Mkhacani Joseph Maswanganyi, widely known as Joe Maswanganyi, is a South African politician with a long and varied career in both provincial and national politics. From his early days in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature to his influential roles in the National Assembly and Cabinet, Maswanganyi has played a key role in shaping South African politics. Here are 21 fascinating facts about this political figure:
1. Born in Giyani, Limpopo
Joe Maswanganyi was born on April 14, 1966, in Giyani, located in the former Transvaal (now part of Limpopo). His roots in this province have played a significant role in shaping his political career.
2. Raised in Mudabula Village
Maswanganyi grew up in Mudabula, a village near Malamulele in Limpopo, a region that has influenced many of his political decisions and allegiances.
3. Teacher by Training
Before entering full-time politics, Maswanganyi trained as a teacher and worked in the education sector until 1994. His background in education has influenced his approach to governance and policy.
4. Education Achievements
Maswanganyi holds multiple degrees: a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2000, a Master’s in Governance and Political Transformation from the University of the Free State in 2006, and a second Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Venda in 2016.
5. Started Political Career in 1994
In 1994, after the end of apartheid, Maswanganyi transitioned from teaching to politics, marking the beginning of his career as a full-time politician.
6. Chairperson of the Public Works Commission
In 1997, Maswanganyi was appointed chairperson of the Public Works Commission, where he played a pivotal role in addressing infrastructure and public works issues.
7. Deputy President of the ANC Youth League
Maswanganyi served as the Deputy President of the ANC Youth League from 1998 to 2001, under the leadership of Malusi Gigaba. His leadership in the Youth League helped shape his future political trajectory.
8. Provincial Legislature Member (1997-2014)
Maswanganyi served as a member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature from 1997 to 2014, representing the ANC and building his political career within the province.
9. Member of Limpopo Executive Council
Maswanganyi was appointed to the Limpopo Executive Council by Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi. He served as MEC for Local Government and Housing, where he championed efforts to rename major cities in the province, including Pietersburg to Polokwane.
10. Controversial Name Changes
During his tenure as MEC for Local Government and Housing, Maswanganyi was a key figure in the controversial renaming of cities in Limpopo, a move aimed at rectifying colonial-era names that represented oppression.
11. MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture (2004)
In 2004, Maswanganyi was appointed MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture. His work in this portfolio was recognized for helping to unify communities through cultural and sporting initiatives.
12. Dismissed from MEC Role in 2006
Maswanganyi was dismissed from his role as MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture in November 2006 after Premier Sello Moloto reshuffled the provincial cabinet. Despite this, he remained a prominent figure in the ANC.
13. Elected ANC Provincial Secretary (2008)
In July 2008, Maswanganyi was elected ANC Provincial Secretary for Limpopo, a key position in the province’s political structure, where he supported Jacob Zuma’s rise within the ANC.
14. Rivalry with Cassel Mathale
Maswanganyi had a political rivalry with Cassel Mathale, the ANC Provincial Chairperson. In 2011, he ran for re-election as Provincial Secretary, but lost to Soviet Lekganyane in a closely contested battle.
15. Entered National Politics in 2015
Maswanganyi made his move to national politics in May 2015, when he was sworn in as a member of the National Assembly after filling the seat left vacant by the late Collins Chabane.
16. Minister of Transport (2017-2018)
Maswanganyi was appointed as Minister of Transport by President Jacob Zuma in March 2017. During his brief tenure, he oversaw key transport policies and initiatives.
17. Defended Dudu Myeni Appointment
In 2017, Maswanganyi came under media scrutiny for his controversial appointment of Dudu Myeni, former chairperson of South African Airways, as a special adviser in his office. He defended the decision, citing her experience in aviation.
18. Sacked by President Ramaphosa (2018)
In February 2018, after Cyril Ramaphosa became President, Maswanganyi was removed from his position as Minister of Transport. Blade Nzimande replaced him in the cabinet reshuffle.
19. Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration
After his removal from the cabinet, Maswanganyi was appointed chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration in May 2018, overseeing public sector reforms.
20. Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance
In July 2019, after being re-elected to the National Assembly in the 2019 general election, Maswanganyi was appointed chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, where he focused on key financial issues such as the investigations into Steinhoff and VBS Mutual Bank.
21. Re-elected to ANC National Executive Committee (2022)
In December 2022, Maswanganyi was re-elected to the ANC National Executive Committee, securing his position as an influential figure within the party. He received 1,317 votes, ranking 39th among the 80 ordinary members elected.