Tokyo Sexwale is a well-known South African businessman, politician, and anti-apartheid activist. He was born on March 5, 1953, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sexwale is known for his work in the anti-apartheid movement and his time as a political prisoner on Robben Island.
Sexwale’s involvement in the anti-apartheid movement began in his youth, and he was eventually arrested and sentenced to 13 years in prison on Robben Island. He was released in 1990, and after the first fully democratic election in South Africa in 1994, Sexwale became the Premier of Gauteng, one of South Africa’s nine provinces. He later served as the Minister of Human Settlements and as a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC).
In addition to his political career, Sexwale is also a successful businessman and has served as the Chairman of several companies, including Mvelaphanda Holdings and Trans Hex Group. He has also been involved in philanthropic work, including the establishment of the Tokyo Sexwale Foundation, which supports education and youth development in South Africa.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Mosima Gabriel “Tokyo” Sexwale was born on March 5, 1953, in the township of Orlando West, Soweto, South Africa. He was the third of six children of Godlieve and Frank Sexwale. His father, a clerk at Johannesburg General Hospital, had served in World War II. Tokyo grew up amid the turmoil of the Black township’s political upheaval. His family was actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement, and his parents were both members of the African National Congress (ANC).
Education and Early Influences
Tokyo Sexwale attended St Martins Primary School in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, and later went to Matibane High School in Soweto. He was expelled from high school in 1973 for participating in the Soweto Uprising, a series of protests and demonstrations against the apartheid government’s policy of mandatory education in Afrikaans. After his expulsion, he went into exile in Angola, where he received military training from the ANC’s military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
In 1976, Tokyo Sexwale was arrested by the South African security forces and sentenced to 13 years in prison on Robben Island for his anti-apartheid activities. While in prison, he continued his education and obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa. He also became a close friend and comrade of Nelson Mandela, who was also imprisoned on Robben Island at the time.
Tokyo Sexwale’s early life and education played a significant role in shaping his political beliefs and activism. His family’s involvement in the anti-apartheid movement, his experiences during the Soweto Uprising, and his imprisonment on Robben Island all contributed to his commitment to fighting against apartheid and promoting social justice in South Africa.
Tokyo Sexwale  |
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 Image Credit: Wikipedia |
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| Full Name: | Mosima Gabriel “Tokyo” Sexwale |
| Born: | 5 March 1953 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | University of South Africa |
| Occupation: | Businessman, Politician,and Activist. |
| Years active: | |
| Spouse: | Judy van Vuuren ​(m. 1993; div. 2014)
Natacha da Silva(m.2022) |
Political Career and Business Ventures
Anti-Apartheid Activism
Tokyo Sexwale was a prominent anti-apartheid activist in South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. He was imprisoned on Robben Island for his activism, alongside other notable figures such as Nelson Mandela. Sexwale’s time in prison helped to shape his political beliefs and paved the way for his future political career.
Post-Apartheid Political Role
After the 1994 general election, Sexwale became the Premier of Gauteng Province, a position he held until 1998. During his tenure, he implemented policies aimed at improving the lives of the people of Gauteng, including the construction of new schools and the expansion of healthcare services.
In 1999, Sexwale was appointed as the Minister of Human Settlements in the South African government. He held this position until 2004, during which time he oversaw the construction of over 1 million houses for low-income families.
Business Endeavors and Philanthropy
In addition to his political career, Tokyo Sexwale has also been successful in the business world. He has been involved in various industries, including mining and finance. Sexwale is estimated to have a net worth of 1.9 billion rand ($219 million).
Sexwale has also been involved in philanthropic efforts throughout his career. He established the Tokyo Sexwale Foundation, which focuses on improving education and healthcare in South Africa. Additionally, he has been involved in various other charitable organizations, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Overall, Tokyo Sexwale’s political and business endeavors have made him a prominent figure in South Africa. His commitment to improving the lives of his fellow citizens, both through his political policies and philanthropic efforts, has earned him respect and admiration from many.