Nthato Motlana

Dr. Nthato Harrison Motlana OMSG (16 February 1925 – 1 December 2008) was a prominent South African businessman, physician and anti-apartheid activist.

Early life He was born in Marapyane close to Pretoria. He attended and matriculated at Kilnerton High School, Pretoria. As founding member of the Black Community Programme, its goal was to economically empower black South Africans, and he founded Phaphama Africa Commercial Enterprises, Lesedi Clinic (the first black owned, private up-market hospital in the country), and Sizwe Medical Aid (the first black owned medical aid scheme in South Africa).

Life after apartheid Following apartheid, Motlana took a lead role in the formation of the New African Investments Limited, or NAIL, which purchased many previously white run corporations at below market value. These included South Africa's largest newspaper The Sowetan. Due to his huge success in business Motalana earned the nickname "Father of Black Economic Empowerment."

Motlana served on the boards of Putco, Rand Water Board, Adcock Ingram Group and Sasol, amongst other civic and academic institutions.

Marriage Motlana married his wife Sally Maunye in Soweto in 1953.

Death He died on 1 December 2008 in a private hospital in Johannesburg.