Former African Global Operations CEO Gavin Watson's family has described him as a man of God.

A memorial service was held for Watson on Friday after he died in a car crash near OR Tambo International Airport on Monday.

Watson hit the headlines after he was implicated in corruption worth billions through irregular contracts between his company, known as Bosasa at the time, and the Department ofCorrectional Services.

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"The past few days have been exceptionally hard in our family. However, the overwhelming support and love that is coming from all aspects not just of this country but the globe, really shows and stands to me as testament my father was to the lives of many that he engaged with, spoke to, prayed with and touched," said his son Roth.

Mourners described Watson as a kind-hearted man who cared for poor.

His domestic worker Joyce Mazibuko couldn't hold back tears, saying Watson never treated her like a maid and that his death made her feel as though she has lost half of herself.