Herman Mashaba Biography
Herman Samtseu Philip Mashaba was born on 26 August 1959 in GaRamotse, a rural village in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, in what was then the Transvaal province of South Africa. He is a South African politician, entrepreneur, and the founder and president of the political party ActionSA.
Herman Mashaba rose from humble and challenging beginnings under apartheid to become one of South Africa’s most prominent self-made businessmen and a notable political figure. Known for founding the successful Black Like Me hair care brand, he later served as Mayor of Johannesburg and established ActionSA to advocate for his vision of governance, economic freedom, and anti-corruption policies. His life story exemplifies resilience, entrepreneurial drive, and a commitment to individual liberty, often positioning him as a vocal critic of certain post-apartheid policies.
Herman Mashaba Early Life and Background
Herman Samtseu Philip Mashaba was born on 26 August 1959 in GaRamotse, Hammanskraal. His father passed away when he was just two years old, leaving his mother, Mapula, to support the family as a domestic worker in Johannesburg. She was often away, and Mashaba was primarily raised by his older sisters in a context of near-poverty.
The family faced severe hardships, including stealing basic necessities like water and wood to survive in a community shaped by apartheid restrictions. Mashaba’s grandfather played a pivotal role, instilling values of self-reliance, independence, hard work, and pride in his Black identity. These lessons profoundly influenced Mashaba’s determination to break the cycle of poverty.
As a child and young man, Mashaba experienced the harsh realities of apartheid, which limited opportunities for Black South Africans. He has spoken openly about community survival strategies and early involvement in minor illicit activities, such as selling and using marijuana, before redirecting his focus toward education and legitimate enterprise. His upbringing fostered a strong aversion to dependency and a belief in personal agency.
Herman Mashaba Education
Mashaba attended Hans Kekana High School, where he completed his matric. It was there that he met his future wife, Connie, during a beauty pageant. After high school, he enrolled at the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) to study for a B.Admin degree. However, his studies were disrupted by political unrest and apartheid police crackdowns on student activism, forcing him to drop out.
He later pursued studies through the University of South Africa (UNISA), obtaining qualifications in accounting. Education remained important to him as a pathway out of poverty, though practical experience in business ultimately defined his path more than formal degrees. He has received honorary recognition for his achievements, including an honorary doctorate in business administration.
Herman Mashaba Career
Mashaba’s early career began with modest jobs after leaving university. He worked as a dispatch clerk at SPAR and later at a furniture manufacturer. These roles provided stability and allowed him to save enough to buy a car, which became crucial for his transition into sales.
He started as a commission salesperson, initially selling various goods and then specializing in SuperKurl African hair care products. He quickly became the top performer, recognizing the vast market potential in Black hair care. Dissatisfied with working for others, he resolved to start his own venture.
In 1985, on Valentine’s Day, Mashaba co-founded Black Like Me with partners Johan Kriel (a chemist) and Joseph Molwantwa, securing a R30,000 loan from friend Walter Dube. The company focused on affordable, high-quality hair products tailored for the Black market. Despite apartheid-era barriers—such as restrictions on land ownership and industrial operations—Mashaba built a factory in Mabopane township. He navigated challenges like regulatory hurdles and even a devastating factory fire in 1993, which he survived and from which the business recovered.
Black Like Me grew rapidly, expanding into Southern Africa and launching in the UK in 2002, making it one of the first Black-owned South African companies to enter international markets. Mashaba later bought out his partners and built it into a major brand. He diversified into investments through Lephatsi Investments, with interests in mining, construction, real estate, security, aviation, IT, and more.
Mashaba’s business philosophy emphasized capitalism, self-reliance, and opposition to what he viewed as restrictive labor laws and empowerment policies that hindered small businesses. He chaired the Free Market Foundation and challenged labor regulations in court.
Herman Mashaba Political Career and Achievements
Mashaba entered politics in the 2010s, joining the Democratic Alliance (DA) as an ordinary member. In 2016, he was elected Mayor of Johannesburg in a coalition government after the ANC lost its majority. As mayor from 2016 to 2019, he focused on combating corruption, improving service delivery, and promoting clean governance. His tenure was marked by efforts to address urban challenges in Africa’s largest city but also by tensions within the coalition and with party leadership, leading to his resignation in 2019.
In 2020, he founded ActionSA, positioning it as a pragmatic, non-racial alternative focused on jobs, safety, and anti-corruption. The party has gained traction, particularly in Gauteng. Mashaba has run for mayor again and remains influential in local politics.
Key achievements include:
- Founding and scaling Black Like Me into a multimillion-rand enterprise during apartheid.
- Expanding the brand internationally.
- Serving as Mayor of Johannesburg, the first non-ANC mayor in the post-1994 era for a significant period.
- Advocating for labor law reforms and free-market principles.
- Building ActionSA as a new political force.
- Receiving business awards, such as New Nation/Engen Businessman of the Year.
He is also a music lover and accomplished pianist, having taken secret lessons for years before performing publicly.
Herman Mashaba Personal Life
Mashaba married Connie Mashaba in 1982. They met at high school, and she has been his partner in both life and business, playing a key role in managing Black Like Me’s finances and operations. The couple has two children: daughter Khensani and son Rhulani. Family stability has been central to Mashaba’s narrative of success.
He has spoken candidly about personal challenges, including past infidelity, and the importance of commitment in marriage. Mashaba enjoys traveling, music (including jazz and artists like King Curtis), and time with family. He remains a proud Kaizer Chiefs supporter.
Herman Mashaba Other Notable Aspects
Mashaba has authored or contributed to books, including his autobiography Black Like You, detailing his journey. He is known for strong views on issues like immigration, crime (supporting the death penalty for serious offenses), and criticism of identity politics. He describes himself as a libertarian and “capitalist crusader.”
Conclusion
Herman Mashaba’s life is a testament to determination against adversity. From rural poverty under apartheid to building a business empire and entering high-level politics, he has consistently championed self-reliance, economic freedom, and accountable governance. While his views spark debate, his story continues to inspire many seeking paths to success through entrepreneurship and principled leadership.
FAQs
Who is Herman Mashaba?
Herman Mashaba is a South African entrepreneur and politician, best known as the founder of Black Like Me and president of ActionSA. He served as Mayor of Johannesburg from 2016 to 2019.
When and where was Herman Mashaba born?
He was born on 26 August 1959 in GaRamotse, Hammanskraal, South Africa.
What is Black Like Me?
Black Like Me is a pioneering Black-owned hair care company founded by Mashaba in 1985, which grew into a major brand in South Africa and internationally.
What political party did Herman Mashaba found?
He founded ActionSA in 2020 after leaving the Democratic Alliance.
Is Herman Mashaba still involved in business?
Yes, he has diversified investments across multiple sectors while focusing primarily on politics through ActionSA.
What are some of Herman Mashaba’s key beliefs?
He advocates for free-market principles, individual freedom, reduced government overreach in business, and tough stances on crime and corruption.