George Yonge

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(Sir) (1731-1812): Governor of the Cape Colony (1799-1801). 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 (qv), aided and abetted by Dr Somers (qv).

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