Statesmen, politicians and business leaders paid tribute to South African entrepreneur Anton Rupert on Thursday, calling him a patriot who fought the inhumanities of apartheid and contributed to wildlife conservation and the arts.
Former president Nelson Mandela said the country had lost a friend.
Rupert could now join his beloved wife Huberte who died in October last year, Mandela said.
"We are sad at the loss of a friend. We grant him the peace of now joining his beloved Huberte.
"He lived a full life in which he served his country, the world and humanity. Mooi loop, Anton."
Rupert died in his sleep at his Stellenbosch home on Wednesday night. He was 89.
President Thabo Mbeki said Rupert had pioneered the establishment of South Africa's footprint in the global financial and commercial world.
"Dr Rupert played a pivotal role in the development of South Africa's industrial and commercial sectors," Mbeki said.
"Not only did he distinguish himself in the Afrikaner community, but also played a significant role in supporting and initiating significant transformation of South Africa's business."
Mbeki said Rupert would be remembered for his total devotion to nature and environmental conservation, adding he was true philanthropist.
Former president FW de Klerk said Rupert was a great South African who made an enormous contribution to the South African economy.
"Dr Rupert was a truly great business leader. He made an enormous contribution to the South African economy and proved that South Africans could also compete successfully in the international arena.
"Dr Rupert was a great South African - who consistently based his approach to relationships and politics on his philosophy of partnership.
"I found him inspiring and greatly valued the constant support that he gave to our efforts to bring about the constitutional transformation of South Africa."
British American Tobacco (BAT), which in 1999 merged with Rothmans International which Rupert founded and built into the fourth largest tobacco company in the world, said the businessman rose from humble beginning.
He had become one of the country's greatest businessmen, leaders, visionaries, conservationists and philanthropists, BAT said.
"His name and legacy will always be indelibly carved into the history and success of BAT South Africa," said its managing director David Crow.
African National Congress spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama said the party was saddened to learn of the death of "one South Africa's most prominent and pioneering business leaders.
"He will be remembered for his significant contribution not only to South African business, but also to broader social causes, particularly in the field of conservation," Ngonyama said.
Businessman Cyril Ramaphosa said Rupert was ahead of his time.
"He loved South Africa and was deeply committed to the empowerment of its people."
Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon remembered Rupert as a "renaissance man" who had the courage to see a non-racial future in the darkest days of apartheid.
"He also had the presence and the courage during the darkest days of apartheid to see a non-racial future based on partnership."
United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said Rupert's concern with the heritage of the country had extended to large-scale funding and development initiatives in the environmental, education, art and music fields.
Environmental Affairs Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said Rupert would be remembered for his passionate commitment to conservation.
Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi described Rupert as a cavalier figure and a patriotic South African.
"His flair for business and commerce helped put South Africa on international stage," Buthelezi said.
"Even greater was his determination to oppose apartheid in principle and aid all those, including myself, who were actively involved in the struggle the inhumane system."
The Solidarity trade union said Rupert would be remembered for his role in the economic prosperity of the country as a whole. - Sapa