Eerste fabrieken: Die beginpunt van nywerheidsontwikkeling in die Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek

Abstract

In 1881 the Volksraad of the Transvaal Republic granted A.H. Nellmapius a concession for the processing of local produce. This was the first step on the road to economic self-sufficiency of the Republic which had only recently regained its political independence. During 1882 Nellmapius in partnership with Isaac and Barnett Lewis and Samuel Marks established a factory east of Pretoria at the present Eerste Fabrieke. By February 1883 they were already producing spirituous liquor. The factory was officially opened on 6 June 1883 by S.J.P. Kruger who was elected president in May 1883. The undertaking, which in due course was taken over by Nellmapius' partners, expanded considerably in the following years. However, a severe setback was experienced when in 1896 the Liquor Law was amended and the sale of alcohol to Blacks on the Rand was strictly forbidden. This led to a steady decline in business and with the occupation of Pretoria by the British forces in 1900 production was finally stopped.