By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Fullview.
The founding member of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) Dr Samuel Mokgethi Motsuenyane has died peacefully at the age of 97.
Motsuenyane was dubbed the “Father of Black Business” due to his contributions in establishing and mentoring Black business executives and entrepreneurs.
“Dr Motsuenyane peacefully departed this morning (Monday), leaving behind a profound impact on South Africa’s business landscape,” Public Interest SA said in a statement.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Dr Motsuenyane was a beacon of integrity and innovation, championing ethical entrepreneurship and social responsibility. His unwavering commitment to excellence and ethical conduct served as an inspiration to countless individuals and organisations across the nation and the continent.
“Dr. Motsuenyane’s contributions to our society are immeasurable, and his memory will forever be cherished.
“In honouring Dr Motsuenyane’s memory, Public Interest SA reaffirms its dedication to upholding the highest standards of ethical business practices. The organisation remains committed to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and social impact, in line with Dr Motsuenyane’s vision for a prosperous and equitable society.”
Motsuenyane was born on the 11th of February 1927 at the Eignaarsfontein farm in Potchefstroom North West.
He led the initiative by NAFCOC to establish the African Bank.
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.
Motsuenyane retired from Nafcoc in 1992 and joined parliament where he was appointed leader of the house of senate and later the first ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1996 to 2000.
Since his passing, tributes have been pouring in.
“We find solace in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to shape the future of entrepreneurship in South Africa,” said Tebogo Khaas, chair of Public Interest SA and chief entrepreneur at the Institute of Chartered Entrepreneurs.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said “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,” he added.