Descendants of famous figures of South African history?

Question

Are there any direct descendants today of the following important figures in South African history?

1. Jan Van Riebeeck

2. Simon Van Der Stel

3. Bartolomeo Diaz

4. Vasco De Gama

5. Paul Kruger

Answer 1

Unfortunately I don't know enough about SA history that goes way, way back.

In todays world I doubt that much of the younger generation will remember such names due to the fact that they are not only Boer names there but that they are spoon fed nonsense; on how great the ANC are and how much Mandela did for SA... what a load of kak!

*edit*

Okay I have now learnt they aren't all Boer names...

Answer 2

Very interesting question Emjay. Don´t you think that most of these moved back to their own countries, the descendants that they might have in SA are likely to be our Coloureds (?`). No offence, please. See this link for info:

http://www.cape-slavery-heritage.iblog.c...

Answer 3

I was told by a very stiff and overly proud but cold granny that we are direct descendants of Willem (Wilhelm) Adriaan van der Stel.  I personally do not believe a word of it. I have never bothered to check my Genealogy. And to be quite honest, I do not care. I have a combination of French, German, Dutch and Czechoslovakian blood running through my veins. Where does one start?

Answer 4

Naturally, Diaz and Vasco da Gama were not South African, nor did they live in Africa at any time.

They were Portugese and did not spend a lot of time in South Africa at all....

If they had children, they would be in Portugal.

My mother was a cousin of Paul Kruger and there are lots of them about, concidering that Paul had 14 children between his two wives...

Answer 5

I'm not aware of any. But I need to challenge you on the definition of a "boer". Descendents of Dutch origin in South Africa were collectively referred to as "boere".

As regards that by mentioning "boere" only, you are a racist, I believe that people just want to be controversial to get recognition. There's nothing racist about your question.

And for Skyli - you are talking (or is it writing) twaak.

Answer 6

I am sure there is, but i don't know enough about their descendants to give you the facts  -  would be interesting to know

Answer 7

I notice that they are all Boers, why no English or black? You are very biased.

Answer 8

Not me no...but this one chic I went to school with said she was related tp Kruger.

Answer 9

What are Boers? If they are of dutch descent then Gama is definitely not a Boer. He first arrived in Zimbabwe before SA, i think (history is a bit sketchy), i think he brought rice and/or salt . . . I know people with the names gama and kruger both in zim and sa.

Answer 10

Bartolomeo Diaz - Unlikely so long ago, did not stay in SA

Vasco De Gama - same as above

Jan Van Riebeeck - Probably none in SA, also left with family to the Dutch Indies

Answer 11

Paul Kruger. A cousin of my great grandfather.