The news of the passing of property magnate, pioneer and serial entrepreneur Dr Richard Maponya have been met with sadness. Maponya (99) passed away in the early hours of Monday morning. His death came after a short illness, a spokesperson said in a brief statement.
Maponya, renowned for building a business empire despite apartheid-era restrictions, was last month wished happy birthday by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said: “I urge young South Africans to research the life story of this great legend, and draw lessons from how he overcame adversity to become one of the greatest pioneers and success stories of our time.”
At the age of 24 he took a job as a stock taker at a clothing maker and subsequently won a promotion for both himself and his white manager. In gratitude, the manager sold Maponya soiled clothing and offcuts, which he resold in Soweto. With the capital acquired he attempted to open a clothing retailer in Soweto, but was blocked by the government’s refusal to grant him a licence, despite intervention by the law firm created by Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela.
In the early 1950s, Maponya and his wife Marina (a cousin of Nelson Mandela) 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
The most memorable of Maponya’s success is his 65,000m² Maponya Mall in Soweto.
Former President Nelson Mandela officially opened the R650-million retail complex in 2007, and it was subsequently been described as the first ‘super mall’ in a traditional township area. With a contemporary design and world-class finishes, it is geared to cater for the growing spending power of Soweto’s burgeoning affluent market.
Dr Maponya was also the founding president of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc), which was started in 1964 to serve the interests of small businesses.
Tributes
South Africans took to social media to pay their tribute. As an aspiring entrepreneur himself, Cassper Nyovest shared how he was touched and influenced by Ntate Richard even though he had never met him in person.
“Pioneer, legend, phenomenon and black excellence. Thank you for leading and inspiring. Never met you but I was touched and influenced. A great life lived. Robala ka kgotso. #RIPRichardMaponya.”
“You have fulfilled your mandate of spearheading the Black Excellence narrative. Because of you, a township kid can dream and conquer. Rest well, ” said Lebogang Mokubela, fellow entrepreneur.
“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
Vusi Thembekwayo wrote: ” It’s the end of an era. 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”
DJ Sbu thanked Ntate Richard for being an inspiration to many and said his death is a loss for the country.
“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.”
