Paul Shipokosa Mashatile has become a significant political figure in South Africa. Known for his deep commitment to social development, leadership in government, and political activism, Mashatile has held many key positions that have shaped the nation. Here are 20 fascinating facts about the current Deputy President of South Africa, who was appointed on March 6, 2023.
1. Born into Political Repression
Paul Mashatile was born on October 21, 1961, in Gerhardsville, near Pretoria, during a period of intense political repression in South Africa. This environment shaped his early awareness of politics and injustice.
2. Large Family Roots
Mashatile is the third of eight children born to Bishop Diamond Nyangeni and Mirriam Nomvula Mashatile. His family’s modest background and hard work influenced his values and strong work ethic.
3. Entrepreneurial Spirit
Growing up, Mashatile learned the value of hard work by helping his mother, who ran a small business selling vegetables. This experience shaped his entrepreneurial skills.
4. Education in Atteridgeville and Johannesburg
He attended several schools, starting with Paradise Bend Primary School in Diepsloot before finishing at Alexandra High School in Johannesburg, where he matriculated in 1982.
5. Early Political Involvement
Mashatile joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in his youth, marking the beginning of his political journey. He was drawn to the ideals of the African National Congress (ANC), which had been banned at the time.
6. Founded the Alexandra Youth Congress
In 1983, Mashatile co-founded the Alexandra Youth Congress (AYCO), which played a key role in shaping youth activism in the area. He was elected its first president.
7. Involvement with uMkhonto we Sizwe
Mashatile was recruited to work underground for the ANC and its military wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), contributing to the struggle against apartheid.
8. Detained During the State of Emergency
Mashatile was detained for over four years without trial under the apartheid regime’s State of Emergency, which reflected the harsh political climate of the time.
9. Studied Law While in Prison
While in prison, Mashatile enrolled at the University of South Africa (UNISA) to study law. However, due to difficulties in accessing study materials, he couldn’t complete his degree.
10. Contributed to Prisoner Education
Even while detained, Mashatile worked to support fellow political prisoners. He taught English to matriculants and served as the chair of the Forum, a committee for prisoner welfare.
11. Became a Key UDF Leader
After his release, Mashatile played an essential role in the United Democratic Front (UDF) and was elected Assistant Secretary of the Southern Transvaal branch, working alongside ANC veteran Mohammed Valli Moosa.
12. Continued Political Restrictions
Even after his release, Mashatile was placed under house arrest and restricted from participating in politics. Despite these limitations, he was elected General Secretary of the UDF in secret underground meetings.
13. Joined ANC Leadership
After the unbanning of the ANC, Mashatile was elected to the ANC’s Interim Leadership Committee in Gauteng, later becoming its Provincial Secretary in 1992.
14. Government Leadership Roles
Mashatile’s leadership skills became evident when he was elected to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature following the 1994 democratic elections. He also served as the Leader of the House during this period.
15. Gautrain Visionary
As MEC for Transport and Public Works in Gauteng from 1996 to 1998, Mashatile played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the Gautrain, a project that revolutionized public transportation in the province.
16. Held Various MEC Positions
Mashatile’s governance career saw him take on multiple roles, including MEC for Safety and Security (1998-1999), MEC for Housing (1999-2004), and MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs (2004-2008).
17. Premier of Gauteng
After the resignation of Premier Mbhazima Shilowa in 2008, Mashatile was elected as the 4th Premier of Gauteng, overseeing significant development projects in the province.
18. Treasurer-General of ANC
Mashatile was elected as the ANC’s Treasurer-General in December 2017 at the party’s 54th National Conference, signaling his growing influence within the party.
19. Deputy President of South Africa
On March 6, 2023, Mashatile was appointed as Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, marking a significant milestone in his political journey.
20. A Family-Oriented Leader
Mashatile values family deeply. He is married to Humile Mashatile and has four children and two grandchildren. His family-oriented outlook extends to his civic duties, serving as Chairperson of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust and patron of the Manzi Mashatile Foundation.