The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng on Monday expressed sadness for the loss of the pioneering African entrepreneur Dr Richard Maponya who passed away in the early hours of Monday morning, after a short illness.

ANC provincial executive committee spokesperson Bones Modise said Gauteng and the entire country has been left poorer at the “passing of this pioneer and an entrepreneur par excellence”.

He said Maponya's passing marked the end of an era in the South African township business landscape.

The party thanked Maponya for his contribution in the struggle against apartheid through the development of black business.

“Dr Maponya defied the odds and the oppressive apartheid regime to build a highly successful business empire. He established a number of businesses such as petrol stations, supermarkets, car dealerships including owning the first black-owned BMW dealership in Soweto in the 1980s. He once again made history when he opened Maponya mall in Soweto in 2007,” said Modise.

Over the years Maponya has received a number of accolades including the order of the Baobab in silver, recognising his contribution to entrepreneurship despite oppressive apartheid conditions and for serving as an inspiration to disadvantaged South Africans striving for business success.

“We have no doubt that the undisputed legacy of Dr Maponya will continue to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to rise to the occasion and contribute to growing Gauteng together and eventually build the South Africa we want,” said Modise.