Tributes for Bay’s Thamsanqa Klaas

● Nafcoc pioneer lauded as man of the community

TRIBUTES are pouring for in Port Elizabeth businessman and first National African Federated Chamber Of Commerce (Nafcoc) deputy president in the Bay, Thamsanqa Mathew Klaas, who collapsed and died at his home on Wednesday.

Klaas, 65, was described as a soft-spoken man who dearly loved his family and was passionate about his community.

His brother, Mongezi, 62, said Klaas had grown up in Walmer Township.

“He loved his family, his siblings and the community. He was a workaholic, a true businessman. We will miss him.”

Mongezi said that in 1973 they had all worked for a family business, but in 1977, Klaas had started his own venture in Veeplaas.

During the 1976 uprising and police raids , his brother had sheltered political activists such as Mkhuseli Jack and Mike Xego at his premises.

In 2000, he established a company that specialised in building low-cost houses.

His son, Tommy, 39, said he had died of a heart condition.

“He was a loving and caring father and he would always make time for you.

“He was a phenomenal person who loved his children and cared for the community. We will miss him,” Tommy said.

Klaas became the first deputy president of Nafcoc in the Bay in 2006 and the late Kutloano Headbush was the president. Former Nelson Mandela Bay mayor and current Nafcoc president Nceba Faku said: “Those are the pioneering voices of this organisation that also paved the way for generations including ourselves.

“The quality of black business has suffered with them passing on.”

Andile Sqwepu, a former Nafcoc youth executive member, said he had known Klaas in the 1980s when he ran a supermarket in Veeplaas.

“He was willing to help and was passionate about other black businesses.

“He donated to the community he came from. Condolences to his family,” he said

Klaas leaves his wife Nontobeko, 60, and seven children.

A memorial service will be held at the Arthur Wellington Church in New Brighton tomorrow at 5pm.

He will be buried on Friday and his funeral service will be held at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton.