TRIBUTES are pouring in for Dr Samuel Mokgethi Motsuenyane, better known as "The Father of Black Business", who died on Monday, 29 April. He was 97 years old.
Motsuenyane was one of the founders of the largest and best-known African business organisations, the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc) in 1964, which later birthed African Bank.
He also served as a Member of Parliament and as South Africa’s first ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
President Cyril Ramaphosa defined him as a black business pioneer.
"Dr Motsuenyane was also an esteemed member of the National Order of the Baobab (gold) in recognition of his significant personal achievements, which included leading the establishment of African Bank and the inspiration and leadership he provided in fostering the development of black-owned businesses and economic liberation more broadly," he said.
Ramaphosa said the death of Motsuenyane 60 years after the establishment of Nafcoc is a profound reminder of the breadth, durability and longevity of his vision and passion for self-reliance and development.
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“The remarkable sweep of his life as an entrepreneur, leader of organised business, parliamentarian and diplomat, among other roles, embodied our resilient national character and values of ubuntu.
"His philosophy of self-sufficiency is today entrenched in the constitutional right each of us enjoys to freely choose our trade, occupation or profession and in the socio-economic rights that our Constitution safeguards," said Ramaphosa.
“Dr Motsuenyane’s passing on the eve of the 2024 National Orders Ceremony causes us to recall the honour bestowed on him in 2002 as the nation paid tribute to an outstanding patriot and source of inspiration for our then fledgling democracy."
The Sam Motsuenyane Foundation also paid tribute to Motsuenyane.
"As we mourn the loss of this great leader, let us remember Dr Motsuenyane's unwavering commitment to integrity, compassion and inclusivity. His legacy will continue to guide us as we strive to build a more just and equitable society for all," said the foundation.
