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
Botswana–South Africa relations President Ronald Reagan. In 1986, President Quett Masire of Botswana said that South Africa's black neighbours would suffer most if Western countries imposed economic sanctions on South Africa. He said "Obviously we can't prohibit the West from imposing sanctions on South Africa and we welcome every form of pressure on the apartheid regime." Relations between South Africa and Botswana were formalised with the establishment of representative offices in both countries in 1992. The upgrading of relations to full diplomatic level came into force on 22 June 1994. The two countries enjoyed good relations during the presidencies of Thabo Mbeki and