Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to a black business pioneer, Dr. Samuel Motsuenyane, who passed away on Monday afternoon, aged 97.
Motsuenyane made a name for himself as the co-founder of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC), as well as playing leading role in the establishment of African Bank, .
He was also a Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab (Gold) in recognition of his significant personal achievements and Ramaphosa paid homage to his impressive catalogue, the presidency said..
Motsuenyane also served as a Member of Parliament and as South Africa’s first ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Official Statement on Dr Sam Motsuenyane’s passing. pic.twitter.com/M3VtUTD17X
— Dr Sam Motsuenyane Foundation (@DrSMFoundation) April 29, 2024
“The passing of Dr Sam 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,” Ramaphosa said.
“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,” he added.
According to SABC News, Dr Motsuenyane earned himself respect as the “Father of Black Business” due to his immense contribution in establishing and mentoring black business executives and entrepreneurs.
Through his business acumen, he mobilised black communities to contribute toward the 1 million Rand that was required to capitalise the bank for it to open its first branch in Ga-Rankuwa township in 1975.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
