The Family Tree Of De Villiers Graaff?

Sir De Villiers Graaff, also known as Div Graaff, was a South African politician and businessman who served as the first Baronet of De Grendel. Born in 1859 in Villiersdorp, Cape Colony, he died in 1931 in Cape Town, South Africa. His family tree on Geni includes over 265 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives.

Sir De Villiers Graaff was born on 30 March 1859 in Villiersdorp, South Africa, and died on 13 April 1931 in Cape Town. He was a member of the Royal Noble Peer Duke, Count, Lord Baron Baronet, Sir Peer Database, Europe Nobility Knight Peerage Marquess Earl Sir De Villiers Graaff, 2nd Bt., and his wife, Helena.

The genealogy of Sir De Villiers Graaff is available on Ancestry®, with over 240 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. He was a brother of David Pieter de Villiers Graaff and Johannes de Villiers Graaff, and a husband of Helena le Roux (Voigt) Graaff. He was the father of David Graaff Bt and the third Baronet of De Grendel.

De Villiers Graaff had three children, including a son named David, a son named Johan, and a daughter named Genee. He was famous for his leadership in politics and business during the early days of South Africa.

In conclusion, Sir De Villiers Graaff was a prominent South African politician and businessman who played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape. His family tree on Geni provides a wealth of information about his ancestors and descendants, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the history and legacy of this influential figure.

What Is The De Villiers Graaff Motorway?

The M1 highway, a significant freeway in Johannesburg, South Africa, connects the southern regions to the city centre and extends north towards Sandton. Originally intended as part of a ring road around the Central Business District, it was named the De Villiers Graaff Motorway in honour of Sir David De Villiers Graaff, 3rd Baronet, a notable figure in South African history. The highway facilitates access to various southern areas, including Booysens, Eldorado Park, Gold Reef City, and Soweto.

As a metropolitan route designated with the letter 'M,' the M1 serves as one of the major thoroughfares in Johannesburg. Construction of this infrastructure started at a time when urban development was transforming the region. The highway not only provides essential connectivity for daily commuters but also plays a crucial role in the broader transportation network leading to Pretoria via the Ben Schoeman Highway.

With the M1 De Villiers Graaff Motorway being a focal point for travel and commerce, its design accommodates significant traffic volumes, contributing to the city's economic vibrancy. Additionally, it offers real-time driving directions based on traffic updates, enhancing navigational convenience for users. Its historical importance and ongoing utility underscore the M1’s significance as a vital urban artery in Johannesburg.

What Is The De Villiers Family Genealogy In South Africa?

The De Villiers Family genealogy in South Africa, published in two volumes in 1997, is the result of extensive research initiated by pioneer genealogist Christoffel C. de Villiers and later advanced by Professor Con de Villiers. It traces the descendants of Pierre de Villiers (circa 1657-1720) and his brothers Abraham (circa 1659-1720) and Jacques (1661-1735), believed to be either sons or grandsons of Pierre de Villiers of La Rochelle, France. The brothers emigrated from France via Holland to Cape Town in 1689, where they settled on farmland and received land grants in 1694.

Currently, the De Villiers family is recognized as one of the most populous Huguenot families in South Africa, with descendants of Pierre and Jacob. The genealogy is compiled in a bilingual hard cover format and serves as a significant resource for those researching their roots in the De Villiers lineage. The De Villiers/Pama system, established by Christoffel Coetzee de Villiers in the 19th century, remains the standard for genealogical studies in South Africa. With thousands of profiles available, genealogy enthusiasts can explore their connections and share their findings on platforms like WikiTree and Geni. com.

Who Was Sir David Graaff?

Sir David Pieter de Villiers Graaff, 2nd Baronet (8 December 1913 - 4 October 1999), known as Div Graaf, was a notable South African politician who inherited the baronetcy from his father, Sir David Graaff, 1st Baronet, in 1931. Upon his passing in 1999, he was succeeded by his son, Sir David Graaff, 3rd Baronet. The 1st Baronet (30 March 1859 – 13 April 1931) was an influential cold storage magnate and politician, credited with transforming the cold storage industry in South Africa after founding the Imperial Cold Storage and Supply Company in 1899.

Sir David de Villiers Graaff, 3rd Baronet (3 May 1940 – 24 January 2015), was a businessman and owner of the De Grendel Wine Estate. He inherited the legacy of his father, focusing on winemaking while sustaining the agricultural productivity of their estate. Sir David Graaff, 3rd Baronet, was also known for his engaging storytelling and marketing ethos. He passed away at 74, leaving behind a family and a distinguished legacy in South African viticulture.

The lineage of the Graaffs reflects a compelling ascent from modest beginnings in Villiersdorp to prominent roles in business and politics, with contributions to various sectors. The first Baronet served as a member of both the Cape and South African parliaments, closely associated with historical figures like Louis Botha and Jan Smuts, and participated in notable events, such as the Versailles peace conference in 1919, solidifying his place in South Africa’s rich heritage.

Who Was Sir De Villiers Graaff?

Sir De Villiers Graaff, 2nd Baronet (8 December 1913 – 4 October 1999), commonly known as Div Graaff, was a significant South African politician who succeeded his father, Sir David Pieter de Villiers Graaff, 1st Baronet, to the baronetcy in 1931. Born in Cape Town, he excelled as a scholar and athlete, attending Western Province Preparatory School and later studying law at both the University of Cape Town and Oxford. Graaff served in World War II and was recognized for his military service.

Graaff led the United Party, the parliamentary opposition during apartheid, for over two decades, from 1956 to 1977, during a turbulent period in South Africa’s history. His leadership was marked by efforts to provide a centrist alternative in a highly polarized political landscape dominated by the National Party. Throughout his career, he embodied the values of the United Party and is remembered for his dedication to South African politics.

In addition to his political career, Graaff was also influential in the business sector, notably in the meat trade and cold storage, having pioneered the practice of frozen food in South Africa. He contributed to various sectors, including agriculture and winemaking through the De Grendel Wine Estate, a legacy continued by his son, Sir David de Villiers Graaff, 3rd Baronet. Graaff's multifaceted life encompassed roles as a politician, farmer, soldier, and advocate, marking a notable impact on South African society.

How Many Times Did The Graaff Motorway Split?

During his leadership of the United Party, the organization faced significant challenges, experiencing four splits and losing five general elections. In recognition of De Villiers Graaff's contributions, the M1 highway in Johannesburg was named the De Villiers Graaff Motorway. This major metropolitan route connects the southern suburbs of Johannesburg to the city center and extends north through Sandton towards Pretoria.

South of Corlett Drive, it is officially known as the De Villiers Graaff Motorway, which culminates at the Buccleuch interchange with the N3 and N1 highways, while the Ben Schoeman Highway continues as the N1.

The M1 serves as a critical freeway facilitating access between various regions and was inaugurated on May 24, 1972, as part of a broader infrastructure initiative linking major routes like the M1, M5, and M6. The highway features split-level carriageways, such as the section between Portishead and Clevedon. Its significance extends beyond transportation, also reflecting South Africa's history and development.

The M1 also intersects with other routes like the N12 at Uncle Charlie’s Interchange. The road's design addresses the increasing motor traffic needs that arose in the early 20th century, marking a key evolution in the country's road infrastructure.