Herman Mashaba (born 26 August 1959 in Hammanskraal) is a South African entrepreneur and politician who currently serves as the president of ActionSA, a party he founded in 2020. He is widely recognised for his remarkable “rags-to-riches” journey, having risen from poverty under apartheid to build a multi-million-rand business empire, most notably through the haircare brand Black Like Me.
Biography: Herman Mashaba 
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Full Name: Herman Samtseu Philip Mashaba |
Place of Birth: GaRamotse, Hammanskraal, Gauteng |
Date of Birth: 26 August 1959 (Age - 66) |
Occupation: Entrepreneur, Politician |
Political Party: ActionSA (Founder/President since 2020) |
Net Worth: $100 million (R1.8 billion) |
Spouse: Connie Mashaba (married -1982) |
Children: 2 children (Rhulani & Khensani) |
Nationality: South African |
Early Life and Education
Herman Samtseu Philip Mashaba was born on 26 August 1959 in GaRamotse, Hammanskraal, Gauteng. At birth, he was named Highman Mashaba by his grandfather. He changed his birth name from Highman to Herman later in life, after the name became the subject of jokes among his peers.
He grew up in poverty after the death of his father while he was 2 years old. He was raised primarily by his sisters while his mother worked as a domestic worker to support the family. Despite these challenges, he pursued his education and graduated from Hans Kekana High School. [1]
However, political unrest during the apartheid era disrupted his academic path, forcing him to drop out of the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) after 18 months. Determined to succeed, he later continued his studies and obtained a degree in accounting from the University of South Africa (UNISA). [2]
Business Career of Herman Mashaba
In addition to his success in haircare, he expanded his business interests by establishing Lephatsi Investments. Through this venture, he diversified into sectors such as mining, real estate, aviation, and information technology. [4] [2]
Furthermore, he played a significant role in economic advocacy. From 2012 to 2014, he served as chairman of the Free Market Foundation. He eventually stepped down from this role to pursue a career in politics under the Democratic Alliance (DA). [2]
Political Career of Herman Mashaba
Mashaba entered politics with a focus on governance and economic reform. In 2016, he became the first non-ANC Mayor of Johannesburg since 1994, leading a multi-party coalition following the municipal elections. During his tenure, he prioritised clean governance and service delivery. [5]
However, in 2019, he resigned from both the mayoral position and the Democratic Alliance, citing ideological differences. Shortly thereafter, in August 2020, he founded ActionSA, positioning it as an alternative to South Africa’s established political parties. [6]
As of early 2026, Mashaba has announced his intention to compete for his party’s nomination in the Johannesburg mayoral race in the upcoming municipal elections, signalling his continued ambition to shape the country’s political landscape. [7]
Personal Life and Publications
On a personal level, Mashaba has been married to Connie Mashaba since the early 1980s. The couple have two children, a daughter named Khensani and a son named Rhulani. [1]
In addition to his business and political career, he is also an author. He published his autobiography, Black Like You, in 2012, followed by Capitalist Crusader in 2015, both of which reflect on his life experiences and economic philosophy. [8]
Biography Controversy
In 2023, author Prince Mashele released a biography titled The Outsider, which was initially marketed as “unauthorised.” However, the book sparked controversy when it emerged that Mashaba had personally funded the project with R12.5 million. Consequently, the publisher withdrew the book, raising questions about its classification and transparency. [9]
Net Worth in 2026
Herman Mashaba’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $100 million (R1.8 billion). This fortune was primarily built through his trailblazing entrepreneurial career, most notably as the founder of the haircare giant Black Like Me in 1985. Beyond his success in the beauty industry, his wealth is sustained by a diverse investment portfolio spanning real estate, mining, aviation, and information technology. Mashaba has long maintained a policy of financial transparency, famously declaring his assets upon taking office as the Mayor of Johannesburg to ensure public accountability.
Legacy of Herman Mashaba
Overall, Herman Mashaba’s story reflects resilience, ambition, and a commitment to both entrepreneurship and public service. From building a successful business empire to leading a major metropolitan municipality and founding a political party, he continues to influence South Africa’s economic and political discourse.
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