João Albasini

Who was João Albasini?

The Albasini dam in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo Province, was named after João Albasini. Albasini was born to an Italian family, but according to tradition born in Portugal on a ship leaving for Africa – hence the Portuguese form of his first name. A passionate tradesman and big game hunter, Albasini came to Lourenço Marques in 1831. He revolutionised trade in the Lowveld more than a decade before the first settlers from European descent arrived there. Albasini set up trade routes and infrastructure that reached from the port at Lourenço Marques far into the mainland. Albasini supplied native Shoshangaans with ammunition and rifles to protect themselves against other tribes. He also trained and employed Shoshangaans to hunt elephant for him. So much was he revered among them, that they made him honorary tribe leader.

In 1858 Albasini was appointed Vice Consul of Portugal in South Africa and was married to Gertina Maria Petronella, daughter of “Trekker” Janse van Rensburg.

Albasini later settled at Schoemansdal. He died in 1888 and was buried on Goedgewensch farm, near where the Albasini dam was built.

João Albasini was the paternal great grandfather of prominent artist, the late Selma Albasini.