Richard Maponya: A giant in Africa

A man of hard work, tenacity and integrity, Ntate Maponya had a big heart for SA’s democratic order and economic prosperity, but little tolerance for entitlement, writesAn economy characterised by perverse market concentration, extremities in wealth distribution, skewed provisioning of economic opportunities, insatiable greed, poor ethical leadership, a perverse culture of entitlement and low productivity is not a secure economy.

An underdog who vanquished the seemingly insurmountable apartheid beast, Maponya’s business exploits and achievements are living proof that hard work, tenacity and integrity are non-negotiable elements to continued business success. Notwithstanding such legislated adversity, Maponya succeeded beyond measure and became the epitome of black business excellence. His success in life served a medley of positive societal values, which he selflessly imbued in others long before the term “social entrepreneurship” was coined.As a youngster growing up in the dusty streets of Dube, Soweto, in the 1970s, the mere invocation of Maponya’s name filled many a heart with pride and hope in the midst of wanton economic despair.

I recall an incident in 2011 when I approached him for counsel regarding a business matter I was invited to mediate.

Maponya provided valuable insights into the opportunities and inherent challenges faced by emerging black retailers in this ever-changing, globalised and technology-driven retail industry.Of course, Maponya’s successful construction of Maponya Mall in Soweto attracted a substantial amount of unfair criticism. Some pundits argued then that Maponya tacitly helped displace local traders for the benefit of white-owned retailers and their suppliers.

Great article

ms_tourist just saw Rasta on tv ubusy drawing umkhulu uMaponya🙇🏾‍♂️

May his irrepressible entrepreneural spirit, Live for Ever🙏🙏🙏

Robala Ka Kgotso Tlou! RIPMaponya

😇🙏

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