Mamphela Ramphele is a South African activist, physician, academic, and political leader who played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement. A close associate of Steve Biko, she co-founded the Black Consciousness Movement, advocating for racial equality and empowerment. Ramphele later became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, the first Black woman to hold such a position in South Africa. She served as Managing Director at the World Bank, focusing on human development in Africa. Ramphele has been active in civic reform, co-founding the political platform Agang South Africa. She is a prominent voice on public health, governance, and education reform, authoring books that address South Africa’s socio-economic challenges. Her career blends activism, academic leadership, and policy influence.