Paul Mashatile#"Alex mafia"

Mashatile was born on 21 October 1961 in Gerhardsville, in what is now the municipality of Tshwane, in the Gauteng province.{{Cite web |last=Ratshitanga |first=Mukoni T. |date=1998-04-09 |title=From Township Activist to MEC |url=https://mg.co.za/article/1998-04-09-from-township-activist-to-mec/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} His mother was Marriam Nomvula Mashatile (b. 1937–1938, d. 2020).{{Cite web |last=Madisa |first=Kgothatso |date=2020-06-22 |title=Paul Mashatile's Mother Has Died |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-06-22-paul-mashatiles-mother-has-died/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=The Sowetan |language=en-ZA}} She was a domestic worker.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2007 |title='Mafia' man means business |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/mafia-man-means-business-374750 |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=IOL |language=en}}

While a student, Mashatile began his political career as an anti-apartheid activist in Alexandra, Gauteng, alongside Obed Bapala and others. He was a member of the Congress of South African Students and co-founded the Alexandra Youth Congress, becoming the latter's inaugural president in 1983.{{Cite web |last=Basson |first=Adriaan |date=2007-07-19 |title=Paul Mashatile: Fees Kickback? |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2007-07-20-paul-mashatile-fees-kickback/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} In the same year, he represented the Alexandra Youth Congress at the launch of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Cape Town, and two years later he succeeded Valli Moosa as UDF regional secretary for Southern Transvaal, a position which he held until the UDF was dissolved in 1991. Later in 1985, under the prevailing state of emergency, he was arrested for his political activism, and he was detained without trial until 1989.{{Cite web |last=Hlongwane |first=Sipho |date=2012-04-03 |title=2017, Paul Mashatile's Time |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-04-03-2017-paul-mashatiles-time/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2008-10-07 |title=ANC Names New Gauteng Premier |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/anc-names-new-gauteng-premier-20081007 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}

When the apartheid government unbanned the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP) in 1990, Mashatile was recruited to the interim leadership corps of both organisations and tasked with helping establish their new legal structures inside the country and especially in the PWV region that later became Gauteng, then led by trade unionist Kgalema Motlanthe. Observers have viewed this period as instrumental in solidifying Mashatile's support base and influence in the region. He was appointed interim regional secretary of the SACP in 1990, and was in charge of the ANC's political education programme in the region between 1991 and 1992. In 1992, he was elected Provincial Secretary of the Gauteng ANC, in which capacity he worked alongside Provincial Chairperson Tokyo Sexwale.

In South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, he was elected to the Gauteng provincial legislature and became leader of the house. Two years later, Mashatile joined the provincial cabinet, where he served for the next 13 years, initially as Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport and Public Works (1996–1998) and then as MEC for Safety and Security (1998–1999).{{Cite web |date=2008 |title=The Premier's Profile: Premier Mashatile |url=http://apps.gcis.gov.za/gcis/gcis_profile.jsp?id=3649 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525234649/http://apps.gcis.gov.za/gcis/gcis_profile.jsp?id=3649 |archive-date=25 May 2014 |access-date=8 November 2012 |website=Gauteng Online}} Under Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, he occupied high-profile portfolios as MEC for Human Settlements (1999–2004) and for Finance and Economic Affairs (2004–2008). He was a close ally of Shilowa, viewed as the latter's right-hand man and protégé. As Finance MEC, he was closely involved in planning the Gautrain rapid-transit project,{{Cite web |date=2006-10-16 |title=Out To Lunch |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2006-10-16-out-to-lunch/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} and also formulated and established the Gauteng Shared Services Centre, which centralised the budget allocations of provincial departments and which has been criticised as inefficient and vulnerable to corrupt abuses.

