Mzwandile Collen Masina, a prominent South African politician, has had a long and impactful career. From his early political activism to his current role in Parliament, his journey is filled with significant milestones. Below are 21 facts you should know about him:
- Early Life and Background
Born on September 2, 1974, in Ekurhuleni (formerly part of the Transvaal), Masina grew up in a politically active family, participating in the anti-apartheid movement. - Political Activism from a Young Age
Masina’s political journey started in his teenage years. He joined the ANC Youth League and became involved in student politics, leading various organizations like the Congress of South African Students and the South African Students Congress. - Education
He attended the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Pretoria, where he earned a Master’s degree in entrepreneurship. - Early Career in Public Service
Before becoming a full-time politician, Masina worked in various public sectors, including the Department of Mineral Resources, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, and the Department of Trade and Industry. - Chief Executive Officer of the Gauteng Film Commission
In 2012, Masina became the CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission, showcasing his leadership in the provincial creative industries. - ANC Youth League Leadership
In April 2013, Masina was appointed as the interim national convenor of the ANC Youth League, a role that put him in the national spotlight. - Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (2014-2016)
Following the 2014 general election, Masina was appointed by President Jacob Zuma as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. He worked under Minister Rob Davies during this time. - Chairperson of ANC Regional Branch
Masina was elected as the chairperson of the ANC regional branch in Ekurhuleni in 2014. His leadership style often clashed with the provincial leadership, including figures like Paul Mashatile and David Makhura. - Mayor of Ekurhuleni (2016-2021)
Masina was elected Mayor of Ekurhuleni after the 2016 local elections. His tenure was marked by ambitious promises to address housing and service delivery issues, such as building 100,000 homes and instituting 24/7 healthcare services in Tembisa. - Controversial Political Stance
A staunch ally of President Jacob Zuma, Masina supported Zuma throughout his presidency and opposed calls for his resignation during the corruption scandal surrounding him. - The Ekurhuleni Mayoral Election (2016)
Although the ANC lost its majority in the local elections, Masina was elected mayor in a council vote, receiving support from minor parties like the African Independent Congress and the Pan Africanist Congress. - Advocate for Zuma’s Successor
Ahead of the 2017 ANC conference, Masina backed Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to succeed Jacob Zuma as party president, an act that signaled his loyalty to Zuma’s legacy. - Close Relationship with Julius Malema
Masina is known for his close relationship with Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. Despite being in the ANC, Masina has expressed alignment with many of the EFF’s policies. - Scandal and Accident (2020)
In August 2020, Masina was involved in a car accident on the N12 near Alberton while driving a city-owned BMW. The incident was allegedly covered up, sparking controversy within his party. - Opposition Leader After Mayoral Loss (2021)
After his removal from the mayoral office in 2021, Masina became the leader of the ANC’s opposition caucus in the Ekurhuleni municipality. - Disciplinary Actions for Undermining ANC Leadership
Masina faced internal disciplinary action for his role in undermining ANC negotiations with the EFF. His actions led to a motion of no confidence against Ekurhuleni’s DA mayor in 2022, though it failed. - Election Controversies
In 2022, Masina narrowly won re-election as ANC regional chairperson in a contest marked by disruptions and allegations of electoral irregularities. This election was later declared invalid by a court. - ANC National Executive Committee (2022)
Masina was elected to the ANC National Executive Committee at the ANC’s 55th National Conference in December 2022. He endorsed Zweli Mkhize’s bid to challenge Cyril Ramaphosa for the presidency but later withdrew his candidacy for ANC treasurer-general. - Return to the National Assembly (2024)
In the May 2024 general election, Masina returned to the National Assembly as an ANC representative for Gauteng, ranked fifth on the party list. - Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry, and Competition
Following his return to Parliament, Masina was appointed as the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry, and Competition, where he continues to influence national policy. - Personal Life
Masina lives in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, with his wife, Sinazo Masina. The couple married in November 2016 in a ceremony held in Stellenbosch, followed by a traditional wedding in Ekurhuleni.