President Cyril Ramaphosa said he is deeply saddened by the passing of black-business pioneer and co-founder of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) Dr Sam Motsuenyane at the age of 97.
According to a statement from the Dr Sam Motsuenyane Foundation, he passed away on 29 April after a “valiant and prolonged with illness.”
President Ramaphosa offers his condolences and those of government to the family, friends and associates of the veteran visionary business leader, farmer, and philanthropist.
Dr Motsuenyane was also an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab (Gold) in recognition of his significant personal achievements.
This included playing a key role in the establishment of African Bank, the inspiration and leadership he provided in fostering the development of black-owned businesses and economic liberation more broadly.
He served as a Member of Parliament and as South Africa’s first ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and accredited as an Ambassador to Oman, Yemen, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
“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.
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.
The Foundation said details of commemorations and burial date will be announced soon.
African Bank, which he co-founded, described him as pioneer of black economic empowerment.
“Dr Sam Motsuenyane, the doyen of early black economic empowerment, has passed on.
It is with deep and heartfelt sorrow that African Bank has learnt of the passing of the bank’s founding chairperson, Dr Sam Motsuenyane, at the age of 97.
Dr Motsuenyane was a pioneer of black economic empowerment, and his loss will be felt across South Africa and the world. He will be remembered for the immense impact he had in the many roles he played throughout his life.
He was a son of the soil,” read a statement from the bank.
