Gwede Mantashe Biography: Early Life, Education, Age, Career and Personal Life

Gwede Mantashe stands out as a key figure in South African politics and labor history. Born in 1955, he has shaped the nation’s mining and energy sectors through his roles in unions and government. As a long-time leader in the African National Congress (ANC), he has guided the party through major changes, including shifts in leadership and policy. His work began in the fight against apartheid, where he organized workers in mines. Over time, he rose to become a minister responsible for mineral resources and energy, focusing on economic growth and job creation in these areas.

Today, at age 70, Mantashe serves as the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources in the Government of National Unity, a role he took on July 3, 2024. He also briefly acted as Police Minister starting July 13, 2025, after the previous minister faced issues. His story shows a path from rural roots to national influence, marked by dedication to workers’ rights and resource management. This article explores his life to help readers understand his impact on South Africa. It covers his background, education, career steps, key successes, challenges faced, family details, and a wrap-up with common questions. By reading this, you will gain clear insights into how one person’s efforts can affect a country’s direction.

Mantashe’s journey reflects South Africa’s broader struggles and progress. During apartheid, he joined movements to push for equality. After 1994, he helped build democratic structures in unions and politics. His views on energy mix, blending coal with renewables, spark debates on sustainability. In 2025, he announced plans to retire from ANC top roles, citing his age, which signals a shift for the party. This decision comes as the ANC prepares for 2026 elections. Understanding Mantashe helps explain current issues like energy shortages and mining reforms. His life teaches lessons on leadership, persistence, and balancing tradition with change.

Gwede Mantashe Early Life and Background

Gwede Mantashe was born on June 21, 1955, in Lower Cala village, located in the Transkei area of the former Cape Province, now part of Eastern Cape Province. This rural spot, known for its Xhosa communities, faced harsh limits under apartheid rules. Families like his dealt with poverty and lack of opportunities, which built his strong sense of justice early on. Growing up in such a setting taught him about hard work and community support.

As a young person, Mantashe got involved in activism through the Student Christian Movement in the 1970s. This group helped him learn about fighting unfair systems. He attended Matanzima High School in Cala, where classmates noted his lively nature. These school years sparked his interest in social change. The apartheid era’s restrictions on black South Africans pushed him toward labor organizing.

In 1975, he started working in mines, first as a recreation officer at Western Deep Levels gold mine in Carletonville. Then, from 1975 to 1982, he served as a welfare officer at Prieska Copper Mines near Kimberley. These jobs exposed him to workers’ tough conditions, like low pay and unsafe environments. In 1982, he moved to Matla Colliery in what was then Eastern Transvaal, now Mpumalanga. There, he helped start a branch of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). This step marked his entry into union work, where he focused on better rights for miners.

His background in a divided society shaped his views on equality. He often speaks about how rural life built his resilience. These experiences laid the foundation for his later roles in politics and government.

Gwede Mantashe Education

Mantashe pursued higher studies later in life, after apartheid ended, to build on his practical knowledge. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1997. This program helped him understand business and economics, useful for his union work.

In 2002, he completed an Honours degree in the same field at UNISA. This step deepened his skills in management. By 2008, he gained a Master’s degree in industrial sociology from the University of the Witwatersrand. This focused on worker relations and society, linking to his activism.

In 2021, he finished a Master of Business Administration from the Management College of Southern Africa. This degree sharpened his leadership for government roles. Mantashe has mentioned pursuing further studies for personal pride, showing his commitment to learning. His education path proves that starting late does not limit success.

Gwede Mantashe Career

Mantashe’s career spans unions, politics, and government, starting with hands-on work in mines. From 1982 to 1984, he chaired the Witbank branch of NUM at Matla Colliery. He became regional secretary in 1985 and national organiser from 1988 to 1993. In 1993, he took on regional coordinator duties.

From 1994 to 1998, he served as NUM’s assistant general secretary. He also acted as a local councillor in Ekurhuleni from 1994 to 1999 and joined Samancor’s board in 1995. In 1998, he won election as NUM general secretary, holding it until 2006. During this time, he strengthened the union’s structure and pushed for better worker conditions.

He joined the South African Communist Party (SACP) Central Committee in 1995. From 2006 to 2008, he worked at the Development Bank of Southern Africa as executive manager for strategic initiatives. In July 2007, he became SACP national chairperson, serving until July 2012.

His ANC role started big in December 2007, when elected secretary-general at the Polokwane conference. He held this until December 2017, re-elected in 2012 at Mangaung. In December 2017, at Nasrec, he became ANC national chairperson, re-elected in December 2022.

