Robert Jameson


1832 - 1908

South African entrepreneur and politician. Born in Kilmarnock (East Ayrshire), Jameson was the son of a soldier and seemed destined for a military career himself. However, arriving in Durban, he started a business manufacturing jams, preserves and condiments that became known across South Africa. He became a local politician in Durban, serving on the Town Council, as Mayor (1895-97) and on the Legislative Council. He worked for better conditions in the city and was responsible for planting trees to improve the environment.

Jameson was an enthusiastic amateur botanist and collector of plants. He contributed plants to the Durban Botanical Garden. The flowering species Gerbera jamesonii was named in his honour, as was Jameson Park in Durban.


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