ABOUT US
Vision
Gabbema’s founders are social entrepreneurs, aiming to make a difference whilst rewarding initiative. Gabbema’s vision is organic and continues to grow as the company’s understanding of its responsibility and resources develops. It is currently encapsulated in the following expressions:
• Creativity
• Transparency
• Proudly African
• Reward for initiative
• Social responsibility
History
Abraham Gabbema was the fiscus of Jan van Riebeeck, the Dutch commander of the first European settlement at the Cape. Gabbema was also in command of an expedition to the interior in search of Khoi groups to trade with, and to find the legendary treasures of the fabled Monomotapa. On this expedition, 22 October 1657, his company arrived in a beautiful valley just after a night of heavy rain. The granite outcrop glistened in the morning sun, Gabbema naming it the Diamond and Pearl Mountain. The valley would later be called Paarl. Gabbema was also one of the first officials to emancipate his slaves.
