COMPANIES and business organisations on Friday reacted to the death on Thursday night of former president Nelson Mandela.
Here are some highlights:
• Mandela dedicated his life to fight for the freedom of his people, Standard Bank said. "The world has indeed lost one of the greatest leaders of our time," CEOs Sim Tshabalala and Ben Kruger said in a statement. "Tata Madiba chose to sacrifice everything to fight for the freedom of his people. He dedicated himself to the upliftment of South Africans and fought throughout his life against intolerance, racism, injustice and inequality…. Throughout his life he was a pillar of strength and source of inspiration to oppressed people all over the world. All of us admired him for his wisdom, vision, humility, intellect, and his integrity."
• Telkom chairman Jabu Mabuza said words were inadequate as a means of paying tribute to a man of the stature of Mandela. "The only way for us to pay adequate tribute to Mr Mandela is through our thoughts and our actions. We should reflect on his achievements, attained despite the circumstances of his life. We must remember his values, his sense of dignity and his respect for every human being. And we must all act in a manner that continues the tradition of demonstrating humanity towards others, of reaching out to those who are most in need, and of committing ourselves to be of service to the people."
In depth: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 1918- 2013
News and views on the death, and life, of former president Nelson Mandela, with
tributes and photographs• Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko said the company’s employees shared the grief of Mr Mandela’s family and the entire country. "We all feel like we have lost our father. But we must constantly remind ourselves of what we have gained from Mr Mandela. We are all here today, living in a free country, because of the unshakeable beliefs of people like him. He was an exceptional leader, one who was willing to die for what he believed in. His name will always be associated with the concept of ethical leadership, applied consistently, regardless of personal sacrifice."
• FirstRand CEO Sizwe Nxasana said: "Nelson Mandela was a unique person, and a role model for every leader in the world, particularly his humility, his grace, his strength and his love for his people. I was very fortunate to meet Madiba on a number of occasions and while I am sad he has left us, his great legacy lives on. What is important now is that we celebrate his life and the impact he had on this great nation. We will miss him, but we will always remember him."
• MTN CEO Sifiso Dabengwa said: "Former president Mandela leaves behind a rich legacy of reconciliation, world peace and the triumph of the human spirit over all adversity. He embodied the spirit of human rights and dignity in the way he lived his own life…. Even after 27 years of prison and hardship, only one thing counted for Madiba: creating a democratic, prosperous future for all the people of the new South Africa. This combination of humanity and unique statesmanship made his true greatness manifest for the entire world."
• Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani commented: "Madiba’s immeasurable contribution to the country cannot be overstated: he was integral to the ushering in of democracy in South Africa, and led the country with distinction, stature and humility during his presidency. Without his legacy, South Africa would not have become the thriving country that it is today, and South Africa’s economy would not have achieved the gains it has in the past 19 years. History will recognise him as a giant among men; as an iconic leader who fought throughout his life not only for equality, but for the basic human rights of all."
• Cas Coovadia, MD of the Banking Association South Africa, said: "Nelson Mandela was a man of great moral and strategic vision who committed his life to leading the struggle to end apartheid. He was a man of principle and humility whose pursuit of a multiracial, nonsexist and all-inclusive South Africa never wavered through the 27 years of his imprisonment. Nelson Mandela lived to become a free man and to see his vision become a reality. South Africa has lost a father and the rest of the world has lost an icon who worked tirelessly to make this a better world. Madiba instilled the values of nonracism, honesty and selflessness into the democracy he led as the first universally elected president of South Africa."
• Transnet CEO Brian Molefe said it was a "devastatingly sorrowful day for South Africans — and indeed for all people around the world", adding: "We have lost a great leader and humanitarian who inspired us and gave hope to millions. Most importantly, we loved him dearly and held him close as one of our own. He was more than an iconic figure, or a poster on a wall. He personified the spirit of forgiveness, love and compassion — rare attributes in any age of our collective histories. Our nation has been blessed with an individual of such rare stature. Let us honour his memory by ensuring that his good deeds live on, embodied in all our actions."
• Business Leadership South Africa said it shared the grief “over the loss of one of the country’s greatest leaders who played a crucial role in unifying our country, leading the transition to democracy and laying the foundations for economic growth”.
• South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Neren Rau said Mandela would be remembered “as a political visionary who remained concerned with the everyday issues of his fellow citizens”, adding: “He led the transformation of South Africa into a free and democratic society that has since become the international standard in constitutional development ... South Africa should honour Mandela’s life by reflecting his legacy of nation building and companionship across all walks of life.”
• “We shall draw from his visionary and leadership panache, which is undoubtedly the foundation on which the South African mining industry seeks to build on,” said the Chamber of Mines.
• Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) said it mourned Madiba’s passing. “For us, and indeed for many millions around the world, this is the time of deep reflection and sorrow as we ponder a world and life without him. However, beyond our collective pain we must be inspired to celebrate his life and deeds by emulating his legacy and belief in the oneness of humanity and working for peace and reconciliation.”
• Former CEO of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Prof Ian Goldin, director of Oxford University’s Oxford Martin School, said Mr Mandela stood “in the pantheon of political leaders. He was blessed with an extraordinary ability, intelligence and memory, but it was his character that sets him head and shoulders above other leaders ... His charisma and natural ability meant that everyone — including Queen Elizabeth and Presidents Bill Clinton and Jacques Chirac — felt humbled in his presence”.
• Nomura emerging-market economist Peter Attard Montalto said he believed that Mandela had left a strong enough country with solid foundations and that South Africans should dismiss the inevitable doomsayers and expect little market reaction.
• Philippe Mellier, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Nelson Mandela’s message of peace in a time of conflict changed South Africa and inspired the world. His life stands as a resolute symbol of hope in the face of oppression, and an unparalleled example of the power of reconciliation to heal a nation. As De Beers mourns the passing of Mandela, we are heartened to know that his message of hope endures. He is a singular figure in human history and, while we will miss him, we know that his spirit lives on and serves as a source of inspiration and strength to us all.”
• On behalf of Deloitte Southern Africa, CEO Lwazi Bam has expressed his sadness for the professional services industry, for the country, the continent and the international community following the news of the passing of former president and father of the nation Nelson Mandela. “As a firm, we hope to continue to live up to the legacy of Madiba, ensuring we strive to achieve the ideals that he had for our country and society. We know that nothing would make him prouder than for us to live his values each and every day. Nothing would make him prouder than a united South African nation.”
• The Financial Services Board said it will continue seeking solutions to realise Mandela’s dream of creating a better life for all in South Africa and the rest of the world. “It is incumbent upon us as an institution to take the baton and continue seeking solutions to realise his dream of creating a better life for all in South Africa and the rest of the world.”
