WeeklySA_AdminLEGACY: Business leader, attorney and philanthropist Professor Sipho Mseleku Snr, who has died aged 60, is remembered for his commitment to African economic empowerment, ethical leadership and youth development…
By WSAM Reporter
Professor Sipho Mseleku Snr, whose work spanned business, law, academia and philanthropy, died in Johannesburg on November 8. He was 60.
His death was announced in a joint statement issued by the Mseleku family and Sakhumnotho Group Holdings (SGH), where he served as president and chief executive officer. An admitted attorney of the High Court and an adjunct professor in the School of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of South Africa, Mseleku combined corporate leadership with a commitment to entrepreneurship, mentorship and community development.
His career included senior roles in organisations representing business interests in South Africa and across the continent. He previously served as chief executive officer of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) and CHAMSA, and as president of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI). Through these roles, he championed pan-African trade and investment and the advancement of entrepreneurs.
Christian faith was central to his life and work. According to the family and SGH, his belief in Jesus Christ guided his commitment to ethical business leadership, faith-based governance and service.
At the time of his death, Mseleku was also convenor of the Global Business Roundtable, chairman of the Global Fund for Jesus and the Fohloza Foundation, and chairperson of the Sakhumnotho Foundation.
His interests extended beyond commerce to mentorship and youth development, reflecting a belief that leadership carried responsibilities towards the wider community. “He leaves an extraordinary legacy of visionary leadership and service to economic empowerment and community transformation,” the family and SGH said.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 2pm to 5pm at 23 7th Street, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg. Parking and a shuttle service will be arranged from a separate location, with a livestream available at www.mseleku.com.
The funeral church programme will take place at The Galleria in Johannesburg on Saturday, November 14, from 9am to 12.30pm. A private family burial will follow at Fourways Memorial Park. Other mourners will remain at the church venue, where lunch and refreshments will be served.
Tributes may also be shared through the website. The family thanked those who had offered prayers, condolences and support, and requested privacy during their mourning.
Mseleku is survived by two sons.
