Sibongile Mashaba
Sibongile Mashaba
Top Soweto businessman Ba Motlatsi Makhetha was passionate about business.
Makhetha, 66, who owned a shopping complex in Central Western Jabavu in Soweto, succumbed to gout this week.
Makhetha became an entrepreneur at a young age. He and his wife Doris started selling fatcakes at their two-roomed home in Orlando East, Soweto.
His daughter Dineo said: "My father was a hard and smart worker. He was passionate about business and strived to see that happen in Soweto."
When they moved to Phomolong, he ventured into selling oranges, which then grew to something even bigger. He then bought a site opposite Morris Isaacson High School and built a shopping complex.
A mentor to many businessmen, Makhetha was involved with the local chamber of commerce, whose job was to help aspiring black businessmen.
Makhetha is survived by his wife, five daughters and a son. He will be buried tomorrow at West Park Cemetery.
The service, at the Dlamini Communal Hall, starts at 9am.