4.4 Defining Political Boundaries

Examples of Boundaries Related to South Africa

Antecedent Boundary:

• • The Orange River, forming part of the boundary between South Africa and Namibia, is an antecedent boundary. The river existed before the establishment of political borders and has played a significant role in defining the natural boundary between the two countries.

Subsequent (Ethnographic) Boundary:

• • In KwaZulu-Natal, historical divisions and conflicts among ethnic groups influenced the establishment of subsequent boundaries. These boundaries may reflect the distribution of different ethnic communities and the legacy of past social structures.

Superimposed Boundary:

• • Lesotho's borders, entirely surrounded by South Africa, are an example of superimposed boundaries. The colonial powers, without considering the existing ethnic or cultural divisions, drew arbitrary borders that cut across pre-existing communities.

Relic Boundary:

• • The boundary between South Africa and Namibia was originally established during the colonial era when Namibia was a German colony. After World War I, South Africa gained control of Namibia, and the border became a relic of the colonial period, persisting even after Namibia gained independence.

Geometric Boundary:

• • The borders between Botswana and South Africa are largely geometric, following straight lines of latitude and longitude rather than natural features or cultural divisions. This type of boundary is often a result of colonial cartography.

Consequent Boundary:

• • In some regions of South Africa, boundaries have been influenced by the distribution of linguistic or ethnic groups. Consequent boundaries may reflect efforts to accommodate or separate communities based on their linguistic or cultural affiliations.

South Africa's Borders

South Africa has controlled borders.