Tributes to the first South African ambassador to the United States, Dr Franklin Sonn

Tributes continue to pour in for Dr Franklin Sonn, South Africa's first ambassador to America, who has passed away.

Born in October 1939 in Vosburg, he grew up in the Eastern Cape, and later his family moved to Cape Town.

He was the Chancellor at the University of the Free State.

Sonn was also a patron of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival and was a trustee of the Desmond Tutu Freedom Trust.

He held 12 honorary doctorates and received the National Order Counsellor of the Baobab Silver in 2008 from former President Thabo Mbeki. 

In its tribute to Sonn, the Presidency stated: "Sonn became one of the most respected national figures in South Africa, despite the oppressive atmosphere of apartheid."

''He contributed immensely to the dream of African regeneration through various means without being fazed by the daunting number of organisations he served. He has contributed to the betterment of education throughout his professional life.''

As a member of various professional associations, Sonn directed his energy towards the needs of the community and various business organisations. During this time, he cultivated his political skills.

He monitored Zambia's general election in 1992 as part of Jimmy Carter's team, and he ran for the African National Congress in the Western Cape elections in 1994. He spent three years serving as South Africa's ambassador to the United States after President Nelson Mandela appointed him in 1995.

Franklin Sonn was married to Joan Heather Gelderbloem for 20 years. They have two children: Crispin, a business entrepreneur, and Heather, an investment banker.

The Democratic Alliance MP, Karabo Khakhau, said the party expresses its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr Franklin Sonn.

''Dr Sonn expressed South Africa’s best qualities - a pursuit for justice, excellence and nation building. Our country is better because of his contribution.

''We thank him for his service, and may he rest in peace.''

IOL

Additional reporting by Staff reporter