Despite what can only be described as disadvantaged start, determination and hard work helped Herman Mashaba accomplish more than simply overcome adversity and hardship. He worked through two poorly paid clerical-type jobs, went on to find his calling in sales, and then started a successful hair care business – becoming one of South Africa’s most-admired and successful black entrepreneurs in the process.
While this exceptional journey of accomplishment sounds easy in summary, it was beset with far more trials and setbacks than this implies – and required a clear vision and determination to succeed that few possess.
Born on 26 August 1959, in the remote village of Ramotse, near Hammanskraal in northern Gauteng, Mashaba was largely brought by his sisters while his mother worked long hours as a domestic worker.
His near-poverty-to-riches story begins in earnest in 1980 at the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) near Pietersburg. A centre of activism against Apartheid, political unrest put the second-year Bachelor of Administration student’s studies on hold – but when classes resumed, Mashaba decided not to return.
He worked briefly at Spar in Pretoria from late 1980, and then for a furniture manufacturer, before embarking on a sales career selling everything from dining crockery to fire detection systems and insurance. It was during his time as a sales rep for SuperKurl that the idea to start his own hair care manufacturing business was born.
With the help of former SuperKurl colleagues turned business partners, his wife, Connie – and a R30 000 loan – Black Like Me was launched on Valentines’ Day in 1985. Starting out in a 200 square metre factory in Ga-Rankuwa in the former homeland of Bophuthatswana, their new perm lotion was an instant success.
Black Like Me’s business loan was paid off within seven months, and by 1990 their brand and product range was so successful they had built their own premises in the black township of Mabopane in northern Gauteng.
But disaster struck in November 1993. Fire gutted the Mabopane factory and insurance did not pay out for the building contents, leaving Mashaba to personally finance his “rise from the ashes” and set up his third factory, this time in Midrand.
In July 1997, the proud father of two daughters – Khensani and Rhulani – sold a 75% in Black Like Me to Colgate Palmolive, but bought the business back in 1999. Mashaba, who has a strong work ethic and plans never to retire, was glad to back and the helm.
Black Like Me launched their products in the UK in 2001 and in 2002 Mashaba formed a BEE company, Leswikeng Minerals & Energy. Early in 2004 he resigned as CEO of Black Like Me and sold a 49.9% interest in the company to Amka Products in 2005.
The largely media-shy Mashaba could boast an impressive list of awards and directorships if he was so inclined. He is currently executive chairperson of Lephatsi Investments, a company he founded a few years ago, operating in the mining, construction and the logistics sectors. He is also CEO of Leswikeng Minerals & Energy, deputy chair of Growthpoint Properties and chairperson of Stocks Building Africa.
Topping his numerous business, marketing and entrepreneurial awards is a recently awarded honorary doctorate in business administration from the Central University of Technology.
Ever mindful of his humble beginnings, Mashaba has also paid the role of the philanthropist. His company took corporate social responsibility seriously, offering bursaries to needy students and paying for funerals of political activists.
He joined the youth-development focused Field Brand Foundation as a patron 15 years ago and is currently its chairman. The foundation uses music to create life-changing opportunities for children from underprivileged backgrounds, including international exchange programs.
A jazz and classical pianist himself, in his spare time, Mashaba also helped to establish (and sponsors) Black Like Us, a joint venture with the Watercolour Society of South Africa and the Manor Gallery in Fourways. The initiative fosters business and entrepreneurial skills in visual artists from the townships. The non-profit organisation has helped numerous artists to improve their careers, including internationally recognised Abe Mathabe and Sam Maduna.
In 2012, Mashaba published his autobiography Black Like You, which much like everything else Mashaba has touched, has turned into a best seller. Co-written by Isabella Morris, it is a compelling story of survival, love and success, ending in a triumph over adversity. It leaves one open to the possibility that they too could be successful – regardless of their personal situation.
Mashaba hopes it might motivate one or two entrepreneurs in the making. If nothing else, it will inspire you.
