Born in the Eastern Cape, Raymond Tucker grew up in Johannesburg. He studied at Rhodes University and later did a law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. He was active in the Liberal Party and devoted himself to human rights. He increasingly handled political trial cases and thus became a known South African Human Rights solicitor, presenting at high profile cases such as Winnie Mandela, the Very Rev Gonville ffrench-Beytagh, Robert Sobukwe and the trial of the 'Pretoria 12' (Sexwale and 11 Others) . He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the Witwatersrand in 2004.

The Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Company Ltd (JCI) was founded in 1889 by the British entrepreneur Barney Barnato and became leading force in the South African mining, property and engineering sectors for over a century and a significant role player in the growth of Johannesburg as the country's economic heart. With the advent of South African democracy in 1995, the business was divided into three parts. The mining side was incorporated into a vehicle for Black Economic Empowerment under a new Chairman, Mzi Khumalo, under the name JCI Ltd. The property and investment operations became Johnnic Communications and the platinum interests were moved to Amplats. JCI Ltd was later taken over by Brett Kebble, and after allegations of fraud and mismanagement, was wound down in 2011.

Joseph Barnett was born in 1861(?) in Brynmawr, Wales as one of 6 children of Barnett and Ellen Isaacs. He came to Johannesburg around 1888/9, where he started a photographic business in 1895, later joined by his brother David. Both brothers obtained contracts with periodical publications like the illustrated London journal "Black & White". Joseph Barnett died while on holiday in Wales and was buried at his birthplace on the 23 July 1897.
His brother David not only continued with the business Barnett & Co., but also took over Joseph's appointment as special correspondent of "Black and White", taking the photographic work of the brothers further. In the years to follow he contributed many of his pictures of the South African War (1899-1902), published by 'Black and White', and later launched a series of postcards in about 1902. David Barnett died at the age of 90 in 1964.

Missionary and explorer