Over the same period, Mashatile ascended the ranks of the Gauteng ANC. He remained Provincial Secretary until 1998, when he was elected Deputy Provincial Chairperson under new Provincial Chairperson Mathole Motshekga. Mashatile was viewed as an opponent of Motshekga in ensuing years, during which the ANC's Provincial Executive Committee became divided over Motshekga's leadership, leading in 2000 to its dissolution by the ANC's National Executive Committee.{{Cite web |date=2001-11-16 |title=ANC Gauteng moves to eliminate internal rifts |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2001-11-16-anc-gauteng-moves-to-eliminate-internal-rifts/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} In 2001, when the provincial party elected a new leadership, Mashatile was viewed as a possible successor to Motshekga,{{Cite web |date=2001-04-26 |title=A battle for power in the regions |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2001-04-26-a-battle-for-power-in-the-regions/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=2001-10-26 |title=Challengers for Shilowa |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2001-10-26-challengers-for-shilowa/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} but ultimately stood for re-election to the deputy chairmanship and lost against Angie Motshekga, wife of Mathole. In 2004, he again contested the deputy chairmanship{{Cite web |date=2007-09-27 |title=Battle for the top ANC post in Gauteng begins |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2007-09-28-battle-for-the-top-anc-post-in-gauteng-begins/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} and was again beaten by Motshekga.{{Cite web |date=13 December 2004 |title=ANC lashed over Gauteng border plan |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/anc-lashed-over-gauteng-border-plan-229380 |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=IOL |language=en}} However, he remained an ordinary member of the ANC's Provincial Executive Committee. He also remained a member of the SACP until at least 2007.{{Cite web |date=2007-10-10 |title='Dignity, discipline' on road to Polokwane |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2007-10-10-dignity-discipline-on-road-to-polokwane/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}

At the provincial ANC's next elective conference in 2007, Mashatile launched a bid for the provincial chairmanship, the most senior position in the provincial party, running against fellow MECs Angie Motshekga and Nomvula Mokonyane. Motshekga was viewed as his primary competitor; the Mail & Guardian said that he represented "seniority" while Motshekga represented "those seeking a change of blood in the leadership". Another central issue in the campaign was the respective stance of the contestants on the question of leadership succession in the national ANC, which had grown heated in the run-up to the party's 52nd National Conference, to be held in Polokwane in December 2007. Mashatile was widely rumoured to support neither of the two main candidates – incumbent ANC President Thabo Mbeki and incumbent ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma – but rather to support the underdog candidacy of Tokyo Sexwale. By contrast, his opponent in the provincial race, Motshekga, publicly supported Zuma, as did the ANC Youth League, which had nominated Mashatile for the provincial chair.{{Cite news |date=4 October 2007 |title=Youth Want Mashatile to Back Zuma |work=Business Day |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/200710040458.html |access-date=1 December 2022 |via=allAfrica}}

At the conference, which opened in Midrand on 7 October 2007, outgoing Provincial Chairperson Shilowa declined a nomination to stand for re-election; he was rumoured to support Mashatile's bid to succeed him. On the same day, Mashatile was elected ANC Provincial Chairperson, with Mokonyane as his deputy.

In his closing address to the conference, Mashatile told attendees that "In Gauteng there is no individual position, there is no Paul Mashatile position on who we will elect to the national leadership" in December, promising that the provincial party would enter into collective discussions to formulate a unified position. The province ultimately favoured Zuma in the nominations phase,{{Cite web |date=2007-11-27 |title=ANC Women's League backs Zuma |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2007-11-27-anc-womens-league-backs-zuma/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} and analyst Aubrey Matshiqi estimated that its support was divided between Mbeki and Zuma at the conference itself.{{Cite web |last=Matshiqi |first=Aubrey |date=11 October 2013 |title=Gauteng ANC calling on Mbeki to be Zuma's flower girl |url=https://www.polity.org.za/article/gauteng-anc-calling-on-mbeki-to-be-zumas-flower-girl-2013-10-02 |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Polity |language=en}}

