| Two of the country's pioneering black businessmen have died, leaving empty seats at many boardroom tables but also a strong legacy. Entrepreneur Richard Maponya died early yesterday morning at the age of 99. Maponya was the founder and first president of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc) and also developed Soweto's Maponya Mall. He was renowned for starting small businesses in Soweto at the height of apartheid when it was difficult for black people to start businesses. Two days earlier, EOH chairperson Xolani Mkhwanazi passed away at the age of 64. The businessman and scientist was also on the board of a number of other companies and was former chair of BHP Billiton South Africa and CEO of Bateman Africa and NERSA. While Mkhwanazi's death has left a void at EOH, banking group Absa has filled the gap left by the retirement of Maria Ramos last February following the appointment of former SARB deputy governor Daniel Mminele as its new CEO. Meanwhile, Sirius has now deployed more than half of its acquisition war chest with the purchase of two more business parks in Germany. Finally, Denmark's Saxo Bank has included South Africa in its annual Outrageous Predictions report - for the wrong reasons. If it proves even half right, Ingham Analytics says the consequences for the local banking sector could be dire. Follow this link for access to its latest research. Have a good day. Stephen Gunnion Managing Editor, InceConnect | 