Liberty Life founder Sir Donald Gordon has died at the age of 89, after a long illness.
The tributes have been flowing in from across society following Gordon's death, not least from his own community.
The SA Jewish Board of Deputies celebrated Gordon's phenomenal achievements and magnificent legacy.
“His generosity led to the establishment of a range of outstanding institutions and foundations that have benefited countless people and numerous worthy causes the world over. Gordon was a committed member of the Jewish community and contributed extensively over the decades to the welfare of its members and communal institutions,” it said.
Remgro chair Johann Rupert led the tributes from the business community saying, “one of SA’s greatest sons and a great friend passed away last night. Rest in peace Donald Gordon”.
Liberty Holdings hailed its visionary leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist and extended condolences to his family.
“In 1957 he founded Liberty on principles born of a deep belief in humanity and the desire to help people to leave a legacy for their families. Liberty will continue to honour his vision by pursuing our purpose of improving people's lives by making their financial freedom possible,” it said.
Gordon's values are enshrined on a plaque in the reception of Liberty's head office in Braamfontein (See below).
Liberty would later combine forces with Standard Bank to create investment manager, Stanlib.
Standard Bank group CEO Sim Tshabalala described Gordon as having a superb financial mind and a great heart, and said the Standard Bank group was the proud custodian of his values and vision.
“Over his long association with the Standard Bank group, Sir Donald consistently injected new ideas and fresh energy, and ensured that we did the right thing for our shareholders and for our society,” Tshabalala said.
Educated at the famous King Edward School in Johannesburg, Gordon went on to qualify as a chartered accountant before founding the Liberty Life Association of Africa in 1957, and later the company that would become Liberty International in 1980.
Gordon won many accolades during his career, starting with being named Businessman of the Year by Sunday Times in 1968.
In 1999, the Financial Mail named him The Achiever of the Century in SA Financial Services.
One of the most visceral legacies of his business career can be seen in the Johannesburg skyline, which includes Sandton City, a project Liberty financed in 1972. The office and retail complex is regarded as one of the country's premier locations.
The businessman established the Donald Gordon Foundation in 1971 with the intention of creating a lasting legacy long before corporate social investment was a buzzword.
The University of Pretoria’s executive business arm, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs), was founded in 2000 following funding provided by Gordon.
As a devoted fan of opera he made one of the largest contributions to the Royal Opera House in 2004, but perhaps his greatest legacy will be his contribution to establish the Wits University Donald Gordon Medical Centre in 2002.
Earlier on Friday, Investec co-founder Stephen Koseff hailed Gordon as his personal inspiration and a man of great generosity.
“Donald financed education and health on an enormous scale and leaves behind a foundation that will carry on the philanthropic work. His legacy will span generations to come,” Koseff said.
Gordon received a knighthood in 2005 for his contribution to the arts and business. He is survived by his daughter, Wendy, and sons Richard and Graeme.
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