Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said yesterday that murdered mining tycoon Brett Kebble would not have wanted the tragedy of his demise to "in any way spoil the progress" of South Africa.

Leading a chorus of political parties, friends and politicians who generally expressed shock and sadness at the businessman's death, the deputy president also paid tribute to Kebble, calling him a "great South African".

Addressing a media conference on the state visit of Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla, Mlambo-Ngcuka said she hoped Kebble's high-profile attack would not sour business relations for South Africa.

"I have no doubt that this great South African would have liked this country to prosper and would not like this tragedy to begin in any way to spoil the progress of our country.

"I think that as a people ... and a country we are shocked; shocked and saddened. This is a real, real tragedy," a visibly upset Mlambo-Ngcuka said.

"We hope that all will be done by our law enforcers to make sure they investigate thoroughly and quickly so that they can rebuild confidence in our country," she added, saying her heart went out to Kebble's family. He is survived by his father Roger, his wife and four children.

The ANC said in a statement that it was shocked by the death of the "prominent South African business person" and extended its sympathies to the Kebble family.

"The ANC trusts the SA Police Service will do everything possible to establish the circumstances of his killing and bring those responsible to book," the statement read.

The sentiment was echoed by DA spokesperson Helen Zille who said that given the "extreme" nature of the crime and the prominent role Kebble played in politics and business it was important for the police to solve the murder "urgently in the public interest".

The IFP said the murder left many unanswered questions and appeared to be a "carefully laid out assassination".

"One wonders whether he fell prey to a Mafia-style unit which was following him in order to murder him," the party's safety and security spokesman, Velaphi Ndlovu, said in a statement.

In an open letter to Roger Kebble and family, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said the "fighter and pioneer" would be remembered as someone who fought for what he believed in, "whether it was fashionable or not".

"His involvement in social, political and art matters was characterised by that same quintessential enthusiasm and gumption ... He was a dreamer with a sense for the grand and the bold, but coupled with the realism and work ethic to actually achieve his impressive goals," Holomisa said.

Also describing the murder as an "assassination", the party leader added that the crime should be investigated thoroughly so that "we don't allow the development of a culture of settling differences through the barrel of a gun".

The ANCYL, which enjoyed close ties with the businessman, said South Africa had lost a "true patriot" whose selflessness would remain "a legacy for generations to come".

"Such dedication and commitment demands us to count him among the true patriots of our nation whose work and dedication should serve as a fundamental lesson for those in business," the league said in a statement.

Friend, business associate and ANC MP Andrew Mlangeni said Kebble was a "very useful man" who believed in improving the living conditions of disadvantaged people.

"He was a human being, he obviously had enemies, friends and enemies like all of us," Mlangeni said of Kebble's murder.

The veteran ANC political activist and Rivonia trialist made waves last year when he declared to parliament in the register of members' interests that he received a R1.6 million house and a R320 000 car from Kebble.

Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan also paid tribute to Kebble. Jordan said his efforts in bringing the value of arts to wider public attention made a "significant contribution" to South Africa. "Through the Brett Kebble Awards he set an example of how corporate sector support can give impetus to the development and collection of indigenous fine arts, craft and sculpture.

"We are shocked at his death," the minister said.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Cape Times.