Angela Plaque

In the heart of Cape Town, a story of resilience unfolds before the Angela Plaque. This unassuming stone memorial holds a tale of a woman who transcended the shackles of slavery to become a respected and prosperous member of Cape society. Angela van Bengale, also known as Maai Ansiela, arrived in the Cape in 1657 with her children and a companion named Domingo. They were sold to Jan van Riebeeck and his wife as household slaves. Years later, when Van Riebeeck departed for Batavia, he sold Angela to Abraham Gabemma, who later granted her freedom. This act marked the beginning of Angela’s remarkable rise in Cape society. She embraced her newfound liberty, converting to Christianity in 1668. A year later, Angela married Arnoldus Basson, a free burgher of considerable means. Over twenty years of marriage, they raised six children and amassed a significant fortune. Upon Basson’s death in 1689, Angela inherited a substantial sum and land on Heerengracht, present-day Adderley Street. This made her the first woman to own land in the Cape in her own name. A testament to her business acumen and resourcefulness, Angela not only preserved her inheritance but also doubled it. She faced trials, including the execution of her son, Jan van As, and the banishment of her grandson to Robben Island. Yet, through it all, Angela remained a pillar of strength and resilience. She lived a long life, well into her seventies, becoming a respected figure within the community. The Angela Plaque serves as a poignant reminder of her remarkable journey, a testament to her strength, resilience, and enduring legacy.