Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Shipokosa Mashatile |
| Date of Birth | October 21, 1961 (age 63 years) |
| Place of Birth | Gerhardsville, Pretoria, South Africa |
| Current Position | Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa (since March 6, 2023) |
| Former Positions | Minister of Arts and Culture (2010-2014), Premier of Gauteng (2008-2009) |
| Education | Alexandra High School, BA Law (UNISA, incomplete), Diploma in Economic Principles (University of London) |
| Political Affiliation | African National Congress (ANC) |
| Spouse | Humile Mashatile |
| Children | Palesa, Thabiso, Tinyiko, Ayanda, Goapele Zenani, Zondwa Songezo Jnr |
| Notable Projects | Gautrain, Blue IQ projects, Newtown Precinct, Mzansi Golden Economy Policy |
| Foundations and Trusts | Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust, Manzi Mashatile Foundation |
| Key Attributes | Team-player, decisive leader, experienced in government and political activism |
Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, born on October 21, 1961, in Gerhardsville, Pretoria, has established a remarkable political career in South Africa. Appointed as the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa on March 6, 2023, Mashatile has been a significant figure in the nation’s political landscape, holding various influential positions over the years.
Early Life and Education
Paul Mashatile is the third of eight children born to Bishop Diamond Nyangeni and Mirriam Nomvula Mashatile. Raised in a politically charged environment, his formative years were influenced by significant events such as the Sharpeville Massacre and the formation of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the African National Congress’s (ANC) military arm. This period instilled in him a strong political consciousness.
Mashatile attended Paradise Bend Primary School in Diepsloot before moving to Atteridgeville, where he continued his education at Bathabile Primary School. He completed his high school education at Alexandra High School, commonly known as “Roma,” in Johannesburg, matriculating in 1982. During his school years, he became involved in politics, joining the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and starting his journey as an activist and freedom fighter.
Political Activism and Imprisonment
In 1983, Paul Mashatile co-founded the Alexandra Youth Congress (AYCO) and was elected its first President. AYCO became affiliated with the United Democratic Front (UDF), and Mashatile was elected Assistant Secretary of the UDF Southern Transvaal in 1984. Due to his political activities, he was detained under the State of Emergency regulations declared by President P.W. Botha, spending over four years in prison without trial. During his imprisonment, he pursued a BA Law degree with UNISA and contributed significantly to the well-being of political prisoners.
Post-Imprisonment and Political Career
After his release in April 1989, Mashatile continued his political work despite restrictions. He was elected General Secretary of the UDF Southern Transvaal and joined the National Executive Committee. Following the unbanning of the ANC and other political organizations, he held various leadership positions within the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Leadership in Government
Paul Mashatile’s political career in government began with his election to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in 1994. He served in multiple capacities, including MEC for Transport, Roads, and Public Works, where he played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and implementation of the Gautrain project. He also served as MEC for Housing, MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs, and Premier of Gauteng from 2008 to 2009.
In 2009, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, later becoming the Minister of Arts and Culture in 2010, a position he held until 2014. During his tenure, he developed the Mzansi Golden Economy Policy, positioning the Arts, Culture, and Heritage sector as a significant contributor to economic growth.
Recent Roles
At the ANC’s 54th National Conference in December 2017, Mashatile was elected Treasurer-General. He also served as Acting Deputy Secretary General and Secretary General of the ANC before being elected Deputy President of the ANC in December 2022.
Personal Life and Legacy
Paul Mashatile is married to Humile Mashatile and has six children: Palesa, Thabiso, Tinyiko, Ayanda, Goapele Zenani, and Zondwa Songezo Jnr, along with two grandchildren, Bontle and Manzi-Zama. He chairs the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust and is the Patron of the Manzi Mashatile Foundation, established in honor of his late wife, Manzi Ellen Matlhodi.
Mashatile’s life story is one of dedication, resilience, and commitment to building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa.