RIP Richard Maponya: Emotional tributes pour in for much-loved businessman
South Africans have been sharing their heartfelt tributes on Monday, after popular entrepreneur Richard Maponya passed away earlier this morning. The 99-year-old, born in Tzaneen, went down in history for transforming the economy of Soweto with his numerous developments:
- Maponya and his wife Marina established the Dube Hygienic Dairy, which employed a fleet of boys on bicycles to deliver milk to customers in Soweto who had no access to electricity or refrigeration.
- By the 1970s, the retail empire had grown to include several general stores, car dealerships and filling stations.
- He was a founding member and the first president of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc)
- In 2007 Richard Maponya opened the Maponya Mall in Soweto. It holds more than 200 stores and a cinema complex.
Family share the tragic news
The Maponya family have since issued a statement on the matter, requesting privacy from the public:
“It is with great sadness that the Maponya family informs of the passing of Dr Richard in the early hours of Monday 6 January, following a battle with a short illness.The family requests privacy during this time of grieving, and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”
Richard Maponya – emotional tributes for the businessman:
You know as a journalist you interact with a number of folks, some are very influential, extremely successful and yet so unassuming and down to earth. No frills. No airs and graces. We are bidding farewell to a giant who defied the barriers.
Khaya Khumalo, journalist
“One of the greatest minds of our times has taken a final bow. Businessman extraordinaire, a visionary, the epitome of black excellence thank you Ntate Richard Maponya for using the 99 years God gave you to greatly impact lives around you. You did well.”
Khanyi Magubane, radio presenter
It’s the end of an era.
— Vusi Thembekwayo (@VusiThembekwayo) January 6, 2020
Very reminiscent of the day we lost Bab’ Max Maisela.
These were the true & original doyens. They wrote their own rule book because they were not allowed to be on the sports field.
Lala kahle Ndlovu. #RIPRichardMaponya pic.twitter.com/KaJkPySDo5
“You have fulfilled your mandate of spearheading the Black Excellence narrative. Because of you, a township kid can dream and conquer. Rest well.”
Lebogang Mokubela, fellow entrepreneur.
Growing up in Polokwane in the 80s/90s, Richard Maponya was always such a beacon of progress and entrepreneurship. He was truly a business icon who inspired generations that followed. What a legacy. #RIPRichardMaponya
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) January 6, 2020
“My role model, my father-in-law, my friend, my mentor who taught me so much to help shape me and my family ..Richard Maponya,Rest In Peace. You taught us all how to live life, how to be the best. I am heartbroken. Much love, Sipho.
@SiphoHotstix, Richard Mapoya’s son-in-law.
No comments: