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Murphy Morobe
Born (1956-10-02) 2 October 1956 (age 68)
Soweto, South Africa
Nationality South Africa South African
Known for Student Activist and Politics
Children 4

Murphy Morobe (born 2 October 1956) is an important person from South Africa's history. He played a big part in the movement against apartheid. Apartheid was a system of unfair rules that separated people based on their race.

Who is Murphy Morobe?

Murphy Morobe was born in 1956. He grew up in Soweto, South Africa. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in making things fair for everyone.

Early Life and School

Murphy Morobe started his schooling in Ermelo. He finished primary school in Soweto. Then, he went to Orlando North Secondary School and Morris Isaacson High School. During his high school years, he became very interested in politics and history. He cared a lot about bringing people together and helping communities grow.

Joining the Student Movement

In 1972, Murphy Morobe joined the South African Student’s Movement (SASM). This group was important for students who wanted change. However, many SASM members were arrested in 1973, which made the group weaker for a while.

A Leader in the Soweto Uprising

In 1974, Murphy Morobe helped to rebuild SASM. He became the treasurer of the group. Later, in June 1976, he was one of the main student leaders during the Soweto Uprising. This was a big protest by students against unfair education laws. Because of his role in the uprising, he spent three years in prison on Robben Island. He was in prison with other student leaders and also with Nelson Mandela, who was a very important South African political leader. Murphy Morobe was released from prison in May 1982.

Continuing the Fight for Change

After leaving prison, Murphy Morobe quickly returned to politics. He worked with several groups. These included the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and the General and Allied Worker’s Union. He also helped to create the United Democratic Front (South Africa) (UDF) in 1983. The UDF was a large group that brought many different organizations together to fight apartheid.

Working for South Africa's Future

After apartheid ended, Murphy Morobe continued to serve his country. In 1994, he became the Chairperson and CEO of the Financial and Fiscal Commission in South Africa. This group helps manage the country's money. He also served on the Council on Higher Education (CHE). He is the Chairman of the South African National Parks Board (SANP). This means he helps look after South Africa's beautiful national parks. He is also part of the International Fundraising Consortium. This group gives money to non-government organizations in South Africa. Murphy Morobe has also joined the board of Old Mutual South Africa, which is a big financial company. He is also the spokesman for former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

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