RW Johnson: RIP Peter Mansfield, a giant of SA politics, public service

Long-time residents of Durban will join those of us who knew him in mourning the passing of Peter Mansfield, politician turned Metro Manager and, finally, internet entrepreneur. Among his close friends was the BizNews tribe's favourite columnist, RW Johnson, who opens a window into their special relationship in the piece below. My role in the Mansfield journey was a bit-part that goes back to 2009 when, as the owner of Moneyweb, I approached him to partner with his then-successful fledgling internet ventures health spas.co.za and All4women.co.za. It was a lengthy courtship, Peter finally selling his 70% stake in the business in 2017 to Caxton, which had acquired control of Moneyweb in 2012. We stayed in touch. He was one of the earliest BizNews Premium subscribers and, sporadically, a source of ideas and encouragement. We often regret hearing of the passing of an overachiever of one's acquaintance. Mine is not having made the time to know Peter Mansfield better. Especially after reading RWJ's brutally honest piece. – Alec Hogg

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By R.W. Johnson

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