'Let's remove this uncaring, unpatriotic and corrupt government from power'
BUSINESS INTELLECTUAL: I interview Herman Mashaba about Bophuthatswana, free market economics, why there are few entrepreneurs in politics and his three favourite dinner guests...
This is the second interview in a new series on Our Long Walk, my blog discussing the past, present and future of South Africa. Here, I'll be talking with South African business leaders to gain their perspectives on the lessons from history. Please consider a paid subscription to access the full interview and all of my twice-weekly content, including columns, guest essays, and summaries of the latest relevant research.
Herman Mashaba is a South African politician, entrepreneur and the current president of ActionSA. He is the founder of the hair product company Black Like Me.
1. In your book Capitalist Crusader, you reflect on the importance of a ‘well-digested history’ – a collective South African history without blame or favour. In your opinion, what is it that makes history important?
Documenting history is crucial for countries to preserve for future generations and to prevent repeating past errors. But history should not be used to subject people to perpetual victimization and give the impression that only current political leadership is the solution to provide the future.
2. In your books, you champion the examples of Hong Kong of the 1960s and Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew. What historical examples hold the most significant lessons for South Africa today?
Free market economies, the adherence to the Rule of Law and uniting your nation as one.
3. At the same time, in Black Like You, you argue that South Africa doesn’t need to imitate other countries’ examples. How do we incorporate historical lessons (from elsewhere) while forging our own path?
You don’t imitate what others have done but learn from their successes in a way relevant to your own environment.
4. Reflecting on the early years of democracy and the promise of Thabo Mbeki’s African Renaissance, you expressed excitement for ‘the rebirth of our continent under South Africa’s leadership’. In the years since Mbeki, countries like Nigeria and Ethiopia have seen massive economic gains while South Africa has stagnated in per capita terms. How do you think South Africa’s position on the continent has changed?
Thabo Mbeki made loud promises about the African Renaissance but failed when it came to implementation. I have learned to listen to people but ultimately judge them on what they do. His diplomatic silence on Zimbabwe is a case in point. For South Africa to succeed and be a model for the continent, we need to unashamedly be in a position to engage our peers when human rights are violated.
5. In a recent article, you argued that Bophuthatswana under Lucas Mangope was more progressive than the current ANC government. But some think Mangope was himself involved in corrupt activities. Do you think it is possible to learn valuable lessons from leaders with troubled track records?
I am unaware of any corruption involving Lucas Mangope. My personal experience with Lucas Mangope is solely related to the development of Bophuthatswana and the well-being of its citizens. This includes the vibrant industrial areas of Babelegi, Ga-Rankuwa, and Mogwase, as well as the establishment of law and order in our communities.
6. You’ve also mentioned your disappointment toward the West and political figures like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan for failing to impose sanctions on South Africa in the 1980s. What role should South Africa play in global conflict situations today?
My disappointment with Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan was informed by lived experiences of the time – living under Apartheid, with them being against sanctions towards South Africa.
7. Reflecting on your business success, were there any entrepreneurs from history who guided your own journey?
I had no business experience or exposure when I went into business. I was just driven by a desire to succeed in life. I was never prepared to allow someone to determine my destiny. Having business before embarking on such a journey gives you an advantage.
8. On that note, if you could invite three historical figures for dinner, who would you invite, and why?
I’ll invite Barry Gordy, Richard Branson and Thomas Sowell. Gordy has significantly contributed to the pride of the black race by giving us R&B music, a genre that has become a source of pride for us. Branson is recognised as a genius in the business world, renowned for his innovative approaches and successful ventures. Professor Sowell’s writings on economics are extraordinary, reflecting his deep knowledge and understanding of the field. He is also admired for being a real gentleman.
9. You’re one of the few successful business leaders who also successfully transitioned into politics. Why do we find so few entrepreneurs in South African politics?
I got into politics because my grandfather instilled in me a sense of life of purpose. Most people are unhappy with the current political environment but are afraid to get involved. They are afraid of being insulted. In my case, insults make me more resolute and make me realise that I must be doing something right. People will typically ridicule and insult you if they feel they can pull you down.
10. Finally, Argentina’s new president Javier Milei, a former economics professor, is a libertarian, a philosophical perspective that you share. Libertarians believe in minimal government intervention in the lives of individuals, advocating for personal freedom and responsibility. Do you think we are witnessing a global shift towards more libertarian policies, as citizens around the world increasingly demand greater personal liberties and skepticism towards governmental power grows? Are there lessons from Argentina’s history for South Africa today?
I am, in fact, more concerned that the world is pursuing a socialist agenda driven by lazy people using politics as a vehicle to drive their economic agendas. I deeply despise socialism and communist policies. I believe in personal liberties and a free market economy, which creates equal opportunities, not equal outcomes. If there is anything South Africans can learn from Argentina, it is for us to democratically remove this uncaring, unpatriotic and corrupt government from power.
‘Let’s remove this uncaring, unpatriotic and corrupt government from power’ was first published on Our Long Walk. I thank Kelsey Lemon for her excellent research support. The image was created with Midjourney v6.