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Franklin Sonn, former South African ambassador to the United States, has passed away at the age of 86.
The family of the former South African ambassador and struggle stalwart, Franklin Sonn, says he will be remembered for his dedication to creating a more equitable society. Sonn died in Cape Town, yesterday afternoon after a short illness at the age of 86.
💙 🕊️ The DA mourns the passing of Dr Franklin Sonn, SA’s first democratic Ambassador to the US and former Rector of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
A distinguished leader who championed justice, excellence and nation-building, his legacy strengthened our country. pic.twitter.com/rB9gz959hV
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) November 16, 2025
RELATED VIDEO | Former SA Ambassador to US Franklin Sonn dies aged 86
Dr. Sonn served as democratic South Africa’s first ambassador to the US from 1995 to 1998. He distinguished himself in leadership roles across education, politics and business.
Franklin Sonn, former South African ambassador to the United States, has passed away at the age of 86. pic.twitter.com/6o14szSmhR
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 15, 2025
“One of the things my father has been known for is building succession so there are many of us like me around whom he’s over the years built an expectation on myself, my cousins to step forward and so it is a big hole that an anchor has gone but we really are ready to fulfill his wishes for our extended family,” says his son, Crispin Sonn.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of educator, diplomat and business leader, Dr Franklin Sonn.https://t.co/VKHkeBqxk8#GovZAUpdates
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) November 16, 2025
Sonn says his father also had great ambitions for the country.
“I think we all have a big responsibility to build on what him and others have created and left for us.”
RELATED VIDEO | Remembering SA’s first ambassador to America Dr Franklin Sonn
