960, the South African government settled the Damara in Damaraland, an area of poor soil and irregular rain fall. On 4 August 1971, the South African government gave limited powers of internal self-government to this homeland, Damaraland. At this time Namibia was still a South African colony dating from 1915 at the time of the First World War. The occupation of the country by South Africa started in May 1915 when General Louis Botha, first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, ordered South African troops into the territory. Heavily outnumbered, the German forces were forced to retreat. Subsequently, the colony surrendered on 9 July 1915, bringing 31 years of German rule to an abrupt end.