See also: 1877 in South Africa, other events of 1878, 1879 in South Africa and the Timeline of South African history.

Events

• 12 March - Commander R.C. Dryer takes possession of the area surrounding Walvis Bay
• 14 May - Paul Kruger leads an second deputation to Britain to demand the freedom of the South African Republic
• 11 December - The British present an ultimatum to the Zulu king Cetshwayo
• The 9th Cape Frontier War ends
• The telegraph service between Natal and Transvaal is opened

Births

Deaths