John Charles Molteno (1814–86)

British-born South African politician and businessman. Emigrated to Cape Colony in 1831. Founded a mercantile and banking business in 1852. Represented Beaufort West in the newly established legislative assembly in 1854. Became first prime minister of Cape Colony in 1872 and opposed the British government’s plans for South African federation; dismissed by the governor, Bartle Frere, in 1878. Member of the legislative assembly for Victoria West, 1880; colonial secretary, 1881–2. Knighted, 1882.