From Black Like Me to ActionSA: The Leadership Evolution of Herman Mashaba

🎙️ *“Our guest today is one of South Africa’s most prominent entrepreneurs and political leaders — Mr. Herman Samtseu Philip Mashaba. Born on 26 August 1959, Herman Mashaba is the Founder and President of ActionSA, the political movement he launched in 2020, driven by a vision for ethical leadership, accountability, and inclusive economic growth.

Before entering politics, Mr. Mashaba built one of South Africa’s most iconic brands — Black Like Me, the trailblazing hair-care company he started under apartheid. His entrepreneurial journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a self-made millionaire, cemented his reputation as a capitalist crusader and champion of individual freedom.

He served as the Mayor of Johannesburg from 2016 to 2019, where he led Africa’s most dynamic city with a bold reform agenda focused on clean governance and economic revitalization.

Mr. Mashaba has also authored his autobiography Black Like You, and his story continues to inspire conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the power of resilience in post-apartheid South Africa.”*