[2] Motara was born on 7 December 1982, to an Indian father and a Coloured mother, in Benoni, Transvaal Province.

After finishing high school, Motara studied for a degree in psychology from the University of South Africa.

[3] Motara joined the African National Congress Youth League's branch in Benoni in 2000.

[8] In October 2022, she became the MEC for Economic Development in the executive council of premier Panyaza Lesufi.

[10] In January 2018, Motara announced that she was HIV positive after her former partner threatened to expose her status.