On 7 October 2008, Mashatile was elected Gauteng Premier, replacing Shilowa, who had resigned in protest against the ANC's decision to remove President Thabo Mbeki from office. However, Mashatile served as Premier for less than a year. On 6 May 2009, pursuant to the 2009 general election, he was replaced as Premier by his deputy in the ANC, Nomvula Mokonyane,{{cite news |date=6 May 2009 |title=Mokonyane Declared Premier |work=News24 |url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Elections/News/0,,2-2478-2479_2511884,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509165946/http://www.news24.com/News24/Elections/News/0,,2-2478-2479_2511884,00.html |archive-date=9 May 2009 |accessdate=6 May 2009}} and was appointed to the relatively junior position of Deputy Minister for Arts and Culture under newly elected President Jacob Zuma. This was viewed as a "slap in the face" for Mashatile, given his popularity in the province and ANC norms about reserving premierships for provincial party chairpersons.{{Cite web |last=Brkic |first=Branko |date=2009-12-22 |title=Paul Mashatile, the Incredible Vanishing Man |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2009-12-23-Paul-Mashatile-the-incredible-vanishing-man/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Makhanya |first=Mondli |author-link=Mondli Makhanya |date=2010-11-07 |title=The Rise, Decline and Rise and Rise of Gauteng's Power Man |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/2010-11-07-the-rise-decline-and-rise-and-rise-of-gautengs-power-man/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=20 April 2016 |title=When Jacob Zuma overlooked Paul Mashatile for Gauteng premier... |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/archive/2016-04-20-when-jacob-zuma-overlooked-paul-mashatile-for-gauteng-premier-/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}} In subsequent months, the Sowetan reported that Mashatile faced division inside the provincial ANC, with some groups aligned to Mokonyane or the Motshekgas.{{Cite web |date=28 July 2009 |title=Power politics |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2009-07-28-power-politics/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Sowetan |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=23 July 2009 |title=Battle for power |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2009-07-23-battle-for-power/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Sowetan |language=en-ZA}}

Mokonyane was also presumed to be the national ANC leadership's preferred candidate for ANC provincial chairperson,{{Cite web |last=Brkic |first=Branko |date=2010-01-14 |title=The End is Nigh for Paul Mashatile |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2010-01-14-the-end-is-nigh-for-paul-mashatile/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Brkic |first=Branko |date=2010-05-06 |title=Cosatu Gauteng Backs Mashatile for Country's Most Powerful Provincial Chairmanship |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2010-05-06-cosatu-gauteng-backs-mashatile-for-countrys-most-powerful-provincial-chairmanship/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}} but at the elective conference of the Gauteng ANC in May 2010, Mashatile prevailed decisively, winning re-election by 531 votes to Mokonyane's 356.{{Cite web |last=Brkic |first=Branko |date=2010-05-08 |title=Paul (The Survivor) Mashatile trounces Nomvula (Still The Premier) Mokonyane |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2010-05-08-paul-the-survivor-mashatile-trounces-nomvula-still-the-premier-mokonyane/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2010-05-09 |title=The Return of the Alex Mafia |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/politics/the-return-of-the-alex-mafia-20100509 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=City Press |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2010-05-08 |title=Mashatile retains position as ANC chairperson |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2010-05-08-mashatile-retains-position-as-anc-chairperson/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} In the aftermath of the vote, in what was viewed as an assertion of dominance over Mokonyane's office, the newly elected ANC provincial executive instructed Mokonyane to reshuffle her cabinet to elevate three of Mashatile's allies: Lebogang Maile, Ntombi Mekgwe, and Humphrey Mmemezi.{{Cite web |date=2010-11-07 |title=Power Falls to Paul in Gauteng |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/power-falls-to-paul-in-gauteng-20150429 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Letsoala |first=Matuma |date=2010-11-05 |title=Much Arm Twisting Over Gauteng Cabinet |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2010-11-05-much-arm-twisting-over-gauteng-cabinet/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Also in the aftermath, on 31 October 2010, Zuma announced Mashatile's promotion to Minister of Arts and Culture.{{Cite web |last=Pillay |first=Verashni |date=2010-10-31 |title=Zuma Replaces Seven Ministers in Reshuffle |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2010-10-31-zuma-replaces-seven-ministers-in-cabinet-reshuffle/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Mashatile was sworn into the National Assembly in order to take up the position.{{Cite web |date=2010-11-03 |title=Swearing-in of Minister of Arts and Culture |url=https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/content/swearing-minister-arts-and-culture |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Presidency of the Republic of South Africa}}

