Various sectors of the Helderberg are in mourning following the death of Graham Power, founder and chairperson of the Power Group, at the age of 67 years.
Power was one of South Africa’s most recognised business leaders, having won various awards and accolades over the years. He was voted businessman of the year numerous times and received civic honours from the mayor of Cape Town in recognition of his contribution to the transformation of society. The Power Group is regarded as a leader in the field of civil engineering and construction.
Power passed away peacefully with his wife, children and siblings at his side on Friday (14 October). He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, last year and had been in remission since earlier this year. After contracting Covid-19, he suffered a series of health complications and was hospitalised at the end of September after attending the Economic Summit Africa and a special Unashamedly Ethical Awards Gala, where he received a Lifetime Leadership Award.
“We are all saddened by the loss of this good man, whose ideals and accomplishments we have long respected,” a statement from the family read. “He was a wise and valiant leader. The memory of his lifetime as a hard worker and leader will leave a legacy of inspiration to us all.”
Tributes have poured in for the business and ethics giant from across the globe, including messages of support from business leaders and organisations, friends, family and those who Power mentored over his vast career.
Long-time friend Neil de Beer shared a special bond with Power since they met when both were involved in provincial rugby in the ’90s.
“I met Graham through his involvement with the WP Rugby board of directors and always saw him as a mentor,” he said. “We were more than friends, as he was a father figure to me. Throughout my ups and downs he believed in me; two years ago, when I gave myself to God, he was there to guide me through the process.”
He recalled how Power had visited him in hospital to pray for him just a few months ago. “He was also influential in guiding me to become a civil servant and enter politics,” De Beer said. “The Helderberg has lost more than a community leader, but a giant who impacted everything in our region from development to sport and charity. His loss is immensely huge.”
Bokkie Carstens, chairperson of Helderberg Rugby Club, took to Facebook to share condolences on behalf of the local club, of which Power was once president. “A massive cedar of our community has fallen,” his post stated. “His leader- and mentorship were unmatched, and his footsteps at the Charles Morkel Stadium will never be erased.”
Power was a visionary leader who initiated the Global Day of Prayer gathering at Newlands Rugby Stadium, which saw 45 000 Christians pray for the needs of the nation. By 2010, the movement had grown to become the largest prayer gathering in recorded history, and today people gather globally on Pentecost Sunday annually.
The anti-corruption activist also led the way in launching a second dynamic international initiative, Unashamedly Ethical, in 2010. Promoting ethics, values and clean living across all sectors of society, this campaign is active in 112 countries, challenging individuals and companies to be ethical in all their dealings.
With Diane Vermooten, Power authored the book Not by Might, Nor by Power, telling the remarkable story of the growth of the both global initiatives.
In a second book, Transform Your Work Life, he and Dion Forster shared their testimony and teaching on what God had done with them and what God wanted to do with and through Christians in the marketplace.
Power is survived by his wife, Lauren, children Gary, Ilene, Nadene, Stephen and Alaine, five grandchildren Geordie, Robert, Madison, Amelia and Gabriella, and siblings Theresa, Avril and Alex. Yesterday (Tuesday 18 October), a family spokesperson said the funeral arrangements had yet to be finalised.
