A patriot of special quality, Nthatha Motlana's death has come as a "hard blow" to former president Nelson Mandela.

"We have travelled a long road together, through many decades of the struggle against apartheid and the years of building democracy," Mandela said in a message to Motlana's family on Monday.

"His unfailing support for our family during the prison years is something we will never forget... Hamba kahle."

An anti-apartheid activist, businessman and physician, Motlana (87), died at his Johannesburg home on Sunday of cancer. He is survived by his wife Zanele, six children, 11 grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Born in Marapyane, Pretoria, on 16 February 1925, Motlana studied at Fort Hare University in the 1940s and was voted ANC Youth League secretary general.

He completed his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand medical school in 1954, but only after standing trial with Mandela and 18 others in the 1952 Defiance Campaign Trial.

In the 1970s, he and a group of doctors formed the first black-owned chemicals company, Africhem. He was also instrumental in forming Phaphama Africa, which manufactured uniforms.

Motlana was detained again after the 1976 students' uprising, as vice chair of the Black Parents Association. He also chaired the Soweto Committee of Ten, which was banned by the apartheid government.

He was detained three times under Internal Security Act between 1977 and 1987 at the Modderbee Prison, in Benoni.

On his release, Motlana established New Africa Marketing, to employ youths who had been detained, then formed Kwacha, the company which established Lesedi Clinic, the country's first black-owned hospital and started the first black-owned and operated medical aid scheme.

Motlana’s contribution to BEE

"But Motlana's flagship is without doubt investment holding company, New Africa Investment Limited (Nail)," read a statement prepared on behalf of his family.

Motlana was granted a lifetime achievement award in 2007 by the Financial Mail, which praised him for paving "the way for black business people who play in the black economic empowerment space today".

He was vice chancellor of the University of North West and Technikon South Africa and served on the University of Witwatersrand's council.

"We mourn his loss, and offer our deepest condolences and solidarity with his family and many friends at this difficult time," the Nelson Mandela Foundation said in announcing his death.

A "beloved" physician, his death had overwhelmed those who knew him with a profound sense of loss, said Ishmael Mkhabela, the founder of the Interfaith Community Development.

"Nthato baptised me into the black liberation struggles of the mid seventies," he said.

"He lived and died for a cause. He was an oracle at a time when it was hard to come by a trustworthy, conscientious and determined black leader that was not dead, restricted, jailed or exiled."

Mkhabela's voice joined the tributes of a host of mourners remembering his good works and extending their condolences to his family.

Motlana's death marked a sad, but proud final step in his service not only of South Africa, but its children, said Nelson Mandela Children's Fund board chairperson Justice Dikgang Moseneke and its chief executive Sibongile Mkhabela. Motlana was one of the foundation's trustees.

An incredible contribution

"The many hats that Dr Motlana wore and his various lifetime engagements are a testimony of an indefatigable spirit, an enduring visionary and a heart-warming soul that only a man with a natural attraction to societal well-being could exhibit," they said.

"May his soul rest in peace," ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said in remembering "this noble servant of the people".

Expressing shock at his death, Congress of the People leaders Terror Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa paid tribute to his role not only in the freedom struggle, but the rebuilding of South Africa's economy"

In "fearlessly" going where few dared go, becoming the voice of the oppressed at the height of apartheid, Motlana was "a true and fearless champion of the oppressed," said IFP secretary general Musa Zondi.

Speaking on behalf of the Motlana family, his nephew Dr Khamane Matseke said: "South Africans can be truly proud of the incredible contribution Dr Motlana has made. He has touched the lives of so many people over the years.

"He is a true inspiration for young people across the country and a true South African business icon. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will long survive.

"We salute you Nthato for showing nothing is impossible if you have the energy and the will to succeed."

Sapa