By mid-2012, there were reports that Mashatile was using his influence within the party to lobby for Zuma's deposition and possibly for his own elevation to a national leadership position.{{Cite web |last=Hlongwane |first=Sipho |date=2012-06-11 |title=Gauteng ANC's First Brick in Mashatile's Road to Mangaung |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-06-11-gauteng-ancs-first-brick-in-mashatiles-road-to-mangaung/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Munusamy |first=Ranjeni |date=2012-07-20 |title=ANC Gauteng: The Mangaung Game Changers |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-07-20-anc-gauteng-the-mangaung-game-changers/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Forde |first=Fiona |date=2012-04-04 |title=Paul Mashatile, Zuma's Other Headache |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/7368/paul-mashatile-zumas-other-headache/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Africa Report |language=en-US}} The Gauteng ANC, and Mashatile personally, publicly supported leadership change in the ANC ahead of the 53rd National Conference of the ANC in December 2012.{{Cite web |date=10 October 2012 |title=Gauteng snub of Zuma lays bare leadership divisions |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2012-10-10-gauteng-snub-of-zuma-lays-bare-leadership-divisions/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Sowetan |language=en-ZA}} At the conference, Mashatile stood for national Treasurer General on a slate aligned to presidential challenger Kgalema Motlanthe.{{Cite news |last=England |first=Andrew |date=2012-12-12 |title=Motlanthe to Challenge Zuma for ANC Job |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/fa0af372-447b-11e2-932a-00144feabdc0 |access-date=2022-07-23}} Like Motlanthe, he lost the vote resoundingly, and Zweli Mkhize was appointed Treasurer General by 2,988 votes to his 961.{{Cite web |last=Subramany |first=Deshnee |date=2012-12-18 |title=Mangaung: The ANC's Newly Elected Top Six |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-12-18-mangaung-the-ancs-newly-elected-top-six/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} He also failed to gain enough votes to win election to the party's National Executive Committee,{{Cite web |date=2012-12-20 |title=Results of the elections for the ANC NEC 2012 - PARTY |url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/party/results-of-the-elections-for-the-anc-nec-2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622051630/http://www.politicsweb.co.za:80/party/results-of-the-elections-for-the-anc-nec-2012 |archive-date=2017-06-22 |access-date=2021-12-08 |website=Politicsweb |language=en}} although he remained an ex officio member of the committee in his capacity as Provincial Chairperson.

Pursuant to the 2014 elections, Zuma was re-elected as national president and sacked Mashatile from his second-term cabinet.{{Cite web |last=Ferreira |first=Emsie |date=2014-05-25 |title=Executive Decision: Zuma's New Cabinet |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2014-05-25-zuma/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} Mashatile retreated to the backbenches of the National Assembly, where he served as chair of the appropriations committee.{{Cite web |last=Orderson |first=Crystal |date=2018-09-11 |title=Paul Mashatile, Treasurer General, African National Congress, South Africa |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/527/itv-paul-mashatile-treasurer-general-african-national-congress-south-africa/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Africa Report |language=en-US}} He was also re-elected, unopposed, as ANC Gauteng Chairperson in October 2014.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-04 |title=Mashatile Re-Elected as ANC's Gauteng Chair |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2014-10-04-mashatile-re-elected-as-ancs-gauteng-chair/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |date=4 October 2014 |title=Mashatile retains ANC Gauteng top post |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/archive/2014-10-04-mashatile-retains-anc-gauteng-top-post/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}} He left the national legislature in February 2016, when he was appointed MEC for Human Settlements and Cooperative Governance in the cabinet of Gauteng Premier David Makhura, a close ally.{{Cite web |last=Grootes |first=Stephen |date=2016-02-02 |title=Mashatile and Makhura Will Lead the ANC Cavalry to Defend the Capital |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-02-03-mashatile-and-makhura-will-lead-the-anc-cavalry-to-defend-the-capital/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Corke |first1=Emily |last2=Grootes |first2=Stephen |date=2016-02-03 |title=Premier Explains Decision to Appoint Paul Mashatile |work=Eyewitness News |url=http://ewn.co.za/2016/02/03/Premier-explains-decision-to-appoint-Paul-Mashatile |accessdate=22 February 2016}} He served in the provincial cabinet until early 2018, when he took up the full-time party position of ANC Treasurer General.{{Cite web |last=Dlamini |first=Penwell |date=2018-03-13 |title=Uhuru Moiloa Replaces Paul Mashatile in Gauteng Executive |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2018-03-13-uhuru-moiloa-replaces-paul-mashatile-in-gauteng-executive/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}} In the interim, he remained a fairly staunch opponent of Zuma:{{Cite web |last=Nicolson |first=Greg |date=2017-12-18 |title=Meet the ANC's New Top Six |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-12-18-ancdecides2017-meet-the-ancs-new-top-six/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}} after the 2016 Constitutional Court judgement on Zuma's misconduct in the Nkandla saga, Mashatile spearheaded the Gauteng ANC's call for Zuma to step down,{{Cite web |last=Letsoalo |first=Matuma |date=2016-04-12 |title=Gauteng ANC: Zuma Must Step Down |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2016-04-12-gauteng-anc-zumas-apology-is-not-enough/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |last=Nicolson |first=Greg |date=2016-04-12 |title=ANC Gauteng: Do the Right Thing, President Zuma |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-04-12-anc-gauteng-do-the-right-thing-president-zuma/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}} a call he later repeated in the week before Zuma was recalled by the ANC.{{Cite news |last=Cotterill |first=Joseph |date=2018-02-04 |title=ANC Leaders Pile Pressure on Jacob Zuma to Step Down |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/96d81c26-09ce-11e8-8eb7-42f857ea9f09 |access-date=2022-07-23}}

