I have divided the postmark usage into a number of historical
periods based on the stamps in use at the time. These periods are:
ZAR. Johannesburg was established in 1886 following
the discovery of gold and was part of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (Dutch
name for the South African Republic). ZAR stamps were in use until 1900
BRITISH OCCUPATION. The Anglo-Boer War commenced on
11 October 1899. Johannesburg was
captured by the British on 31 May 1900 and the ZAR capital, Pretoria, on 5 June
1900. From this time until the Treaty of Vereeniging officially ended the war on 31 May 1902, ZAR stamps
overprinted first V.R.I (for Queen Victoria) and then E.R.I (for King Edward
VII) were in use
TRANSVAAL. Transvaal stamps with the portrait of King
Edward VII came into use from April 1902 onwards. When the Union of South Africa
was proclaimed on 31 May 1910. Transvaal and stamps from the
Cape of Good Hope, Natal and the Orange River Colony continued to be used until replaced by Union definitive issues in September 1913
UNION. The Union of South Africa was proclaimed on 31
May 1910. The first commemorative stamp bearing the portrait of King George V
was issued on 4 November 1910 and the first definitive series was issued in
September 1913. The final day of the Union was 30 May 1961
REPUBLIC. The Republic of South Africa came into
being on 31 May 1961
Philatelically inspired postmarks and postmarks found on pre-printed postal stationery are listed by date with the relevant historical period. Given the complex postal history surrounding the Boer War and the delayed introduction of the first Union definitive stamps, it is inevitable that there will be some overlap between stamps and historical periods
