By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that Paul Mashatile will become the country’s new deputy president, replacing David Mabuza, who resigned last week.
In his reply to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 16 February, Ramaphosa extended his appreciation and gratitude to Mabuza for his support over the past five years. At the time the President indicated that he was attending to Mabuza’s request.
Ramaphosa lauded Mabuza for ably leading the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and extensive engagements with military veterans and traditional leaders.
The SANAC is a multi-sectoral body that brings together government, civil society and the private sector to create a collective response to HIV, TB and STIs.
A cabinet shuffle had been widely expected since Ramaphosa was re-elected leader of the governing African National Congress (ANC) at a party leadership contest in December, paving the way for him to run for a second term in 2024.
Mashatile was elected as the party’s deputy president during the party’s recent elective conference at Nasrec in Johannesburg.
One of the key issues facing South Africa is the ongoing electricity crisis, which has had a significant impact on the country’s economy and society.
Mashatile’s experience in economic and financial matters will be important in addressing these challenges, particularly as the government seeks to implement reforms aimed at boosting growth and job creation, and he now takes on the role of head of government business.
In addition to his political experience, Mashatile is also known for his work in the arts and culture sector, having served as Minister of Arts and Culture from 2009 to 2014.
He is a veteran politician from the ANC, the party that has governed South Africa since democracy in 1994. He has occupied a dizzying array of posts and portfolios during his climb to the top.
Mashatile has been continuously in party or state posts for 29 years. Though he battled with the ANC’s parlous financial plight before 2023 as treasurer, overall his track record is a creditable performance.
In 1994 he was elected as a member of the provincial legislature and leader of the house in Gauteng. He became in turn a member of the executive committee for transport and public works, next for safety and security, then human settlements, then finance and economic affairs. For 2008-2009 he became the fourth premier of Gauteng.
From 2010 to 2016 he was a member of parliament, when he served as minister of arts and culture.
He became an opponent of then South African president Jacob Zuma’s alleged corruption. In 2017 he was elected as treasure general of the ANC, and added to that in 2022 the role of acting secretary general. At the ANC’s 2022 national elective congress, he was elected by a sizeable majority as deputy president of the ANC.
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