Human Rights Champions

Our human rights champions lend their voices and support to the Stand Up campaign. They all share a commitment to speaking out and standing up for the human rights of others. Let their stories inspire and move you to act.

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Tokyo Sexwale

Anti-apartheid activist, businessman, politician, South Africa

Mosima Gabriel “Tokyo” Sexwale is a South African anti-apartheid activist, businessman, and politician. His nickname comes from his childhood love of karate. In the late 1970s, he was imprisoned on Robben Island for his anti-apartheid activities alongside Nelson Mandela. He was released in 1990. After the 1994 general election, the first truly democratic election in South Africa, he became the Premier of Gauteng Province. He served in the government as South Africa as Minister of Human Settlements from 2009 to 2013. Sexwale eventually left politics for business, becoming a major oil and diamond mining magnate.

Tokyo Sexwale
  • I will respect your rights regardless of who you are. I will uphold your rights even when I disagree with you
  • When anyone’s human rights are denied, everyone's rights are undermined, so I will stand up
  • I will raise my voice. I will take action. I will use my rights to stand up for your rights.

people have stood up for human rights

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