1/9 #EconomicHistoryZim: British South Africa Company (BSAC)
Late thread, by request. BSAC oversaw the colonization of Zim then called Southern Rhodesia & Zambia then two territories known as North Eastern &North Western Rhodesia territories named afer Cecil John Rhodes

2/9 A few people know that Cecil John Rhodes was an employee of Alfred Beit. Yes Alfred Beit whose statue I am pictured with here, the same Beit who was Director of Rhodesian Railways possibly inspiring the naming of the Bridge at the busiest Boarder in SADC - Beitbridge.

3/9 The same Alfred Beit whose trust financed the building of Birchnough Bridge, the pride of Kanyi! Those from Chipinge know.

Others may know Alfred Beit School named after him etc

4/9 BSAC was incorporated in 1888 by Alfred Beit (Financier), Cecil John Rhodes (Visionary) & the Duke of Abercon ( I suppose for political expediency)
It would only become a force to reckon with for colonial interests in 1889 when a 25 year Royal Charter was issued.

5/9 The Royal Charter was issued after Rudd Concession was signed. Charles Rudd was Rhodes’ partner in De Beers. By 1889 BSAC had a financially and politically strong 6 member board a combination of two competing entities that for economic expedience decided to collaborate.

6/9 BSAC would itself list on the London Stock Exchange(LSE) before making it mandatory for entities interested mining in Southern Rhodesia to list on the same exchange. It’s interesting to note Alfred Beit’s role in swaying Anglo capital from South Africa into Rhodesia.

7/9 It is also interesting how South Africa’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) would play a key role in financing settler interests in Rhodesia. By 1898 Rhodesia’s 4 exchanges (Umtali, Gwelo, Salisbury & Bulawayo) would operate alongside LSE & JSE

8:9 Remember Southern Rhodesia was tipped also to become the 2nd Rand after South Africa. Anglo capital also felt secure in Rhodesia following Anglo Boer wars, Jameson raids etc Anglo capital was excited about Rhodesia so much that by 1900, LSE had 91 Rhodesian linked counters.

9/9 The billionares, Cecil Rhodes(died 1902 aged48) & Alfred Beit(died 1906 aged53) would leave behind massive wealth, Trusts & companies like Rand Mines, Anglo American, De Beers +wealth linked to Openheimers etc. My question to you is what did Rhodes & Beit know that we dont?

Please Note - The BSAC thread in NO way to celebrates Colonisation. It is a historical record (by request)with particular emphasis on the link between settler interests &capital markets namely LSE, JSE, Mutare, Gweru, Bulawayo & Harare exchanges. #WeCanUseLocalCapitalToBuildZim