E. J. Mqoboli was born around 1860 in the Cape and educated at Healdtown, Mqoboli trained first as a teacher and then as a Methodist minister. Politically conscious and effective as a speaker and writer, he played a prominent part in the founding of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1912 and became its first senior chaplain. He was active both in the Cape ANC and on the ANC national executive committee.
References
Gerhart G.M and Karis T. (ed)(1977). From Protest to challenge: A documentary History of African Politics in South Africa: 1882-1964, Vol.4 Political Profiles 1882 - 1964. Hoover Institution Pres: Stanford University.