This land was one of the original erven granted in Simons Town. Built in 1816 by PJ Truter Jnr, Collector of Customs who owned it until 1842. In 1840 it was leased by the government as a temporary isolation hospital for smallpox patients! The meaning of the name has to do with your your ambition and and being best by having a strong self -confidence. (This could have something to do with the name; "Ibeka".) The property was purchased in 1817 by PJ Truter, the local customs collector, who probably built its dwelling. In 1868 it was sold to the British War Department and the building served as an officers' mess for the garrison until 1921. It was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 4 June 1971.
