Tributes continue to pour in following the death of
Mthatha businessman and philanthropist Dr Dan Malibongwe Pasiya.
Dr Pasiya passed away at Life Beacon Bay Hospital in
East London on Saturday, January 22 at the age of 88.
“Our deepest condolences go to the Pasiya family,
friends, business associates and colleagues of the late, great leader Dr Pasiya.
We have lost a giant who has been a shining example of black excellence
throughout the Eastern Cape,” said Eastern Cape Premie,r Oscar Mabuyane in
leading the tributes to the Pasiya family.
“A pioneer in his own right, Dr Pasiya had established
himself as an astute businessman with a heart for the development of his
community. While he had resources to establish himself anywhere in the country,
he had chosen to grow his business within the O.R. Tambo region, a move which
has overtime contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Mthatha
area,” Mabuyane said.
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders (ECHTL)
described the late Dr Pasiya as a man of great calibre who immensely
contributed to the country’s economic development.
“The Province [Eastern Cape] has certainly lost a
great man of great calibre and sadly it is a loss to the business sector for he
was a leader of the great Pasiya empire that is contributing to the economic
development of our country. A great tree has fallen but his benevolence is
engraved in our hearts and minds. May the family be comforted in the hope and
belief that he will be reunited with them one day,” read a statement posted on
ECHTL Facebook page.
Dr Pasiya owned the popular Dan’s Country Lodge on the
N2 outside Mthatha, among many of his successful businesses.
He had been active in business for more than five
decades.
Funeral arrangements were expected to be communicated
by his family later today.
