High Commission Territory
Quick Summary
The term "High Commission Territory" refers to three African territories—Basutoland (now Lesotho), Bechuanaland (now Botswana), and Swaziland (now Eswatini)—that remained under British rule and outside of South African control until their independence in the late 1960s.12
These territories were administered by a British High Commissioner. Despite their distinct political statuses, they were economically integrated with South Africa, often serving as labor reserves for its mines and farms. This dependence, coupled with policies that favored white settlers and limited political progress, characterized their colonial experience.341
The eventual decolonization of these territories was influenced by international pressure and the rise of nationalist movements within each country. They gained independence in 1966 (Botswana), 1968 (Lesotho), and 1968 (Eswatini).2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Southern AfricaIndependence and decolonization in Southern Africa…under direct British rule (the High Commission territories became Lesotho, Botswana, and Swaziland, and Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland became Zambia and Malawi); second, the far bloodier struggle for independence in the Portuguese colonies and in Southern Rhodesia (from 1965 Rhodesia, which achieved independence as Zimbabwe in 1980); and, third, the…
Read More…under direct British rule (the High Commission territories became Lesotho, Botswana, and Swaziland, and Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland became Zambia and Malawi); second, the far bloodier struggle for independence in the Portuguese colonies and in Southern Rhodesia (from 1965 Rhodesia, which achieved independence as Zimbabwe in 1980); and, third, the…
Read More- Southern AfricaLesotho, Botswana, and Swaziland
…was clear that the three High Commission territories could not be transferred to South Africa and had to be prepared for independence. Limited funds were made available for the provision of social services, education, soil conservation, and infrastructure development, but this assistance did little to reduce the territories’ dependence on…
Read More…was clear that the three High Commission territories could not be transferred to South Africa and had to be prepared for independence. Limited funds were made available for the provision of social services, education, soil conservation, and infrastructure development, but this assistance did little to reduce the territories’ dependence on…
Read More