Tributes Pour in for SA’s Business Mogul, Gavin Watson

Tributes have started to pour in for South African Business Mogul Gavin Watson who died in a car crash en-route OR Tambo.

The Bosasa CEO smashed his car into a concrete pillar in the early hours of  Monday morning, sparking conspiracy theories and outpouring of grief.

The governing party African National Congress (ANC) lauded Watson and his family for their activism during Apartheid.

“Comrade Gavin Watson made the admirable choice of disassociating himself from the privilege which came with being a white male in apartheid South Africa. His role in the fight for non-racial sports – especially rugby – resulted in one of the most symbolic acts of opposition and discontent against discrimination”.

“Gavin also played a role in supporting many activists and operatives of the MK [the ANC’s armed wing]. He continued his activism and was unwavering in his support of the ANC. His death has robbed communities of a philanthropist who gave hope and inspired many young people”.

According to SABC News, Watson and his three brothers made headlines in the 70s when they left the white Eastern Province Rugby Union and joined the non-racial Kwazakhele Rugby Union in the townships.

However, Watson in later years came in for some criticism for his alleged use of Bosasa funds to gain influence and contracts from the government. Former SA Rugby CEO, Mveleli Ncula, grew up with the Watson brothers in Alicedale in the Eastern Cape.

He remembers their days on the rugby field, “I remember Gavin Watson was selected for the EP Craven Week trials. During the June holidays his father asked us to give him practice. They all played rugby with us. So I know them very well. His father was not only a farmer and a butcher, he looked after the spiritual needs of the people of Alicedale.”

Gavin Joseph Watson was a South African businessman who served as Chief Executive Officer of African Global Operations, previously known as Bosasa, from 2000 until his death in 2019. His company was implicated in state capture during judicial hearings in January 2019, according to Wikipedia.