In celebration and remembrance of the life and legacy of André Roux

André Roux, our long-time mentor, advisor, Chairman and friend sadly passed away on 7 April 2024. André’s legacy transcends boundaries, as he was not only a pioneer of private equity in South Africa, launching the first management buyout some 40 years ago when he founded Ethos Private Equity, but also an early leader across emerging markets.

André’s involvement with Sanari Capital extends back to 2014 when André began serving as mentor and advisor to Sanari’s founder and CEO, Samantha Pokroy, who had worked under his leadership at Ethos Private Equity from 2006. Over the years André infused his wisdom in our strategic direction and investment programme, scrutinizing every investment report with meticulous attention to detail and challenging us to make the right decisions. André went on to become our Non-Executive Chairman in 2020 and served as an advisor to our investment committee. But more than that, André became an integral part of the Sanari family, sharing his keen insights and relentless pursuit of excellence with the whole team, partaking in our many celebrations and supporting us through our disappointments.

Samantha writes, “I have had the great fortune to have worked closely with André for 18 years. Andre was instrumental in me landing a role at Ethos Private Equity when I had the audacity to email the CEO of the leading African PE firm about a job back in 2005, and without a Chartered Accountant qualification to boot. There is so much to say about André, about the impact he had personally on my career and my life, and on our team and business at Sanari, but also on an entire industry – and the wonderful thing is that I got to say all of this to him when it truly mattered – personally through the years and more formally at Sanari’s 10 Year Birthday Celebration and the recent SAVCA Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony.”

André’s belief in our mission, our investment strategy and our team propelled us forward, instilling in us the confidence to navigate the challenges of establishing and building a leading industry player.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Maureen, Paul, Jennifer, Philippe, André’s grandchildren and all his near and dear family and friends.

André, your legacy will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those you’ve touched. We are eternally grateful for your guidance, wisdom, good humour and the profound impact you’ve had on our lives and our business.

Rest in peace, André. You are deeply missed and always remembered.