Pierre van Tonder: Former Spur CEO Built an Empire From Small Business
- Former Spur CEO Pierre van Tonder has been hailed for building the corporation from a small business to an empire
- Van Tonder reportedly passed away at a hospital on Sunday evening a week after he allegedly shot himself
- Spur shared that the group expanded from a small business of about 40 restaurants into more than 630 restaurants under Van Tonder's leadership
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Former Spur CEO Pierre van Tonder has been praised for building the corporation from a small business to an empire. Van Tonder passed away on Sunday, 9 May.
Spur Corporation made the announcement of his death on Monday, 10 May. Current CEO Val Nichas expressed that the late CEO passed away peacefully in hospital. The corporation extended its condolences to Van Tonder's wife Jane and children Margot and Jordan.
Source: Facebook
TimesLIVE reports that Van Tonder shot himself at his Sea Point home a week ago. The corporation asked for privacy for his family.
Van Tonder retired from the restaurant chain in December last year after spending almost four decades working his way up from a junior restaurant manager to CEO.
Spur shared that said under Van Tonder’s leadership, the group expanded from a small business of about 40 restaurants into a multi-brand group with more than 630 restaurants in 17 countries.
Fin24 reported that the Cape Town-born deceased matriculated from Wynberg High School. He started his career at Pick n Pay as a trainee manager. Van Tonder joined Spur in Sea Point in 1982 as a 23-year-old junior restaurant manager.
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Ian McMahon, who was seemingly mentored by Van Tonder, took to Facebook and shared a touching tribute to his mentor. He wrote:
"RIP Pierre van Tonder. I met you in my Army browns in 1988 and for the next 33 years you have been part of my life in some way or another. You guided me, helped me and trained me to be the man I am today! You saw the diamond in the rough, and gave me a chance!"
McMahon added that he learnt so much from Van Tonder. He wrote:
"I learnt more from you Sir, than anyone else on this planet that you have just left. Pvt, I love you man! I’ll miss you. Many will miss you! I have so much to thank you for, go well, rest well! RIP boss."
In other news, Briefly News previously reported that the South African television industry recently mourned the loss of another talented actor. Former Generations and Rhythm City star Mahlubi Kraai has passed away.
The scriptwriter and choreographer died on Sunday, 2 May at the age of 47. The news of his passing trended on social media as Mzansi peeps sent their condolences to his family and friends.
SABC journalist Tebogo Phakedi took to Twitter on Monday, 3 May to share the sad news of the thespian's passing. Tebogo said Kraai's family confirmed that the actor passed away on Sunday night in Rustenburg. Tebogo added that:
"Kraai began his television career in 2000. He has since acted in numerous TV productions including Ke Nako, Generations, Isidingo, Gauteng Maboneng and SABC radio drama."
Tweeps took to Tebogo's comment section to pay tribute to Kraai and to comfort his loved ones at this time of mourning. Check out some of their comments: @MorokeNkadimeng said:
"May his soul rest in eternal peace. May his spirit of developing the youth be carried forward."
@Dr_SinethembaS wrote:
"May his soul rest in peace. So sad."
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Source: Briefly News
