2017-02-27 Mon

The Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek/ South African Republic/ ZAR/ Transvaal (since it was across the Vaal river) was founded on 17th January 1852 by Afrikaaner pioneers/ Boers (farmers) in southern Africa. ZAR issued its first stamps in 1869.

ZAR became a part of the British Empire in 1877 when stamps were issued by overprinting ZAR stamps with “V.R. Transvaal.” A set of Queen Victoria definitives inscribed “Transvaal Postage” were also issued. The First Boer War happened in 1880-81, when peaceful strategies did not work and the British were defeated. Stamps of the ZAR returned in 1882.

Gold was discovered in ZAR and Great Britain launched the cruel Second Boer War. Colonial troops from British South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada joined the British. The Boers were finally defeated in this bloody war.

After this event, ZAR stamps were overprinted with “V.R.I.”. Many local stamps were also issued until the consolidation of the British rule. The Transvaal Colony was formed in 1902-10 and Edward VII definitives were issued inscribed “Transvaal”. Transvaal became a province in the Union of South Africa in 1910. A 1-penny stamp depicts the ZAR coat of arms, a wheat field, and a railroad train.