Paul Mashatile is a prominent South African politician who now serves as the Deputy President of South Africa. In this article, we will look into Paul Mashatile Net Worth, early career, professional path, personal life, honors, and achievements.

Paul Mashatile Net Worth

Early Years

Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, born on October 21, 1961, in Gerhaldsville, Pretoria, South Africa. He is the third of eight children born to Bishop Diamond Nyangeni and Mirriam Nomvula Mashatile.

Mashatile went to Alexandra High School in Gauteng before devoting himself to activism and politics. He later earned a degree in economic principles from the University of London.

Mashatile did more than just see apartheid while growing up. He fiercely opposed the repressive dictatorship. As a member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and the founding president of the Alexandra Youth Congress (AYC), he was instrumental in the end of apartheid.

Political Career

Mashatile had important positions in both political groups and provincial governments, notably in Gauteng, South Africa. He was hired to create new legal structures for these groups, which strengthened his support and power in the region. Mashatile was the temporary regional secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and oversaw the African National Congress’ (ANC) political education program in the early 1990s. In 1992, he was appointed Provincial Secretary of the Gauteng ANC, where he worked closely with Provincial Chairperson Tokyo Sexwale.

Mashatile’s political career progressed following South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, when he was elected to the Gauteng provincial assembly. Over the following 13 years, he served in numerous cabinet roles, including Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport and Public Works, Safety and Security, Human Settlements, and Finance and Economic Affairs. During his tenure, he was actively involved in key initiatives such as the Gautrain fast transport project and the construction of the Gauteng Shared Services Centre.

Mashatile rose through the ANC ranks, from Provincial Secretary to Deputy Provincial Chairperson under Mathole Motshekga. He ran for deputy chairmanship in 2001 and 2004, but lost both times. Mashatile did, however, continue to serve on the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee and the SACP until at least 2007.

2007-2012

Mashatile faced Angie Motshekga and Nomvula Mokonyane in the 2007 ANC Gauteng Chairperson election. He won, establishing himself as a possible successor to departing Provincial Chairperson Mbhazima Shilowa. Mashatile’s election triumph showed his popularity and influence in the province, with his position on national ANC leadership succession playing an important part in the campaign. Despite speculation regarding his chosen candidate, Mashatile underlined the value of collegial decision-making within the provincial party.

Paul Mashatile’s political career included several notable roles, commencing with his election as Gauteng Premier on October 7, 2008, succeeding Mbhazima Shilowa. However, his term was brief, as he was succeeded less than a year later by his deputy, Nomvula Mokonyane, following the 2009 general election.

Despite this loss, Mashatile maintained power in the ANC and Gauteng politics. He was re-elected as ANC Gauteng Chairperson in May 2010, beating Mokonyane. Following this triumph, Mashatile strengthened control over Mokonyane’s office by arranging cabinet reshuffles that benefitted his friends.

Mashatile entered national politics when President Jacob Zuma appointed him Minister of Arts and Culture in October 2010. However, by mid-2012, accusations appeared that Mashatile was campaigning for Zuma’s resignation and preparing himself for national leadership. He ran for the job of ANC Treasurer General at the 53rd National Conference, but was beaten by Zweli Mkhize.

2014-present

Despite his defeat, Mashatile remained important within the ANC, winning re-election as ANC Gauteng Chairperson in 2014. He remained opposed to Zuma’s leadership, calling for his removal following the 2016 Constitutional Court decision on the Nkandla issue.

Mashatile was elected ANC Treasurer General in December 2017 during the party’s 54th National Conference, when he supported Cyril Ramaphosa’s slate. He played a key role in Ramaphosa’s rise to the president. Mashatile’s election signaled a shift in his concentration to the full-time position of ANC Treasurer General, situated at the party’s headquarters in Johannesburg.

Mashatile took over as interim ANC Secretary General in January 2022, following Ace Magashule’s suspension and Jessie Duarte’s sick leave. He remained in this post after Duarte died in July.

Mashatile’s political career reached a high in December 2022, when he was chosen ANC Deputy President at the party’s 55th National Conference, reporting to President Ramaphosa. His election cemented his status as a prominent role in the ANC leadership, with speculation that he may run for even higher posts in the future.

Personal Life

Mashatile and Mamzi Ellen Mashatile were married for many years. Their relationship produced four children: Palesa, Thabiso, Tinyiko, and Ayanda. Sadly, Mamzi Ellen Mashatile died in July 2020 after a protracted illness. He remarried to Hlumile Mjongile in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Mashatile

1. Who is Paul Mashatile?

Paul Mashatile is a prominent South African politician and the 9th Deputy President of South Africa.

2. What political party does Paul Mashatile belong to?

Mashatile is a member of the African National Congress (ANC), which is South Africa’s ruling party.

3. What roles has Paul Mashatile held in the ANC?

Mashatile has held several key positions within the ANC, including Gauteng Provincial Secretary, Deputy Provincial Chairperson, and ANC Gauteng Chairperson.

4. What government positions has Paul Mashatile held?

Mashatile has served as Gauteng Premier and Minister of Arts and Culture in the national government.

5. When was Paul Mashatile elected Gauteng Premier?

Paul Mashatile was elected Gauteng Premier on October 7, 2008.

6. How long did Paul Mashatile serve as Gauteng Premier?

Mashatile served as Gauteng Premier for less than a year, from October 2008 to May 2009.

7. What led to Paul Mashatile’s removal as Gauteng Premier?

Mashatile was replaced as Gauteng Premier following the 2009 general election, with his deputy, Nomvula Mokonyane, assuming the position.

8. What position did Paul Mashatile hold in the national government after serving as Gauteng Premier?

After serving as Gauteng Premier, He was appointed Minister of Arts and Culture in the national government.

9. Has Paul Mashatile held any leadership positions within the ANC at the national level?

Mashatile has contested for national leadership positions within the ANC, including the position of ANC Treasurer General.

10. What role did Paul Mashatile play in Cyril Ramaphosa’s ascent to the ANC presidency?

Mashatile aligned himself with Cyril Ramaphosa’s slate and played a significant role in engineering Ramaphosa’s ascent to the ANC presidency.

11. What position did Paul Mashatile hold at the ANC’s 54th National Conference?

At the ANC’s 54th National Conference, the ANC elected Paul Mashatile as its Treasurer General.

12. What position did Paul Mashatile assume in the ANC following Ace Magashule’s suspension?

Following Ace Magashule’s suspension, Mashatile assumed the role of acting ANC Secretary General.

13. What position did Paul Mashatile assume at the ANC’s 55th National Conference in 2022?

At the ANC’s 55th National Conference in 2022, the ANC elected Paul Mashatile as its Deputy President.

14. How many children does Paul Mashatile have?

Mashatile has four children: Palesa, Thabiso, Tinyiko, and Ayanda.

Wrap Up

Paul Mashatile’s legacy extends beyond politics. His commitment to justice, leadership, and family remains an inspiration.