On 18 December 2017, Mashatile was elected Treasurer General of the ANC at the latter's 54th National Conference, which also marked the end of Zuma's term as party president. Mashatile won 2,517 votes, against 2,178 for Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.{{Cite web |last=Quintal |first=Genevieve |date=2017-12-18 |title=Paul Mashatile Gets Set to Leave Gauteng After Being Named ANC Treasurer-General |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/politics/2017-12-18-paul-mashatile-gets-set-to-leave-gauteng-after-being-named-anc-treasurer-general/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Business Day |language=en-ZA}} He ran on the slate of winning presidential candidate Cyril Ramaphosa, and reportedly partnered with David Mabuza in negotiating access to that slate.{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Qaanitah |date=2019-11-19 |title=Balance of Power: Behind Ramaphosa's Campaign for the Presidency |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2019-11-20-balance-of-power-behind-ramaphosas-campaign-for-the-presidency/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nicolson |first=Greg |date=2017-12-21 |title=New NEC Split Down the Middle |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-12-21-ancdecides2017-new-nec-split-down-the-middle/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}} Some commentators have said that Mashatile had a long-running and instrumental role in engineering Ramaphosa's ascent.

The Treasurer General position was a full-time post based out of the ANC's headquarters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg. In January 2022, with Secretary General Ace Magashule on suspension and Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte on sick leave, Mashatile was appointed acting ANC Secretary General;{{Cite web |last=AmaShabalala |first=Mawande |date=2022-01-18 |title=Paul Mashatile to Hold the Fort in ANC SG Office Until Jessie Duarte Recovers |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2022-01-18-paul-mashatile-to-hold-the-fort-in-anc-sg-office-until-jessie-duarte-recovers/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}} he continued in the position after Duarte's death in July.{{Cite web |last=Mtshali |first=Samkelo |date=2022-07-20 |title=Mashatile to Ensure There Is No Vacuum in ANC SG's Office Following Duarte's Death |url=https://www.iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/mashatile-to-ensure-there-is-no-vacuum-in-anc-sgs-office-following-duartes-death-f489eae8-c07e-483f-8290-090b72b11178 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Sunday Tribune |language=en}}

