It is a special moment for the Abcon Group as we launch this 40th anniversary brochure and share it with all our stakeholders and staff, both locally and abroad. While Abcon was initially established as a property development business in 1981, it has evolved into a collaborative group of companies operating across a multitude of industries. It’s this entrepreneurial spirit, trusted external partnerships and fostering each company’s independent vision that have propelled the Abcon Group forward for over four decades.
From harvesting tons of mushrooms daily at the largest mushroom farm in Africa to producing advanced surveillance technology, the Group has continuously partnered with dynamic local and global entities. Throughout this process we have aimed to innovate, to provide employment, and develop a new layer of skilled young professionals to lead the Group beyond today and into the future. We are deeply grateful to all those who have been part of the journey and contributed to the Abcon Group’s vision and growth.
Thys Neser – Group Chairman | Dave Savage – Group CEO
Over the last 40 years, the Abcon Group has experienced various milestones that staff, stakeholders, and partners can be very proud of. Outlined below are some of these, which echo the Groups’ belief that growth will always be greater when it’s a collaborative pursuit.
The Abcon Group starts as A&B Construction, a residential developer in Sandton.
A&B Construction develops its first commercial office block built in Gallo Manor, Sandton.
The first shopping centre is developed in Morning Glen.
Abcon Construction is established, in the same year that Randburg Municipal Offices are built.
Abland formed as commercial property developer. In 2022 the Group’s commercial development offering is rebranded as Abcon Developments.
First Motorcity is developed – Industria & developed 11 more thereafter.
Nelson Mandela is released.
Abcon Property listed on the JSE.
Office Park developments – St Andrews & Tuscany developed.
Oilgro is formed. Currently operates 22 filling stations.
Sable Homesresidential developer formed. The brand changes to Craft Homes in 2017 and acquires 50% from the Sable Group.
Springboks win their first Rugby World Cup at Ellis Park.
Abreal is established as the Group’s property management arm. Its name changes to Strive in 2022. Also established Ignite, Grit & Valgro – alternative income.
The Group extends its footprint with offices in Cape Town.
The head office for Pick n Pay in Cape Town is developed.
Country Mushrooms becomes the first private equity business within the Group, producing 12 tons of mushrooms per week. In 2024 it produces close to 100 tons.
The Group branches out with an additional office in Pretoria.
VIP Protection headquaters developed in Pretoria ± 20,000m2
The Group develops their first 20-storey building in Cape Town. The first motor dealership in Group portfolio is the built, with more than 100 dealer-ships to follow.
The Hazeldean precinct is established – in excess of 800 hectares.
First Potjiekos competition is held in the office parking lot in Bryanston, with 8 teams participating. The Potjiekos competition has grown to 120 potjies and +1200 participating in 2023.
South Africa hosts FIFA World Cup.
The Pick n Paydistribution centre is developed spanning over 100 000m2.
The Group makes its first international equity investment: Trakka Corp in Australia.
Alice Lane is developed in the heart of Sandton. Formation of Abcon Group Foundation(AGF).
Listing of Pivotal Fund.
First International property deal EPP 2016.
We establish the private investment arm, Tadvest, & list on SEM/NSX – private equity fund.
The Group’s first solar rooftop installed.
S&J Industrial Estate – which spans +250 hectares – launches in Germiston partnership in with Redefine.
