Business organisation the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has noted with sadness the passing of Dr Sam Motsuenyane, who “was a business leader par excellence”.
"Motsuenyane played a seminal and pivotal role in organised business and was the most authoritative voice in representing black business over the decades. A giant tree has indeed fallen," the organisation says.
"His contribution to socioeconomic transformation is unparalleled, and his brilliant leadership will forever be etched in our collective memories.
"We join his family and the larger business fraternity in saying farewell to him. His leadership paved the way for economic transformation in South Africa and the continent. South Africa is poorer when leaders of his calibre exit the stage," Sacci says.
Fellow business organization Sakeliga has also paid tribute to Motsuenyane, saying he set an admirable example as a successful businessman, committed philanthropist and promotor of self-reliance and market solutions instead of State intervention.