On 19 December 2022 at the ANC's 55th National Conference, Mashatile was elected ANC Deputy President, serving under Ramaphosa.{{Cite web |date=19 December 2022 |title=Ramaphosa wins big with four allies in top seven |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/politics/ramaphosa-wins-big-with-four-allies-in-top-seven-20221219 |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=City Press |language=en-US}} By mid-2022 he was widely expected to contest for one of the party's top leadership positions,{{Cite web |last=Masuabi |first=Queenin |date=2022-05-26 |title=Fierce Contestation Expected for ANC Deputy President Position |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-05-26-fierce-contestation-expected-for-anc-deputy-president-position/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Tandwa |first=Lizeka |date=2022-06-22 |title=Paul Mashatile Likely To Be the Biggest Winner in Gauteng Conference |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2022-06-22-paul-mashatile-likely-to-be-the-biggest-winner-in-gauteng-conference/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |last=Grootes |first=Stephen |date=2022-06-27 |title=ANC in Gauteng: The Dawning of the Age of Panyaza Lesufi Comes With Problems, Many Big, Difficult, Painful Problems |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-27-anc-in-gauteng-the-dawning-of-the-age-of-panyaza-lesufi-comes-with-problems-many-big-difficult-painful-problems/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}} possibly even the presidency.{{Cite web |last=Madiba |first=Thabi |date=11 October 2022 |title=Paul Mashatile could become ANC president – Justice Malala |url=https://www.polity.org.za/article/paul-mashatile-could-become-anc-president-justice-malala-2022-10-11 |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=Polity |language=en}} He emerged as a frontrunner for the deputy presidency during the nominations phase: he was the favoured candidate of branches in seven of the party's nine provinces, with the exception of the Eastern Cape, which favoured Oscar Mabuyane, and Mpumalanga, which favoured Ronald Lamola.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-23 |title=ANC TOP 6 – see the branch nominations breakdown with our interactive graphic |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-23-anc-top-6-see-the-branch-nominations-breakdown-with-our-interactive-graphic/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}} At the conference, he earned just over 50% of the vote, receiving 2,178 votes against Mabuyane's 1,858 and Lamola's 315.

Mashatile was appointed Deputy President of South Africa by President Cyril Ramaphosa after the resignation on David Mabuza.{{cite web | url=https://vulankungu.co.za/paul-mashatile-replaces-dd-mabuza-as-deputy-president/ | title=Paul Mashatile replaces DD Mabuza as Deputy President - Pan Afrikanist Communications Network | date=6 March 2023 }} Upon appointing Mashatile, Ramaphosa assigned a number of functions to him, appointing Mashatile as Leader of Government Business in the Parliament of South Africa, Chairperson of South African National Aids Council, as well as the Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa. Mashatile was also appointed as special envoy to South Sudan.{{cite web | url=https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/government/ramaphosa-assigns-powers-and-functions-to-mashatile-but-leaves-room-for-suggestions-20230314 | title=Ramaphosa assigns powers and functions to Mashatile, but leaves room for suggestions }}

A number of pundits made comments on Ramaphosa's appointment of Mashatile and the type of leader he would likely be, with some pundits believing Mashatile would be a better Deputy President than his predecessor, David Mabuza who had been notorious for long absenteeism from official government and public events.{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/world/africa/david-mabuza-resignation-south-africa.html | title=South Africa's Embattled Deputy President Resigns | work=The New York Times | date=March 2023 | last1=Chutel | first1=Lynsey }}{{cite web | url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-15-just-like-mbeki-better-than-mabuza-analysts-on-paul-mashatile/ | title=Just like Mbeki, better than Mabuza: Analysts on Paul Mashatile | date=15 March 2023 }}

In March 2024, Mashatile stood in for President Ramaphosa by attending the Proudly South African Presidential Localization Dinner at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The summit aimed at promoting support of local products.{{cite web | url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-03-29-every-local-transaction-has-a-ripple-effect-paul-mashatile-tells-expo/ | title=Every local transaction has a ripple effect, Paul Mashatile tells expo | work=SowetanLIVE }}

Mashatile made a trip to the United Kingdom, to meet with high level government officials, executives of big corporations as well as SMMEs and start-ups. The trip was meant to rally investors into South Africa.{{cite web | url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/entrepreneurs/deputy-president-paul-mashatile-rallies-uk-investors-in-london-286d077f-7408-4b81-90f2-54cb75cb02f5 | title=Deputy President Paul Mashatile rallies UK investors in London }}

