Tributes pour in following death of Richard Maponya
Updated | By Algoa fm
Condolences are pouring in following the death of a prominent businessman, Richard Maponya who died in the early hours of Monday morning at age 99.

The entrepreneur and property developer died following a short illness, just weeks after celebrating his 99th birthday on the 24th of December.
He was popularly known as the father of black retail in South Africa and renowned for building a business empire despite apartheid-era restrictions.
The latest to send-out their condolences include President Cyril Ramaphosa and Business Unity South Africa, who have both lauded him as a patriot and a pioneer.
Meanwhile, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also praised the late businessman for his continued contribution to the broader business community in post-apartheid South Africa.
SACCI CEO, Alan Mukoki says he hopes Maponya's legacy will inspire upcoming entrepreneurs.
LISTEN:
[Statement] President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the family of esteemed business leader Dr Richard Maponya following his passing in the early hours of Monday, 6 January 2020. https://t.co/DbvCV2z0K8 #RIPRichardMaponya (Image: iol) pic.twitter.com/3snNS7PoR1
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) January 6, 2020
We are saddened by the passing on of struggle veteran & black business icon, Dr. Richard Maponya. A walking monument of the township economy & father of black retail business. The epitome of black business excellence & resilience & a great inspiration. May his legacy live forever pic.twitter.com/rZHU3kedjT
— David Makhura (@David_Makhura) January 6, 2020
#RichardMaponya#riprichardmaponya
— #CountryDuty (@CountryDutyZA) January 6, 2020
Rest in Eternal Peace Ntate Maponya
You opened doors for many. pic.twitter.com/yg9AWfMyXj
Pioneer, legend , phenomenon and black excellence. Thank you for leading and inspriing. Never met you but i was touched and influenced. A great life lived. Robala ka kgotso. #RIPRichardMaponya pic.twitter.com/wzJv1uc6uN
— R.M Phoolo (@casspernyovest) January 6, 2020
A giant of Soweto has fallen with the passing of one of Africa's greatest entrepreneurs, Dr Richard Maponya. My fondest memory was when I was a 21-year-old student & he approved one of my business pitches on the spot & said "My son, you have great potential." #RIPRichardMaponya pic.twitter.com/qljDmdKcLm
— Tebogo Ditshego (@TebogoDitshego) January 6, 2020
Richard Maponya was The Don, a father figure of black business who inspired me about the importance of ownership in a time when black excellence was a crime.
— AkhiweOutNow (@OskidoIBelieve) January 6, 2020
:#RIPRichardMaponya 💔 pic.twitter.com/RceyPQ51hP
Shocking news to wake up to. What a big loss. Rest in peace Dr Richard Maponya. Thank you for the inspiration. Condolences to the friends, colleagues and family pic.twitter.com/VG38J4tTlw
— #MOFAYANowOnTAKEALOT (@djsbu) January 6, 2020

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