Hans Sauer

Hans Sauer (11 June 1857 - 28 August 1939) was an Orange Free State born medical doctor, lawyer, adventurer and businessman. He is regarded as a Rand Pioneer, arriving in Johannesburg in 1886 shortly after the discovery of gold and was the town's first district surgeon. He is linked with the creation of Rhodesia.

Early life and education Johannes Sauer was born in Smithfield, Orange Free State in 1857. He is the brother of J.W. Sauer. His mother was Elizabeth W.S.M. Kotzé. In a growing mining town, he soon had many interests but his main appointment was on 6 March 1887 as Johannesburg's first district surgeon with friend Ignatius Ferreira sometimes acting as his anaesthetist.

Death He would return to the United Kingdom in 1900 and died in Dinant, Belgium in 1939. Sauer Town West, a suburb in Bulawayo, is named after him.

Published works