Legendary South African Business Mogul Richard Maponya Dies At 99

Riyaz Patel

South African business icon, Richard Maponya, has died following a short illness.

Maponya was renowned for building a vast business empire despite apartheid-era restrictions.

“Dr Maponya passed away this morning after a short illness and it’s been a shock to the family. He was the kind of man who was working every day and he was still working at 99-years-old,” family spokesperson Mandla Sibeko said.

Maponya celebrated his 99th birthday on Christmas Eve.

President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his best wishes on Boxing Day, encouraging South Africans to “research the life story of this great legend.”