Richard Maponya Biography
Richard Maponya (Richard John Pelwana Maponya) was born on 24th December 1926 in Transvaal, South Africa. He was a South African entrepreneur and property developer.
Richard Maponya Career
At the age of 24 years, he was a teacher and later took a job as a stock taker at a clothing maker and subsequently won a promotion for both himself and his manager. The manager sold Maponya soiled clothing and offcuts, which he resold in Soweto.
The capital he acquired he tried to open a clothing retailer in Soweto but was blocked by the government’s refusal to grant him a licence – despite the intervention by the law firm created by Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela.
In the early 1950’s he and his wife established the Dube Hygienic Dairy. By the 1970s the retail empire had grown to include several general stores, car dealerships and filling stations.
Richard Maponya Political Career
During the 1960s and 1970s, he was a member of the Urban Bantu Council.
In the 1960s he was a founding member and the first president of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc) and likewise the founder and chairman of the African Chamber of Commerce.
He resigned in 1977 shortly after youth affiliated with the African National Congress (ANC) requested that he resign.
Richard Maponya Age
He was born on 24 December 1926, Limpopo, South Africa
Richard Maponya Died
He died on 6th January 2020. He died at 99 years old.
Richard Maponya Family
Wife
He was married to Marina, known as the cousin of Nelson Mandela established the Dube Hygienic Dairy, which employed a fleet of boys on bicycles to deliver milk to customers in Soweto who had no access to electricity or refrigeration. Marina was working as the director of Barclays West Bank Limited, the director of Putco Transport Company and was also involved in social development.
Children
Maponya and Marina were blessed with eight children and Chichi Maponya is the firstborn child, began working in her father’s grocery shop at the age of six. Three of his eight children, Charlotte (nicknamed “Chichi”), Solly and Godfrey are very much involved in the management of various Maponya business units.
Richard Maponya Net Worth
Maponya was considered the wealthiest known business personalities amongst the ones in South Africa. At the time of his death, Maponya’s net worth was not yet revealed. His company’s net worth is estimated to be over R400 million.
Richard Maponya Cause of Death
He had just celebrated his 99th birthday, recently. The family spokesperson Mandla Sibeko announced his death in a statement, “Dr. Maponya passed away this morning after a short illness and it’s been a shock to the family. He was the kind of man who was working every day and he was still working at 99-years-old.”
The family said in a short statement that funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”The family request some privacy during this time of grieving.” Maponya recently turned 99 and received a special message from President Cyril Ramaphosa who urged young people to research the icon and learn from him.
“Let me take this opportunity to wish Ntate Richard Maponya a happy 99th birthday. I urge young South Africans to research the life story of this great legend, and draw lessons from how he overcame adversity to become one of the greatest pioneers and success stories of our time,” Ramaphosa wrote on Boxing Day.
Maponya Mall
On 27th September 2007, he opened the Maponya Mall in Soweto. One of the largest shopping centers in the country, which holds more than 200 stores and a cinema complex.
Richard Maponya Membership
- Trustee at Baragwanath Hospital
- President of Black Proprietors Garage Owners’ Assoc
- Trustee South Africa Foundation
- Trustee of Urban Foundation
- Founder & Trustee of Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
- Member of Urban Bantu Council
- Founder & Trustee of Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
Richard Maponya Award
- Grand Counselor of the Baobab, April 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Maponya
Who is Richard Maponya?
Richard Maponya was a South African entrepreneur and property developer who was the owner of the Maponya Mall in Soweto which holds more than 200 stores.
How old is Richard Maponya?
Richard was a South African national born on 24 December 1926, in Limpopo.
How tall is Richard Maponya?
Not known.
Is Richard married?
Maponya was married to Marina Nompinti who is a cousin of Nelson Mandela.
How much is Richard’s worth?
His company’s net worth is estimated to be over R400 million. But his approximate net worth is not yet revealed.
How much does Richard make?
Not known.