Mashatile has frequently been identified as a leading member of the so-called "Alex mafia" – a term whose use was banned in the Gauteng legislature in 2010,{{Cite web |last=Maseko |first=L.M. |date=2010-12-09 |title=Why I'm Banning the Term 'Alex Mafia' |url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/why-im-banning-the-term-alex-mafia--masheko |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=PoliticsWeb |language=en}} and which refers to a network of politicians and businesspeople with personal ties originating in Alexandra township's anti-apartheid movement.{{Cite web |last=Adriaan |first=Basson |date=2007-08-31 |title=Mashatile and the 'Alex Mafia' |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2007-08-31-mashatile-and-the-alex-mafia/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |last=Malefane |first=Moipone |date=2009-05-03 |title=Where To Now for the Alex Mafia? |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/2009-05-03-where-to-now-for-the-alex-mafia/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}} Other putative members of the "mafia" include Nkenke Kekana and Mike Maile, the brother of Gauteng politician Lebogang Maile. In 2006, the Mail & Guardian reported that such ties might have led Mashatile to acquire shares in a software company with state contracts, possibly creating a conflict of interest.{{Cite web |date=2006-07-03 |title=MEC's R50m 'Conflict' |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2006-07-03-mecs-r50m-conflict/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}} The Gauteng Integrity Commissioner, Jules Browde, cleared Mashatile of any impropriety in December that year, finding that Mashatile had never exercised his share option and had declared the shares erroneously.{{Cite web |date=2006-12-08 |title=A Very Browde Sweep |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2006-12-08-a-very-browde-sweep/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |last=Ndaba |first=Baldwin |date=2006-12-05 |title=Gauteng MEC's R50m Shares Claim Deemed False |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/gauteng-mecs-r50m-shares-claim-deemed-false-306143 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Independent Online |language=en}}

In June 2006, Mashatile, then Finance MEC, caused a minor scandal when he spent R96,000, charged to his government credit card, on a single dinner for government employees at an upmarket French restaurant in Sandton.{{Cite web |last=Ndaba |first=Baldwin |date=2006-09-22 |title=MEC Blows R96 000 on Dinner |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/mec-blows-r96-000-on-dinner-294764 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Independent Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Naidu |first=Edwin |date=2006-09-24 |title=Mashatile's R96 000 Dinner Bill 'Not Unusual' |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/mashatiles-r96-000-dinner-bill-not-unusual-294922 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Independent Online |language=en}} The Star newspaper reported that Mashatile had incurred more than R250,000 in "entertainment" expenses between February and June of that year. Two months later, Mashatile hosted another government dinner at the same restaurant, at a higher cost of R108,000, and his spokesperson inflamed the scandal by falsely denying the reports.{{Cite web |last=Ncana |first=Nkululeko |date=2007-12-14 |title=He Did Order 2nd Helping |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2007-12-14-he-did-order--2nd-helping/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}} In an ensuing investigation, the Gauteng Integrity Commissioner again cleared Mashatile, this time of allegations that he had misused his government credit card or fraudulently under-reported his expenditures.{{Cite web |date=2008-06-23 |title=Mashatile Cleared of Abusing Credit Card |url=https://www.security.co.za/news/8629 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Star |via=Security.co.za}}

Ahead of the 2019 general election, controversy arose around claims that the Gauteng government had wasted – or its politicians pilfered – R1.3 billion in funds intended for the Alexandra Renewal Project, a welfare scheme coordinated by Mashatile's department during his first term as Human Settlements MEC (1999–2004). In the course of a joint inquiry by the Public Protector and South African Human Rights Commission, Mashatile and other officials denied that any such amount had gone missing or been allocated in the first place.{{Cite web |last=Simelane |first=Bheki C. |date=2019-11-19 |title=Another Former Gauteng Premier Denies Existence of 'Missing' R1.3bn |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2019-11-19-another-former-gauteng-premier-denies-existence-of-missing-r1-3bn/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}} Mashatile filed a R2-million defamation lawsuit against opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters and two of its leaders, Julius Malema and Mandisa Mashego,{{Cite web |last=Malatji |first=Ngwako |date=2019-06-30 |title=Paul Mashatile Sues the EFF |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sundayworld/news/2019-06-30-paul-mashatile-sues-the-eff/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=The Sowetan |language=en-ZA}}{{Cite web |last=Mvumvu |first=Zingisa |date=2019-07-02 |title=Malema Slates Mashatile For 'Taking Advantage' of Defamation Ruling Against EFF |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2019-07-02-malema-slates-mashatile-for-taking-advantage-of-defamation-ruling-against-eff/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Sunday Times |language=en-ZA}} after they implied that he had been involved in corruption in administering the Alexandra Renewal Project.{{Cite web |last=Mabasa |first=Nkateko |date=2019-05-01 |title=Malema Calls for Arrest of Those Who Wasted Alexandra Renewal Project Money |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2019-05-01-malema-calls-for-arrest-of-those-who-wasted-alexandra-renewal-project-money/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}

