POPULAR and influential, a political leader with strong ties to the community he grew up in – but a man tainted by scandal and allegations of corruption.
This in a nutshell is Paul Mashatile, Cyril Ramaphosa’s new righthand man and the man who could well be the next presi dent of South Africa.
The 61yearold was recently sworn in as deputy president along with other ministers who made the cut after Rama phosa’s cabinet reshuffle – and South Africans can expect a very different deputy to the one whose shoes he has to fill.
David Mabuza nicknamed himself “the cat” after surviving a car crash but his nine lives were up when the ANC conference elected Mashatile as deputy president. Usually whoever is deputy of the ruling party is also deputy of the country.
Political analysts are cautiously opti mistic about Mashatile, describing him as someone who can make the right decisions when needed. “He’s a firm leader who always listens, even if he disagrees with you,” says Ntombi Mekgwe, a mem ber of the Gauteng provincial legislature where Mashatile has a long history.
But he’s no pushover, adds Humphrey Mmemezi, a former member of the ANC’s national executive committee. “He’s a meek giant, a true gentleman – but don’t mess with him.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the man who holds the No 2 position in the land.
RISING UP THE RANKS
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 23 March 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 23 March 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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