Maponya’s inspirational character lauded at Sandton memorial

Mashaba was speaking at a memorial service for Maponya in Sandton on Friday.

Maponya, who passed away on Monday at the age of 99,  is set to receive a special official funeral when he is laid to rest on Tuesday.

The businessman was a founding member of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) and chairman of the African Chamber of Commerce.

Mashaba told mourners that Maponya always put family first and was never afraid of failure.

"Indeed, the two worked together side by side to build an empire for which he will be remembered for. In the time where traditional families were under threat, Dr Maponya reminded all of us to put family first and not to take our loved ones for granted.

"Dr Maponya never shied away from taking risks because he was never afraid of failure. He understood that as human beings you will make mistakes. 

"Things do not go as planned, especially in the business environment, and by embracing this truth Dr Maponya was able to make decisions without the fear of failure.”

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Mashaba ascribed his success in businessman to Maponya. 

"Dr Maponya demonstrated to me - a young boy under a system that did not want me to succeed - that anything is possible.

"I came to see his success as a challenge to myself to do better, to be better and to live better. Today as I reflect on the legacy of this great man I'm proud to say I followed on his footsteps. I've modelled my approach to my professional life, family from the examples set by Dr Maponya.”