Hamba Kahle, Dr Sam Motsuenyane
Dr Sam Motsuenyane, founder of African Bank, and a pioneer of black economic empowerment has sadly passed away. He will be remembered for the immense impact he had in the many roles he played throughout his life: He was a son of the soil. He was a parliamentarian, a diplomat, and a human rights champion.
As part of the leadership of NAFCOC, he worked relentlessly to overcome the obstacles placed in the path of black economic growth by the Apartheid government. His triumph in establishing South Africa’s first black bank, with just R70, was a victory for us all. As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary man, we celebrate his many contributions to the country. Our hope is that we will continue to learn from the lessons he has left behind and follow in his footsteps.
The audacity he displayed in defying the odds and giving agency to our people demonstrates his profound capacity for leadership, innovation, and empathy. Here was a man who committed his life to the betterment of others. The example he set compels us to commit ourselves to making a tangible difference in our society. South Africa has lost a great man.
Our goal now is to live by the example of Dr Motsuenyane.
As African Bank, we have vowed to honour his legacy by ensuring that his vision of a bank for the people, by the people, serving the people will be realised. Men like Dr Sam Motsuenyane don’t come around very often. These are people with a vitality and determination that few can match. We will do our very best to honour that legacy.
Hamba kahle, Dr Sam Motsuenyane!