Mbabane: Renowned Hotelier and Mountain Inn owner Daniel Marcus Ward has passed on after battling with heart failure and Parkinson’s disease. His middle son, Kevin Ward established that the astute business man and former politician had been unwell for some-time and would frequent clinics especially in the Republic of South Africa.
Ward Snr breathed his last on January 14.
Known for his political acumen Ward Snr served His Majesty the King Mswati III in parliament as a senator. He was also the owner of Emafini Christian Conference Center and once operated the popular Bend Inn in Big-Bend in the 60s to the 80s. He also ran City Inn in Mbabane which later became known as Pablo’s Restaurant.
Originally from Lisburn, Northern Ireland the 80 year old was closely involved in corporate business companies like the Federation of Swaziland Employees (now Business Eswatini), Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club Mbabane, Eswatini Tourism Authority, Hotel and Tourism Association. He also served on the Mbabane City Council.
A great loss to Eswatini business
A close friend to the Ward family, Eswatini Business CEO, E Nathi Dlamini shared that the passing of Ward Snr is a great and unequalled loss to the Eswatini Business community. Dlamini, who has known the late businessman for over two decades said he was lost for words when he learnt of the demise of Ward and could only sing his praises. Dlamini would from time to time consult on the senior citizen on business related issues and he would never be disappointed. “Marcus offered nothing but wise council on business issues which gave birth to the many businesses strewn across the four regions of the country,” shared the Business Eswatini CEO.
He said Ward’s’ contribution to business in the country has seen the employment of many Emaswati, who are equally shocked at the passing of the astute businessman. He added that to this date he is overwhelmed with the number of messages he is getting from people as testimonies of what they benefitted from Ward. “He was a fountain of wisdom and custodian of vast business experience and his passing especially during these times of extreme economic hardship exacerbated by the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic is something worthy of grieving,” continued the Business Eswatini CEO, who added that he is yet to compile a personal tribute towards Ward.
A successful businessman he rarely talked about his own successes but focused on grooming upcoming entrepreneurs some of who have reaped business awards locally.
Ward Snr leaves behind his wife, Liz Ward, three sons, Marcus Jnr, Kevin and Patric. He also leaves behind an undisclosed number of grandchildren.
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