Dr Max Coleman – a true icon of our time

We mourn the loss of Dr Max Coleman, especially as it follows so soon after the recent passing of another Kagiso Trust (KT) patron, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

A struggle icon and activist, Dr Coleman made an invaluable contribution, amongst others, to the development of KT from inception in 1985, along with other stalwarts such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr Beyers Naudè, Reverend Frank Chikane, Dr Alan Boesak, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Dr Abe Nkomo, and Eric Molobi.

Dr Coleman, together with his wife Audrey, was instrumental in forming the Detainees Parents Support Committee to provide legal representation as well as food and clothing to detainees and their parents. Instituted during the state of emergency, this critical work burgeoned, and extensive funding was required. The main source of funding came from the European Union, which was facilitated and lobbied, in part, by KT.

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Paballo Makosholo, CEO of Kagiso Tiso Holdings (KTH), says: “Dr Coleman played a significant role in the formation of investment holding company, Kagiso Trust Investments in 1993, which subsequently led to the establishment of KTH in 2011. This foresight has ensured the continued sustainability of KT as well as transformation of the economic landscape. It is our duty to ensure that Dr Coleman’s legacy lives on for the benefit of future generations.”

Kagiso Tiso Holdings extends its sincere condolences to Mrs Audrey Coleman, their sons - Brian, Neil, Keith, and Colin, and their respective families.

Kagiso Media (KM) was established in 1997 by Kagiso Trust Investments. Kagiso Media is a successful black controlled and managed company, wholly owned by KTH. KM's interests include controlling investments in East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM, Mediamark, Urban Brew Studios, Juta, and Future Managers.

Image Credit: Supplied