Tokyo Sexwale

Mr. Tokyo Sexwale, a member of the Black Consciousness Movement in the late 1960’s and early 70’s, joined the African National Congress underground movement in the 1970’s. In 1975, he went into exile and underwent Officers’ Military Training in the Soviet Union, specializing in Army Engineering. Upon return to South Africa in 1976, he was arrested after a skirmish with the South African Security Forces and, together with 11 others, was charged and later convicted of “Terrorism” and “Conspiracy” to overthrow the Apartheid Government. He was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment at Robben Island Maximum Security Prison.

After serving 13 years at Robben Island, Mr. Sexwale was released and returned to Johannesburg and served as the Head of the Public Liaison Department of the African National Congress Headquarters, subsequently appointed Head of Special Projects, under Military Headquarters. While imprisoned at Robben Island, he studied for his B. Comm. degree. In September 1990, he was elected to the Executive Committee of the ANC-Gauteng Province. In 1991, he was elected Chairperson of the Province and remained so until his resignation in 1997. In 1994, he was elected as the first Premier of Gauteng Province and left in 1998 for the corporate sector. He established and is the Executive Chairman for Mvelaphanda Holdings, primarily a mining and energy house. He has also been the Director of ABSA Group limited, and a host of South African companies.

Mr. Sexwale has received the Legion d’Honour from France, an honorary doctorate in Technology from the University of Nottingham, the Cross-of-Valour (Ruby Class) in South Africa, and the Reach and Teach Leadership Award in the USA. He holds positions at many international organizations including as Honorary Consul General of Finland in South Africa, President of the South African/Russian Business, Technological and Cultural Association, and Vice President of the South African/Japanese Business Forum.