Business Connexion’s CEO Benjamin Mophatlane, 41 years died of a heart attack yesterday afternoon. Mophatlane died during a meeting with Telkom SA which had last month said it would buy out all of Business Connexion’s shares for about R2,7-billion.
The main trigger of the heart attack hasn’t been established. His death just comes hours after BCX a 30% stake in Nigeria’s AppZone Limited, to develop solutions for the financial services sector. In March, BCX acquired Panabiz Nigeria, a document management and imaging firm
Founded in 1996 as Business Connection by Benjamin and his twin brother Isaac they in 2001 merged with Seattle Solutions and in 2004, merged with Comparex Africa and then renamed Business Connexion. Benjamin served on the firm’s board since February 2004 and as deputy CEO. In 2007 he was named CEO till his death yesterday.
In a statement Tony Ruiters, chairman of BCX said: “We have lost an irreplaceable brother, colleague, leader, husband and father. Ben was a leader with a big heart and who considered wisely decisions in all facets of his life. He had impeccable judgement and most of all, was a man of deep integrity and honour. His death is a great tragic loss to the company and the South African business community.”
The JSE listed firm has operations in the UK, Dubai, Nigeria and South Africa with over 6 700 people in Africa and R6-billion per annum in revenues.
Mophtlane had just been appointed to Collaborative Stakeholder Movement (CSM) board as as a member of the advisory board. CSM identifies challenges faced by South African ICT industry. His passing away is a major tragedy for the ICT industry said CSM executive Martin Humphries.
Another tech titan passed away in Nairobi last week and is to be burried tomorrow.