Commercial property doyen David Kuper died early on Monday morning in Johannesburg’s Milpark Hospital where he was being treated after being injured in a car accident on August 9.

Kuper, 73, was chairman of Investec Property Group and Investec Listed Property Investments and a and respected figure in the South African property industry. He was also a past chairman of Growthpoint Properties, SA’s largest listed property company, and Metboard Properties.

Kuper was also deeply involved in the establishment of large listed property company Vukile Property Fund, which was listed on the JSE in June 2004.

Investec CEO Stephen Koseff, Investec group MD Bernard Kantor and Investec Property Group CEO Sam Hackner on Monday paid tribute to Kuper, saying he had been an “integral part of Investec’s journey over the last two decades”.

“The positive impact he has had on Investec’s business, and its people, will be everlasting,” they said in a statement.

The three executives said that Kuper’s association with Investec dated back to 1989 when he joined the group after Investec acquired his property company, I Kuper and Co.

During his 18 years at Investec, Kuper also served as a director of Investec Holdings, Investec Bank and Investec Private Bank.

“Even after he formally retired from Investec, David maintained a close and committed relationship with us,” said Koseff, Kantor and Hackner.

“He was known and loved by many people at Investec, who have been touched by his warmth and generosity of spirit. He will be remembered for his boundless passion, energy, drive and determination and care for people.”

Angelique de Rauville, MD of Investec Listed Property Investments, said Kuper’s death was a “great loss for the South African property industry”.

She said he had been a figurehead within the property market and his death was a great loss to Investec as he had played a central role in the company’s development since joining the group.

Colin Young, head of institutional property investments at Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments, said Kuper’s death was a “tragic accident” and that he had contributed “enormously” to the development of the commercial property industry.

“He’ll be sorely missed,” said Young.

Kuper leaves his wife Sonia, two daughters and six grandchildren.