Herman Mashaba is a South African politician, entrepreneur and the current President of ActionSA, a business leader turned public figure whose journey reflects the power of entrepreneurship as a pathway to influence and national impact. From building one of South Africa’s most successful indigenous consumer brands to leading one of its largest cities as Mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba has consistently positioned enterprise, accountability, and economic inclusion at the center of his work.
Herman Mashaba’s rise is rooted in resilience and determination. Born in Hammanskraal during apartheid, he grew up in a low-income household and faced the structural limitations of the era. Refusing to be defined by circumstance, he ventured into business in the 1980s, founding Black Like Me in 1985 with limited resources but a clear vision. What followed was the steady growth of a brand that would break barriers, expand beyond South Africa, and stand as a symbol of black enterprise success in a previously restricted economy.
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At the heart of Herman Mashaba’s work is a philosophy grounded in ownership, discipline, and self reliance. Through Black Like Me, he built a brand that combined product relevance with market ambition, creating a business that resonated with millions while competing at scale. His transition into public service reflected this same mindset, bringing private sector efficiency into governance and reinforcing the role of entrepreneurship in national development.
Herman Mashaba’s impact has been recognised across business and civic leadership. In 2013, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the Central University of Technology. In 2014, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Retail Congress Africa, and in 2015, he was honoured as Achiever of the Year by the Rotary Club of Johannesburg. These recognitions reflect a career defined by persistence, enterprise, and contribution to economic advancement.
Looking ahead, Herman Mashaba continues to champion policies and initiatives that support small business growth, economic participation, and institutional accountability. His vision is centered on building an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive and where individuals are empowered to create value and opportunity. Through business, leadership, and advocacy, he remains a prominent voice shaping the future of economic leadership in South Africa.
