Namibia–South Africa relations Rand (approximately US $36,274), down from 927,917 rand in 2007. The issue of Walvis Bay, an important port over which South Africa retained control following independence, was returned to the government of Namibia on 1 March 1994, prior the election of Nelson Mandela as President of South Africa. Namibia–South Africa relations Namibia–South Africa relations refers to the current and historical relationship between Namibia and South Africa. South Africa conquered the area now known as Namibia from Germany during World War I and occupied it until 1990, when it gained independence. During those 75 years, thousands of South Africans settled in
Malnutrition in South Africa time). In the 1960s, the Apartheid-centered government created African reserves where blacks could live and have a chance at "separate development." Although the majority of South Africans were (and continue to be) black, the reserves compromised a disproportionally small amount of land (13% of South Africa). The reserves were geographically isolated and had poor healthcare, infrastructure and irrigation. Although the first multiracial election in 1994 brought an immediate end to Apartheid, the detrimental effects of Apartheid in South Africa continue to be felt today. The poorest South African provinces today are those that encompass former African reserves ( Eastern Cape,