Margaret Martha Keneilwe Motsepe

Margaret Martha Keneilwe "Kay" Motsepe (c. 1915 – c. 2004) was a South African matriarch and significant figure in South Africa, known for being the wife of Chief Augustine Butana Chaane Motsepe and the mother of notable South Africans, including First Lady of South Africa Dr Tshepo Motsepe, billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe, and businesswoman Bridgette Radebe. Her life connected closely with the Bakgatla-Ba-Mmakau community in the North West province, where she supported her family and community during apartheid.

Early life Kay was born around 1915 in Mmakau, Bojanala Platinum, North West, South Africa. Some accounts indicate she had mixed heritage, possibly with a Scottish grandfather, although definitive records about her ancestry are scarce. Growing up in a time of racial segregation and economic struggle, her early life was shaped by the social and political challenges of her environment.

Marriage and family Kay married Chief Augustine Butana Chaane Motsepe, a respected educator, businessman, anti-apartheid activist, and tribal leader of the Bakgatla-Ba-Mmakau, part of the Tswana people. They had seven children, including:

Dr. Tshepo Motsepe (born 1953), a physician and First Lady of South Africa, married to President Cyril Ramaphosa Bridgette Radebe (born 1960), a businesswoman and founder of Mmakau Mining, married to politician Jeff Radebe Patrice Motsepe (born 1962), a billionaire businessman, founder of African Rainbow Minerals, and president of the Confederation of African Football.

Kay and Augustine emphasized strong family values and education, ensuring their children received a good education despite the restrictive Bantu education system imposed by the apartheid government. Their focus on education and resilience helped their children find success in various fields.

Community role and legacy

As the wife of a tribal chief and community leader, Motsepe supported her husband's advocacy for the rights of the Bakgatla-Ba-Mmakau community. Chief Augustine led protests against a Canadian mining company to secure royalties for vanadium mined on tribal land, with Motsepe's support.

Motsepe's influence is evident through her children's accomplishments, which have left a lasting mark on South African society. Tshepo is a prominent figure in public health and serves as First Lady, while Patrice and Bridgette are leaders in business, contributing to economic empowerment and development in the country. The Motsepe family's commitment to philanthropy, particularly through the Motsepe Foundation established by Patrice and his wife Precious Moloi-Motsepe, reflects the community values instilled by Kay and Augustine.