 Motlanthe's maternal grandfather, Kgalema Marcus Madingoane and his grandmother, Louisa Mmope Sehole lived in Apex, a squatter camp in Benoni East Rand Old Location where they moved to in search of work.Here, Madingoane became involved in community affairs and eventually became a Councillor in Apex.He was instrumental in founding the township of Daveyton in 1955 where he ran a funeral parlour and a general dealership.