Franklin Abraham Sonn

Franklin Sonn entered diplomacy after a career in education and opposition to apartheid. A graduate of the University of the Western Cape, he became principal of Spes Bona High School in Athlone, Cape Town, and president of the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association. He led Peninsula Technikon as rector from 1977 until his appointment to Washington. ^{1, 2}

Nelson Mandela appointed Sonn ambassador to the United States in 1995. President Bill Clinton received his credentials on 20 March. Sonn served until 1998, representing the government elected after apartheid. In 1996 he received the International Salute Award in Honour of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. ^{3, 2, 4}

His subsequent work combined education, business, and public service. Sonn served as chancellor of the University of the Free State from 2002 to 2009, chaired the United States-South African Leadership Exchange, and sat on the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s board. He also helped establish Black owned enterprises and worked to widen economic participation after apartheid. ^{4, 1}

President Thabo Mbeki awarded him the Order of the Baobab in Silver in 2008. Sonn died in Cape Town on 15 November 2025, aged 86. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tribute recalled his work mobilising teachers and his continuing advocacy for communities excluded under apartheid. ^{4, 1, 2}