Sam Motsuenyane:Condolences for black business visionary, Dr Sam MotsuenyaneSam Motsuenyane:

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to revered black business pioneer, Dr Sam Motsuenyane, who has died at the age of 97.

Motsuenyane was the co-founder of the pivotal National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) and played a leading role in the establishment of African Bank – both at the height of apartheid.

“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,” the President said in a statement on Tuesday.

The businessman was a Member of Parliament and served as South Africa’s first ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He was also an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab (Gold) in recognition of his significant personal achievements

The President passed his condolences and those of government to Motsuenyane’s family, friends and associates.

“Dr Motsuenyane’s passing on the eve of the 2024 National Orders Ceremony [to be held on Tuesday] 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.

“May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said.