Richard Maponya never lost his humility despite his success, says Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

President Cyril Ramaphosa and first lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe on Tuesday led mourners paying their respects at the special official funeral of one of SA's greatest entrepreneurs, Richard Maponya.

Former SA presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe also attended, joining family, community members and business people at the service at the University of Johannesburg's (UJ's) Soweto campus.

Maponya, who died in Johannesburg at the age of 99 on January 6, will be buried at Westpark cemetery later on Tuesday.

in an interview with TimesLIVE, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), described Maponya as a trailblazer.

“We're here today to put to rest a trailblazer who, during the days of apartheid, led the way in terms of business. A person who was very successful but never lost his humility. He remained among the people, he remained humble,” she said.

SA had lost a hero, because there were not many people like him, she said.

Asked how Maponya's legacy could be continued, Dlamini-Zuma said: “We all have to be serious about what we do, not only the business people must carry on the legacy, but wherever we are, in any area, we can take lessons in how he did his work and how he remained rooted and grounded.”

Former cabinet minister Jeff Radebe described Maponya as a symbol of economic transformation, an entrepreneur who made an immense contribution to South African independence. He recalled how Maponya provided transportation and other support when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He commended him for his selflessness in the struggle.

Gauteng premier David Makhura said Maponya was loved dearly by Soweto residents.