18/02/2026
It is with great sadness I share this news that Clem Sunter has passed away this afternoon. I want to pay a tribute to him. He was a real gentlemen and could not have been kinder to me through the years. He was an incredible mentor and will be sorely missed!
I have so many happy pictures. This is the one where I launched the book with Clem and he was instrumental in me writing, publishing and promoting the book. He could not have been kinder from then in helping us get the message to the world. I am eternally grateful!
When I spoke to Clem in November he sounded very sick and he told me that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I chose that night to write him a letter and say thank you for everything. When I was in Dublin a few weeks later his son came running up to me at the Springbok game and thanked me for the letter and said it had been very touching and meaningful to his dad and the whole family was there when he received it. I share this letter below with you as tribute to him and his legacy.
P.S. The learning lesson is always to take action as you never know how much time you or someone else has ….
Dear Clem,
My father held you in one of the highest esteemed positions of my life, and the day I had the privilege of presenting with you was truly unforgettable. I had watched you for many years, studied your work, and tried to understand your brilliance. I’ll never forget, as a young man, when I had written a model but was too embarrassed to show it to you — unsure if it was any good.
A few days later, I was in on stage in Cape Town, and I overheard you talking to the organiser, saying, “Hey, there was a young man who had this model…” You couldn’t have been kinder. That moment stayed with me forever.
Since then, you’ve continued to be unbelievably generous — forwarding my book, sharing your platform, supporting my work. We’ve spent more than a decade doing webinars together, and words cannot express how grateful I am — not only for everything you’ve contributed to South Africa and the world, but also for the profound impact you’ve had on me and my community.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with many remarkable people in my life, rubbing shoulders with giants. But I can say with certainty: you are the kindest one I’ve ever met.
Thank you for always honouring me, for showing respect, and for leading with such humility and grace.
I know you’re going through challenging times right now, and I wanted to take a moment to remind you of the incredible legacy you’ve built. You have touched so many lives — including mine — and through me, you’ve touched thousands of people across 178 countries. You always dreamed of entrepreneurs changing the world, and I believe that through your guidance, wisdom, and example, that dream is being realised — one person at a time.
Clem, I deeply honour and respect you. I may be known for my humour and banter, but please know that beneath it all lies profound gratitude and admiration. No matter where life leads us from here, I want you to understand the scale of your impact and the lasting legacy you’ve created.
Men like you are few and far between. You will never be forgotten.
Thank you for your kindness.
Thank you for your respect.
And thank you for sharing your extraordinary gift with the world.
With deepest gratitude and respect,
Scott
