Several industry and private sector organisations have paid tribute to the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who passed away on Thursday evening at 95, praising the former stateman’s indelible contribution to South Africa’s business community.

Business Unity South Africa (Busa) stated that, while it mourned the passing of the world’s icon of democracy and reconciliation, the business community had “every reason” to celebrate his contribution to South Africa’s democracy and a positive investment climate.

The organisation cited Mandela’s steadfast focus on nation building and the development of pragmatic economic policy as crucial in building investor confidence.

Labelling him an “exceptional” man, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said Mandela would be remembered as a political visionary who led the transformation of South Africa into a free and democratic society that had since become an international standard in constitutional development.

Sacci called on South Africans to honour Mandela’s life by reflecting his legacy of nation building and companionship.

The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa described Mandela’s contribution to the country and the world as immeasurable, and, like Sacci, called on South Africans to embrace his legacy to ensure that the ideals for which he stood endured after his death.

Business Leadership South Africa said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of the passing of Mandela, stating that it shared the grief over the loss of one of South Africa’s greatest leaders who unified the country, lead the transition to democracy and laid the foundations for economic growth.

Speaking at the World Trade Organisation’s Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia, Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies reiterated Mandela's sentiment that the poorest people in the world should benefit from the international trading system.

He believed that, to celebrate Madiba’s life, South Africans should stay true to his ideals, including his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and a developmental agenda that promoted the need of developing countries.

The Chamber of Mines (CoM) added that Mandela would leave a legacy of devoted service to his country and his people, demonstrated by an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and liberty throughout his life.

The mining industry representative body stated that, during his term as the country’s first democratically elected President, he raised the stature of South Africa as a leading nation and as a secure destination for hope, growth and investment, especially in the mining sector.

“We recommit the South African mining sector to working tirelessly with all stakeholders both in government and civil society to do more.  We shall draw from Mandela’s vision and leadership, which is undoubtedly the foundation on which the South African mining industry seeks to build,” said the CoM.

The World Diamond Council on Friday also acknowledged, with sorrow, the death of Mandela, saying it joined with the people of South Africa in mourning a great leader who became a model and shining example for the world.

"Through his strength of character, personal example and unwavering commitment to justice, Nelson Mandela led his nation on a path of recovery, showing the world that peaceful reconciliation and the finding of common cause among diverse people are possible, even when the odds seem unsurmountable," the council noted.