In government, he became Minister of Mineral Resources on February 27, 2018. From May 29, 2019, to June 19, 2024, he led Mineral Resources and Energy. Since July 3, 2024, he heads Mineral and Petroleum Resources. He entered the National Assembly in May 2019. On July 13, 2025, he started acting as Police Minister.

In August 2025, he left the SACP Central Committee due to missed meetings but stays a member. His career shows steady rise through dedication to labor and party goals.

Gwede Mantashe Achievements

Mantashe has made notable marks in mining, energy, and politics. As NUM general secretary from 1998 to 2006, he grew the union’s membership and improved organization, leading to better deals for workers. He stressed discipline, which helped during strikes and talks.

In ANC, as secretary-general from 2007 to 2017, he managed party unity during tough times, like the 2008 recall of President Thabo Mbeki. His chairperson role since 2017 has stabilized the ANC, aiding its role in the 2024 Government of National Unity.

As minister, he pushed mining charter reforms in 2018 to boost black ownership and community benefits. This led to more exploration licenses and investment. In energy, he supported a mix of sources to end load-shedding, including gas projects fast-tracked in 2025.

On May 20, 2025, Cabinet approved his Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, aiming to grow exports of lithium and chrome for global tech needs. This plan seeks to create jobs and build local processing.

He promoted Africa’s mining control at forums like the 2025 Mining Indaba, stressing coal’s role alongside renewables. His efforts in environmental rehab include fixing old mines, as noted in July 3, 2025, budget speech.

In November 2025, he spoke at G20 events on energy investment, highlighting South Africa’s gas and oil advances. These steps have drawn foreign funds, supporting economic growth. His work employs over 400,000 in mining and pushes for sustainable practices.

Gwede Mantashe Controversies

Mantashe has faced several disputes over his career. During his ANC secretary-general time, he defended President Jacob Zuma against state capture claims, including blocking no-confidence votes in 2017. Critics said this delayed accountability.

In March 2022, the Zondo Commission suggested probing him for possible corruption linked to Bosasa security installs at his homes in 2013. He denied these as bribes. In October 2025, a High Court dismissed his bid to review the report.

His energy views drew fire, like supporting coal and Shell’s Wild Coast exploration in 2021, calling opponents colonial-like. He backed powerships and criticized Eskom’s former CEO.

In February 2025, he threatened to stop mineral exports to the US over aid cuts tied to land issues. This sparked trade tension debates.

Family-linked claims arose, like allegations of using influence for contracts in April 2024, which he rejected. In May 2025, a deal involving his wife and others faced scrutiny for possible favoritism.

In August 2025, his removal from SACP’s Central Committee for absences highlighted alliance strains. He also called SACP’s solo election plans suicidal in December 2025.

In August 2025, he clashed with a mining CEO over US investment proposals, rejecting access terms. These events show debates around his decisions, but he often defends them as protecting national interests.

Gwede Mantashe Personal Life

Mantashe lives a private family life amid public duties. He married Nolwandle Mantashe, a nurse, and they have four grown children: sons Buyambo and Kamva, daughters Chuma and Mbasa.

He encourages his kids to succeed through hard work, not family name, as stated in 2014. In May 2025, Buyambo joined a SETA board, prompting questions on qualifications, which opposition groups raised.

His sister Tozama passed away from COVID-19 in January 2021. Mantashe values rural ties, often visiting Eastern Cape. He faced health issues in 2011 but recovered.

Conclusion

Gwede Mantashe’s life story highlights dedication to South Africa’s progress. From village beginnings to ministerial roles, he has influenced labor, politics, and resources. His retirement announcement in December 2025 marks an end to a long era, opening paths for new leaders. His work reminds us of the power of persistence in building a fair society.

FAQs

What is Gwede Mantashe known for?

He is recognized for leading NUM, serving as ANC chairperson, and shaping mining and energy policies as minister.

How old is Gwede Mantashe?

Born June 21, 1955, he turned 70 in 2025.

Who is Gwede Mantashe’s wife?

His wife is Nolwandle Mantashe, a nurse.

What political party is Gwede Mantashe in?

He belongs to the ANC and is affiliated with the SACP.

Where was Gwede Mantashe born?

He was born in Lower Cala village, Eastern Cape.

Has Gwede Mantashe retired?

In December 2025, he said he plans to retire from ANC top positions soon, citing age.

What are his main achievements?

Key ones include union growth, policy reforms, and the 2025 critical minerals strategy.

What controversies has he faced?

Issues include Zondo probe defenses, energy policy critiques, and family contract claims.

How many children does he have?

Four: two sons and two daughters.

What is his current role?

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources since 2024, plus acting Police Minister from July 2025.