Prominent political parties on Sunday paid tribute to mining magnate Harry Oppenheimer who died in a Johannesburg hospital on Saturday night aged 92.
Democratic Party leader Tony Leon said he felt privileged to have known Oppenheimer and regarded him as a mentor and friend.
"Harry Oppenheimer was a man of great intellect, huge personal charm and extraordinary generous philanthropy." Leon said.
"He was also first and foremost a non-racial liberal."
He said Oppenheimer contributed to a large extent to the survival and success of the DP and its predecessors during the years of apartheid.
Leon said it would not be an exaggeration to say that South Africa's solid economic foundation rests on Oppenheimer and his father's industrial architecture.
He expressed his condolences to Oppenheimer's wife, Bridget, son Nicholas and daughter Mary.
African National Congress spokesman Nat Serache said in a statement that Oppenheimer had contributed much to the economy.
"We wish to acknowledge the contribution Mr Oppenheimer made in building the economy of our country, as well as the role he and his company played in creating employment for hundreds of thousands of South Africans as well as citizens of our neighbouring countries," said Serache.
"As we mourn his passing away, we encourage his colleagues in business to take over where he left off and continue with his good work such as generous contribution to charity organisations.
"We wish them the strength and courage to take the company from strength to strength so that it continues to play a key role in our country's economic development," he said.
New National Party spokesman, Renier Schoeman said in a statement that Oppenheimer was internationally renowned.
"His wisdom and insight, his authority and influence, coupled with his compassion and humility were unique qualities, manifesting as they did in one man." Schoeman said.
"His passing is a sad day for South Africa."
Anglo-American chairman, Julian Ogilvy-Thompson said in a tribute to Oppenheimer that few people wielded power as gracefully as the tycoon.
"Never dictatorial, his style rather was one of rational argument and persuasion, and his influence on the course of politics in South Africa, as well as business, was as remarkable as it was pervasive." Ogilvy-Thompson said.
He said Oppenheimer consistently questioned apartheid and ensured that the voice of liberalism continued to be heard.
Oppenheimer also, by his example and constant lobbying, encouraged the business community to face its responsibilities to the country and the disadvantaged.
Ogilvy-Thompson said mining magnate always believed that business could do things that politicians and governments would have to reckon with in time.
"The word humble has often been associated with Harry Oppenheimer. Humble he certainly was not, in regard to his own assessment of his abilities. 'I am not a modest man,' he once remarked, but it is easy to understand why the word is used." Ogilvy-Thompson said.
He said Oppenheimer was always a gentleman with impeccable manners who hated a fuss.
Oppenheimer also leaves behind five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. - Sapa