In July 2023, eight of Mashatile's VIP protection unit confronted a motorist and passenger on the N1 highway near Johannesburg. A video was captured and shared on social media platforms.{{Cite news |title=Paul Mashatile dodges questions on eight bodyguards' acquittal |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-06-12-paul-mashatile-dodges-questions-on-eight-bodyguards-acquittal/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250613171928/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-06-12-paul-mashatile-dodges-questions-on-eight-bodyguards-acquittal/ |archive-date=2025-06-13 |access-date=2025-06-19 |work=TimesLIVE |language=en-ZA}} The officers – Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Posmo Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesiba Ramabu, and Moses Fhatuwani, were charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, reckless driving, and obstruction of justice.{{Cite web |last=Preez |first=Juanita du |date=2024-08-01 |title=Assault victim of Mashatile blue light protection unit speaks out one year on |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-08-01-i-look-dead-in-that-video-mashatile-blue-light-protection-unit-victim-speaks-a-year-after-brutal-highway-attack/ |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}} In May 2025 a police disciplinary inquiry found the eight guards not guilty of assault.{{Cite web |title=Mashatile's VIP Cops Assault: DA submits PAIA to expose reasons for disciplinary acquittal |url=https://www.da.org.za/2025/05/mashatiles-vip-cops-assault-da-submits-paia-to-expose-reasons-for-disciplinary-acquittal |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=Democratic Alliance |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rall |first=Se-Anne |date=2025-05-07 |title=Chairperson criticises acquittal of SAPS VIP Protection Unit officers in N1 highway assault |url=https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-05-07-chairperson-criticises-acquittal-of-saps-vip-protection-unit-officers-in-n1-highway-assault/ |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=IOL |language=en}}

Mashatile has two sons and two daughters. His wife, Manzi Ellen Mashatile, died in July 2020.{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Qaanitah |date=2020-07-05 |title=Wife of Paul Mashatile Dies A Week After He Buried His Mother |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/wife-of-paul-mashatile-dies-a-week-after-he-buried-his-mother-20200705 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=News24 |language=en-US}} In November 2020, he launched the Manzi Mashatile Foundation to promote educational programmes in her memory.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-29 |title=Paul Mashatile Launches Foundation in Honour of His Late Wife Manzi Mashatile |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/paul-mashatile-launches-foundation-in-honour-of-his-late-wife-manzi-mashatile-20201129 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=City Press |language=en-US}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Paul Mashatile}}

• [https://manzimashatile.org/ Manzi Mashatile Foundation]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081204005347/http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/premier/mashatile_profile.htm Official profile as Gauteng Premier]
• [https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/paul-shipokosa-mashatile Profile at South African History Online]
• [http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/paul-mashatile-2299 Paul Shipokosa Mashatile] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20110901215042/http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/ Who's Who Southern Africa]

{{s-start}}

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Mbhazima Shilowa}}

{{s-ttl|title=Premier of Gauteng|years = 2008–2009}}

{{s-aft|after=Nomvula Mokonyane}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Lulu Xingwana}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister of Arts and Culture|years = 2010–2014}}

{{s-aft|after=Nathi Mthethwa}}

|-

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Mbhazima Shilowa}}

{{s-ttl|title=Provincial Chairperson of the Gauteng African National Congress|years=2007–2017}}

{{s-aft|after=David Makhura}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Zweli Mkhize}}

{{s-ttl|title=Treasurer General of the African National Congress|years=2017–2022}}

{{s-aft|after=Gwen Ramokgopa}}

|-

{{s-bef|rows=2|before=David Mabuza}}

{{s-ttl|title=Deputy President of the African National Congress|years=2022–present}}

{{s-inc|rows=2}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-ttl|title=Deputy President of South Africa|years=2023-present}}

{{S-end}}

{{SAVices}}

{{Current MPs of South Africa}}

{{GautengPremiers}}

{{Jacob Zuma cabinet 1}}

{{Ramaphosa second cabinet|state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mashatile, Paul}}

Category:1961 births

Category:Living people

Category:South African Communist Party politicians

Category:African National Congress politicians

Category:Premiers of Gauteng

Category:Deputy presidents of South Africa

Category:Arts and culture ministers of South Africa

Category:People from Pretoria

Category:Tsonga people

Category:Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature

Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2024–2029

Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2019–2024

Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2009–2014

Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2014–2019