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The arrival of the Boers in South Africa was a significant moment in the history of the country. While it signalled the start of a new era for South Africans, it also had an unexpected positive impact on the country as well.

Before the Boers arrived, there were no South Africans native to the region. As a result, the country was virtually uninhabited and untouched by any kind of human activity. This created a unique environment, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, some of which is now extinct or facing extinction. Many of these species are still found today, and benefit from a lack of the human activity that plagues other parts of the world.

The low human population has also enabled South Africa to remain mostly free from major pollution sources, such as industrial activities. This has kept much of its air and water sources incredibly clean, and with minimal contamination from industrial runoff and toxins. For example, the KwaZulu-Natal province is home to three of the world’s ten most pristine marine protected areas.

Additionally, the lack of human interference has allowed vegetation and wildlife populations to grow and remain healthy. This is particularly evident in the Kruger National Park, where wildlife species such as African savannah elephants, African wild dogs, lions, hippos and rhinos are thriving in their natural environment.

The consequences of the Boers’ arrival on South Africa’s wildlife and environment were bound to be negative, given the influx of human activity. Nevertheless, it was largely spared from the dramatic destruction and pollution that has affected other parts of the world. In many ways, its natural splendour and health has been preserved by the lack of South Africans in South Africa when the Boers arrived.