George Yonge

(1731-1812) Born in Colyton, Devon, in to Sir William Yonge, 4th Baronet and his second wife Ann Howard He served as Member of Parliament for Honiton from 1754 to 1761 and again from 1763 to 1796. He was elevated to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom in 1782. Was British Secretary at War (1782–1783 and 1783–1794) and acted as Governor of the Cape Colony for a short period from 1799 to 1801.Governor of the Cape Colony (1799-1801). Died 25 September 1812 in Hampton Court. He was an amateur architect and an expert on Roman roads and his name now lives on in the form of Yonge Street, the main arterial road in Toronto.

Sir George Yonge and South African Arts and Theatre

Described as a "very- very weak old soul" by Lady Anne Barnard, he was apparently a gregarious, womanising spendthrift, but also an enthusiastic supporter of a variety of cultural activities. For example, he rebuilt Government House, salvaged the gardens, introduced Cape Towns's first printing press and first newspaper (The Cape Town Gazette and Kaapsche Stads Courant), and started "The Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts and Sciences". He also greatly supported musical entertainment and theatre and, urged on and assisted by private citizens and probably utilizing much of his own funds, designed and built the first custom-built theatre European style in Cape Town: The African Theatre/Di Afrikaansche Schouwburg , aided and abetted by Dr Somers.