Ramphele

Mamphela Aletta Ramphele (born 28 December 1947) is a South African politician, businesswoman, medical doctor, academic, and anti-apartheid activist. She is a prominent figure in South African society, known for her work in addressing social and economic inequality.

Ramphele was a leading figure in the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) during the apartheid era. She worked closely with Steve Biko, and their relationship was both personal and political. She faced significant persecution from the apartheid regime, including detention and internal exile.

After apartheid, Ramphele held several leadership positions in academia and business. She served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT) from 1996 to 2000, the first Black woman to hold such a position at a South African university. She later became a managing director at the World Bank and served as chairperson of Gold Fields, a major South African mining company.

In 2013, Ramphele entered the political arena, forming the Agang South Africa party to contest the 2014 general election. However, the party did not achieve significant electoral success.

Ramphele has authored several books and articles on a range of topics, including education, development, and social justice in South Africa. She continues to be a commentator on South African politics and society.