Motsuenyane ‘embodiment of integrity’
A TOWERING figure, a pioneer of black business and an embodiment of African development, Dr Sam Mokgethi Motsuenyane was yesterday celebrated by colleagues and peers at his memorial service at Gallagher Estate, Midrand.
Speaker after speaker reflected on Dr Motsuenyane’s profound impact and the humility he embodied as a human being.
Mokgethi Motsuenyane, speaking on behalf of the icon’s grandchildren, described him as a morally upright person.
He stressed that his grandfather ensured they pursued and achieved everything they aspired to. “He loved when we had plans or initiatives that would advance the community. He once said he didn’t choose to be a leader; people chose him to be a leader.”
Mokgethi said, as his grandchildren, they wanted to inherit their grandfather’s spirit of gratitude.
Motsuenyane is known for founding the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc) and the African Bank.
SA Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago described Motsuenyane as a resilient businessman who refused to give in to oppression he was subjected to by the then-Reserve Bank leaders.
His generation was encouraged by his resilience in his dream to establish a bank that sought to serve underserved communities. He detailed how Motsuenyane got his inspiration of wanting to establish a black-owned bank from the black business community in America, which made him realise that the dream was possible.
“The clarity of their strategy made the Barclays Bank in the United States to invest in their bank.
“The bank did not only invest but took some executives to training. Even when the then Reserve Bank made their lives difficult, like true entrepreneurs they did not give up.”
Addressing the thousands of mourners, Kganyago emphasised Motsuenyane’s desire for his legacy to endure beyond his passing, ensuring his foundation would not perish with him.
Speaking on behalf of Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko urged businesses to continue his legacy of championing the upliftment of black people.
“His absence leaves a deep void in our lives. In his memory, we do not only find sorrow but what he stood for and the development of our country.”
Motsuenyane’s legacy serves as a driving force to strive for improvement and to ensure positive transformation in the lives of the marginalised, she said.
A long-time friend and Nafcoc’s Pogiso Modise described Motsuenyane as belonging to leaders dedicated to the advancement and upliftment of others. He highlighted Motsuenyane’s tireless efforts in fostering development within communities.
They faced many challenges when they wanted to register African Bank, he said, but it never discouraged them. “The mindset of black people of wanting to see others fail was a major challenge. The other challenge was that we did not have qualified black people at the time to take charge of our bank.”
He said Motsuenyane started the bank to develop African children.
The Joyous Celebration ensemble provided solace to the grieving family, friends, and colleagues with their heartfelt performance.