Gwede Mantashe

Gwede Mantashe is a prominent South African politician who has held various key positions in the African National Congress and the Government of South Africa. He has been a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress and has served as the Secretary-General of the party. Mantashe has also been involved with the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party. His career has been closely tied to notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and Jacob Zuma.

● Early Life and Education

Gwede Mantashe was born in Calvinia, Northern Cape, and grew up in a family that valued education and politics. He attended Bantu Education schools and later enrolled at the University of the Western Cape, where he studied BSc in Geology and Physics. During his time at university, Mantashe became involved in the student movement and was influenced by the ideas of Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement. He also developed close relationships with fellow students, including Trevor Noah's mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, and Mosiuoa Lekota, who would later become a prominent politician.

● Career

Mantashe's career began in the mining industry, where he worked as a miner and later became involved in the National Union of Mineworkers. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a key figure in the trade union movement, working closely with leaders such as Cyril Ramaphosa and Kgalema Motlanthe. Mantashe's experience in the mining industry and his involvement in the trade union movement have been shaped by events such as the Marikana massacre and the Soweto uprising. He has also been influenced by the work of organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the World Federation of Trade Unions.

● Political Career

Mantashe's entry into politics was marked by his election as the Secretary-General of the African National Congress in 2007. He played a crucial role in the party's Polokwane conference, which saw the election of Jacob Zuma as the party's president. Mantashe has also been a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress and has served on various committees, including the Economic Transformation Committee and the Organizational Renewal Committee. His political career has been closely tied to events such as the African National Congress's Mangaung conference and the 2014 South African general election.

● Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

In 2019, Mantashe was appointed as the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy by President Cyril Ramaphosa. In this role, he has been responsible for overseeing the country's mining industry and energy sector. Mantashe has been a strong advocate for the development of renewable energy and has worked to promote the use of solar power and wind power in South Africa. He has also been involved in international efforts to promote sustainable energy, including the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

● Controversies

Mantashe has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including allegations of corruption and nepotism. He has been criticized for his handling of the State Capture Commission and his role in the Gupta family's influence over the South African government. Mantashe has also been accused of being too close to the mining industry and has faced criticism for his response to the Marikana massacre. These controversies have been the subject of investigations by organizations such as the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission.

● Personal Life

Mantashe is married to Nolwathi Mantashe and has two children. He is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. Mantashe has also been recognized for his contributions to South African society, including being awarded the Order of Luthuli in 2019. His personal life has been influenced by his relationships with notable figures such as Desmond Tutu and Mamphela Ramphele.