By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Businessman, lawyer and erstwhile student activist Tiego Moseneke has died in a car accident.
Moseneke died on Wednesday evening following a car accident.
While the details surrounding the incident and where it occurred were unclear, the Moseneke family confirmed in a short statement that Tiego passed away.
“It is with great grief that the Moseneke family confirms the passing of their beloved son, brother and loving father Tiego Moseneke,” said the family.
The Moseneke family also expressed their “deepest gratitude for all the messages of support and condolences they have received during this difficult time”.
The family added that more details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Tiego is the founder and chairman of Encha Group, a strategy-led and research-driven investment company.
Tiego founded the law firm Moseneke & Partners which was ranked 7th in the reputable Ernst & Young Mergers and Acquisitions tables in 1997 and 1998, according to Encha Group’s website.
He previously served on boards of, amongst others, De Beers’ Diamond Trading Company, Siemens Limited, Altron Powertech, Aberdare Cables, Fraser Alexander and Western Areas.
Tiego is the co-author of the Moseneke Report on Privatisation. He also served on the council of the University of Witwatersrand and the Wildlife Society.
Tiego served on the first Gauteng African National Congress (ANC) executive after the unbanning of the ANC, he also served as the founding national executive of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and served as the national president of the ANC’s tertiary student wing in the 1980’s.
Meanwhile, Struggle activist and former member of the South African Students’ Organisation Valli Moosa said he served with Moseneke in the trenches and described his death as devastating.
“I heard of his passing this morning. It’s really a shock. I had a long conversation with him about 10 days ago. He was interested and looked forward to celebrating the 40th anniversary of the United Democratic Front. It was something he was passionate about.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile described Moseneke as his friend, has since expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Moseneke family, in particular, his wife and children.
“I have known Tiego for more than 30 years. We served together in the Transvaal UDF and the PWV Executive Committee of the ANC.
“I have grown to respect his intelligence and his political and business acumen.
“When I was approached by several comrades to avail myself to serve as Deputy President of the African National Congress, Tiego and a few other friends constituted a team that provided wise counsel to me.”
The guidance he received, he explained, was immeasurable.
“I will remain forever grateful for what Tiego and others did.
“His overall contribution to society as an activist, lawyer, and businessman will leave a lasting legacy that would benefit generations to come.