President Ramaphosa mourns the passing of Dr Franklin Sonn

Mapaballo Borotho

Dr Franklin Sonn, South Africa’s first ambassador to the United States, has died at the age of 86.
President Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the Sonn family, honouring his legacy in education, politics, and business.
Sonn is remembered as a leader who inspired many and contributed greatly to South Africa’s democracy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is mourning the death of South Africa’s first ambassador to the United States of America, Dr Franklin Sonn.

Sonn’s passing was confirmed on Sunday morning through a media statement from the Presidency.

“Dr Sonn, an esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab and recipient of numerous international honours, has passed away at the age of 86. President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to Mrs Joan Sonn and children Crispin and Heather, as well as the extended families and Dr Sonn’s associates nationally and internationally,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Dr Sonn, who served as democratic South Africa’s first Ambassador to the United States, distinguished himself in leadership roles within education, politics, and business.

He began his career as a teacher and later became principal of Spes Bona High School in Athlone, Cape Town.

Sonn was President of the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association before his appointment as Rector of the then Peninsula Technikon in Cape Town, a role he served in until his diplomatic posting.

Ramaphosa described Sonn as someone who inspired young lives entrusted to him during his early career as a teacher.

“He provided similar inspiration to the teachers he mobilised in the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association at a time when all sectors were mobilised against apartheid,” said the President.

Ramaphosa added that Dr Sonn played a significant role in South Africa’s history, a contribution that continues to shape the country’s present.