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File image | Franklin Sonn, former South African ambassador to the United States, has passed away at the age of 86.
A colleague and friend of Dr Franklin Sonn, South Africa’s first democratic ambassador to the United States, has described his legacy as that of an institution builder.
Professor Brian Figaji was speaking at Sonn’s funeral service at the Groote Kerk in Cape Town.
Mourners included anti-apartheid struggle stalwarts, friends and family.
Sonn was an educator, diplomat and businessman. He died a week ago in Cape Town at the age of 86.
Professor Figaji lauded him for being a central figure in transforming education during apartheid.
“I mean the institutional culture, the values and the soul of the organisation. When Franklin was appointed the principal of Spes Bona Technical High School, the school had no real reputation of note. So, Franklin knew that the only way to change the perception of the school was to significantly improve the matric results,” says Figaji.
Related video | Remembering SA’s first ambassador to America Dr Franklin Sonn:
President Cyril Ramaphosa Mourns the Passing of Dr Franklin Sonn
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Dr Franklin Sonn, esteemed educator, diplomat, business leader, and National Order of the Baobab recipient.
Dr Sonn, who served as… pic.twitter.com/05V6HPgEgU
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 17, 2025
