Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko has paid tribute to the late CEO of Business Connexion (BCX), Benjamin Mophatlane, saying his death is a “great loss, not only for BCX, but for business in South Africa, the Africa region and the world”.

“His zest for life and energising presence will be deeply missed,” Maseko said in a statement.

Mophatlane, 41, suffered a heart attack during a meeting with Telkom in Rosebank, Johannesburg on Wednesday. Telkom last month tabled a R2,7bn offer to buy BCX. It’s the second time in eight years that Telkom has made a bid to buy the IT services company.

“Telkom has had many dealings with Benjamin over the past few months during talks on the possible acquisition of BCX,” Maseko said.

“He was one of those larger than life people; a man who embraced life with passion and enthusiasm,” he added. “His deep humanity shone through in the way he interacted with people, be it colleagues, staff, business associates, family or friends. It was always a pleasure to meet him.

“As a business leader, Ben’s will to succeed and his astute insight into business complexities enabled him to grow BCX into a formidable organisation. The story of BCX, Ben and Isaac, his brother, represents one of the most remarkable South African stories of success, resilience and the will to win,” Maseko said.

“His passing is a great loss, not only for BCX, but for business in South Africa, the Africa region and the world. His zest for life and energising presence will be deeply missed. On behalf of Telkom, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ben’s family and friends, and to all the people at BCX. I hope all of us will be able to draw comfort from remembering the years we shared with him.”

Mophatlane was named as BCX CEO in 2007.

Chairman Tony Ruiters said earlier on Thursday in a statement to shareholders: “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 judgment 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.” — © 2014 NewsCentral Media