Paul Mashatile, the Deputy President of South Africa has for several years dedicated his life to serving the nation and its people. He has made significant contributions to the country’s political, economic, and cultural spheres. His leadership, experience, and commitment to the welfare of South African citizens have earned him a reputation as a dedicated and influential statesman.
Mashatile grew up in a turbulent time marked by the brutal apartheid regime. He had a strong passion for social justice and action, and he joined the ANC and the anti-apartheid movement in the 1980s. He showed unwavering commitment to the liberation of all South Africans.
Here are 10 Interesting Facts about the South African Deputy President, Paul Mashatile
1. He is a Native of Geraldsville, Pretoria (Tshwane)
Paul Shipokosa Mashatile was born on October 21, 1961, in Gerhardsville, Pretoria (now Tshwane), in the Gauteng province. He is the third of eight children of Bishop Diamond Nyangeni and Mirriam Nomvula Mashatile. He is currently 62 years old.
As for his education, he started off at the Paradise Bend School in Diepsloot, and later at the Bathabile Primary School in Atteridgeville. Thereafter, he continued at Alexandra High School, a Roman Catholic school.
He started a BA in Law with UNISA while in prison, but he could not finish it due to a lack of study materials. He later obtained a Diploma in Economic Principles from the University of London and took other courses.
2. Paul Mashatile Hails From a Humble Background
Mashatile rarely talks about his humble family background, but he has said in some interviews that he grew up in poverty. The family of 10 lived on a farm where his father served as a priest and later graduated to become the Bishop of East Hethlon Church until he passed on in 2011 at the age of 82.
On the other hand, Paul’s mother was a domestic worker who sold vegetables and some other food items.
Growing up, he and his other siblings would go to the market to assist their mother in her small business. Even when the family moved to Attweidgevilla, west of Pretoria, she continued to manage her business until she passed on in 2020 at the age of 82. It’s no surprise that they have also grown to become entrepreneurs.
3. The South African Deputy President Began his Political Career while he was in School
Paul’s passion for activism and social justice started to flourish during his time as a student. He joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), an influential student organization that played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid movement.
His dedication and commitment to the struggle for freedom led to the establishment of the Alexandra Youth Congress (AYCO), which he co-founded in 1983 and also became its first president.
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4. Paul Mashatile Spent Over 4 Years In Prison Under the State of Emergency regulations Declared by then Apartheid State President P.W. Botha
Over the years, many individuals have shared their experiences following their fight against apartheid and Mashatile also has a history. He was reportedly harassed by the security police who also attempted to assassinate him sometime in the 1980s.
Eventually, he was detained under the State of Emergency regulation without trial from 1985 to 1989 denying him basic right to a fair legal process. Despite this oppressive regime, he remained resilient and continued to advocate for justice. While there, he embarked on an 18-day hunger strike as part of a nationwide protest.
During his detention, he also taught English to Matriculants, instructed other prisoners at the gym, and gave regular lectures on the history of resistance in South Africa, the ANC, and the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
5. He Was Restricted From Engaging in any Political Activity after His Release from Prison
After over 4 years in prison, Mashatile finally got his freedom however, he couldn’t participate in any political activity following restrictions from the authorities. He was also placed under house arrest and required to present himself twice a day at the Alexandra Police Station.
In addition to all of these, he was not allowed to leave the Magisterial District of Johannesburg without the permission of the apartheid security police.
6. Mashatile Re-established the Structures of the African National Congress and South African Communist Party
Though several restrictions limited Mashatile’s political pursuits, he continued to secretly work with the UDF Southern Transvaal and was elected Assistant General Secretary during one of their underground meetings. He later became the group’s General Secretary until the unbanning of political parties.
Mashatile was at the forefront of re-establishing political structures like the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). He served in the Interim Leadership Committee of the ANC and SACP. The former was led by the former Deputy President of the country, Kgalema Motlanthe.
He was later appointed as the General Secretary and Chairperson of the SACP in Gauteng. He also held several leadership positions within the ANC. He served as the Chairperson of the ANC’s Gauteng Province, overseeing the party’s activities in the province.
7. The South African Deputy President Mashatile, Holds a Great Commitment to Arts and Culture
Mashatile has been a strong advocate for South African arts and culture. From 2010 to 2014, he served as the Minister of Arts and Culture, where he played a crucial role in promoting and preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.
He spearheaded the development of the Mzansi Golden Economy Policy. This created new opportunities for artists, performers, and cultural practitioners. It also fostered an environment conducive to innovation, collaboration, and development of sustainable creative enterprises.
8. He has Several Notable Projects to His Name
Mashatile has been actively involved in driving economic development initiatives in South Africa. He has been instrumental in implementing policies aimed at stimulating investment, creating job opportunities, and fostering economic growth through a range of projects.
Aside from being the leader of the people, some of his employees have described him as a team player who is focused on building strong teams across different departments to work towards a common goal.
Some projects he has done include; the Blue IQ projects, the Newtown Precinct, the 20 Township Projects, and the establishment of the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) to support the development of the SMME sector.
9. Paul Mashatile is Currently Married to Humile Mjongile
Paul Mashatile, despite his political obligation, is a family-oriented individual. At present, he is married to Humile Mjongile, the widow of the late former ANC Western Cape secretary Songezo Mjongile who died in 2020. The pair got married in a lavish ceremony in 2023.
However, before tying the knot with Homile, he was previously married to Manzi Ellen Mashatile who is also the mother of his 4 children – Palesa, Thabiso, Tinyiko, Ayanda, Goapele Zenani, and Zondwa Songezo Jnr.
Unfortunately, his wife passed away in November 2020 after a long illness. To honor her memory, her husband Mashatile launched the Manzi Mashatile Foundation to promote educational programs.
10. He Is Concerned With Giving Back to Society
Mashatile has been committed to improving the lives of South African citizens, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He has been involved in the implementation of social welfare programs aimed at alleviating poverty and providing support to vulnerable communities.
He is the Chairperson of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust and also the Patron of the Manzi Mashatile Foundation, which was established in 2020.
