See also: 1886 in South Africa, other events of 1887, 1888 in South Africa and the Timeline of South African history.

Events

• The town of Boksburg is laid out to serve the surrounding gold mines
• The Stellenbosch Gymnasium changes its name to Victoria College (after Queen Victoria), later becomes the Stellenbosch University

Births

Deaths

• 29 May - The Xhosa chief Sandile is killed in Denge Forest in a skirmish with the Fingos under the command of Captain J. Lonsdale