Herman Mashaba is a prominent South African businessman and politician, best known for founding the successful hair care company Black Like Me and serving as Mayor of Johannesburg from 2016 to 2019.
Born on August 26, 1959 in Hammanskraal, Mashaba’s journey from poverty to becoming a successful businessman and influential political figure is remarkable.
His journey into politics began with joining the Democratic Alliance, eventually leading to the formation of his ActionSA party in 2020.
File
- – Full name: Herman Samtseu Philip Mashaba
- – Date of birth: August 26, 1959
- – Age: 65 years old
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Hammanskraal, South Africa
- – Nationality: South African
- – Occupation: Businessman, Politician
- – Height: None
- – Parents: None
- – Siblings: None
- – Wife/Husband: Connie Mashaba
- – Children: Khensani Mashaba, Rhulani Mashaba
- – Relationship status: Married
- – Religion: None
- – Ethnicity: None
- – Net worth: $100 million
Early life and education
Herman Mashaba was born on August 26, 1959, in Hammanskraal, a small town in the Transvaal region of South Africa. Now 65, Mashaba grew up in a challenging environment.
His mother worked odd jobs to support the family after his father died when Mashaba was young. His older brother had to leave school at the age of 15 to help support the family.
Despite these hardships, Mashaba completed his primary education in Hammanskraal and pursued secondary education, although he did not complete his higher education. His determination to overcome poverty through hard work and education was evident from an early age.
Personal life
Herman Mashaba is married to Connie Mashaba and they have two children, Khensani and Rhulani. The couple has a strong partnership in both family life and business. Connie has managed several of Mashaba’s business ventures, contributing to their success.
Career
Mashaba’s career began as a salesman at Spar, a furniture manufacturer. He soon realised his potential in sales and left to sell African hair care products for SuperKurl. In 1985, he co-founded Black Like Me with partners Johan Kriel and Joseph Molwantwa, using a R30,000 loan from entrepreneur Walter Dube.
Black Like Me has grown into one of South Africa’s most successful hair care brands. Mashaba has since expanded its business into a variety of sectors, including real estate, aviation, security, IT, mining and construction.
In 2012, Mashaba entered politics by joining the Free Market Foundation as its chairperson. He then moved to the Democratic Alliance, where he became Mayor of Johannesburg in 2016. He resigned in 2019 due to internal party conflict and founded ActionSA in 2020, which focuses on non-racialism and economic prosperity for South Africans.
Prize
- – 2005: UNISA Honorary Award for Outstanding Entrepreneur and Leader in Business Environment
- – 2003: Henley Management College Business Leadership Award
- – 2001: SABC/Tribute Achievers Award
- – 1994: Marketing Person of the Year awarded by the Institute of Marketing Management
- – 1994: New Nation/Engen Entrepreneur of the Year
Net worth
Herman Mashaba’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. His wealth comes mainly from his business ventures, especially the success of Black Like Me and his various investments in different industries.
Argumentative
Herman Mashaba’s career has been controversial. During his tenure as Mayor of Johannesburg, he faced criticism for his hardline stance on immigration, which many viewed as xenophobic. Mashaba’s comments and policies regarding undocumented immigrants sparked controversy and protests, with some accusing him of fostering anti-immigrant sentiment.
Additionally, his funding of the biography “The Outsider: The Unauthorized Biography of Herman Mashaba” caused public outcry when it was revealed that he paid 12.5 million Rand to produce the biography, raising questions about transparency and ethics in political funding.
Social media
- – Instagram: @hermanmashaba
- – Twitter: @HermanMashaba
Book
- – 2017: Black Like You: An Autobiography
- – 2015: Capitalist Warriors: Fighting Poverty Through Economic Growth
