David Graaff
South African businessman and politician (1859-1931) · South Africa · On the map · Politicians · Died at 72
Sir David Pieter de Villiers Graaff, 1st Baronet was a South African cold storage magnate and politician. Graaff revolutionized the cold storage industry in Africa. He founded the Imperial Cold Storage and Supply Company in 1899, and aggressively ran it until he left to serve in government.
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Photograph of the newly completed Graaff Electric Lighting Works next to the Molteno Dam in 1895.
The first cabinet of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Graaff is the first person on the far right.
David Graaff and his brother Jacobus Graaff presenting a £100,000 donation to the De Villiers Graaff High School in 1907. David Graaff is making a speech, Jacobus Graaff is sitting to the right and Jan Smuts is seated in the extreme right.
The tombstone of Sir David P. Graaff at De Grendel in Cape Town, South Africa.About this person
Graaff grew the company into one of the largest in Africa. Graaff's wealth soared, at the turn of the century. During World War I he personally part financed the South African war effort and for this he was knighted as well as for services at the Paris Peace Conference 1919.
