Dr. Bandile Edgar Wallace Masuku is a well-known South African medical doctor and politician, recognized for his service as the Gauteng MEC for Health from 2019 to 2020. His career spans medicine, youth activism, and public leadership, placing him at the center of some of the most important conversations around healthcare and governance in South Africa. This biography explores his early life, education, career, family, controversies, net worth, and overall legacy.
Early Life and Biography
Birth and Upbringing
Bandile Masuku was born on 2 November 1975 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. Growing up in a politically active environment, he became involved in youth movements and student activism from an early age. As of 2025, he is in his early 50s.
Education
Masuku attended Sekano-Ntoane Secondary School, where he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). Despite facing academic setbacks, including being expelled and repeating matric, he completed his schooling and went on to pursue higher education.
He began his tertiary studies in 1994 at the institution now known as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, starting with a Bachelor of Science before switching to medicine. He entered the MBChB program in 1998 and completed his medical degree in 2004.
While studying, he played major roles in student leadership, serving as SRC President and later becoming national president of the South African Students Congress (SASCO).
Family and Personal Life
Bandile Masuku is married to Loyiso Masuku, a municipal councillor in the City of Johannesburg. Together, they have three sons and live in Alberton, Gauteng. Their family has often been in the public eye due to their shared involvement in politics.
Career Overview
Medical Career
After completing his medical degree, Dr. Masuku worked at several major South African hospitals, including:
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
- Pholosong Hospital
He later specialized in obstetrics and gynaecology and served as head of the clinical unit for the department at Thelle Mohoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus.
Political Career
Masuku’s political journey started in university and continued into adulthood:
- In 2013, he served as spokesperson for the ANC Youth League, marking his rise within the ANC structures.
- In May 2019, he became a Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
- Shortly afterward, he was appointed MEC for Health in Gauteng.
As Health MEC, he focused on improving healthcare access, patient experience, and broader system management across the province. His tenure placed him at the forefront of the department’s response to long-standing challenges and the emerging COVID-19 crisis.
Return to ANC Leadership
Even after leaving the MEC position, Masuku remained active in politics. In 2022, he was elected to the ANC Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), demonstrating his continued influence within the party.
Controversies and Criticisms
COVID-19 PPE Tender Controversy
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gauteng Health Department became involved in a scandal concerning the awarding of multimillion-rand PPE procurement contracts. Some of the contracts were linked to acquaintances of the Masuku family.
Although Masuku denied direct involvement and no criminal charges were laid against him, investigative findings indicated that he failed to adequately oversee procurement processes. As a result, he was placed on special leave and later removed from his position as Health MEC.
Subsequent independent reports suggested he did not personally influence the tenders, but the controversy significantly affected his public image and political standing.
Public Criticisms
As a high-profile political figure, Masuku has faced scrutiny regarding health system challenges, leadership decisions, and his handling of departmental crises. Public opinion has remained mixed, with both critics and supporters expressing strong views throughout his career.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Public figures in South Africa are not required to disclose full details of their finances, making exact estimates difficult. However, various biographical sources commonly estimate Bandile Masuku’s net worth to fall within the range of:
- $1 million to $10 million, or
- $1 million to $30 million
These estimates reflect his income from both medical practice and political service. They remain broad approximations rather than confirmed financial disclosures.
Legacy and Significance
Bandile Masuku’s legacy reflects his dual expertise in medicine and governance. His career has contributed to:
- Strengthening public health initiatives
- Improving healthcare delivery in Gauteng
- Bringing clinical experience into government decision-making
Despite the controversies surrounding his time as MEC, Masuku remains a significant figure in South African public life. His ongoing involvement in ANC politics suggests that he may continue shaping provincial leadership and policy in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Bandile Masuku?
He is a South African medical doctor and politician who served as Gauteng’s Health MEC and has long been active within ANC structures.
2. How old is Bandile Masuku?
He was born on 2 November 1975, making him in his early 50s.
3. What is his professional background?
He is an obstetrician and gynaecologist who later moved into provincial politics.
4. What controversy was he involved in?
He was linked to the 2020 PPE procurement oversight controversy in the Gauteng Health Department.
5. Is Bandile Masuku still active in politics?
Yes. He serves on the ANC Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee and remains active in provincial affairs.
6. Who is Bandile Masuku married to?
He is married to Loyiso Masuku, a Johannesburg municipal councillor. They have three children.
7. What is Bandile Masuku’s estimated net worth?
Estimates range from $1 million to $30 million, though these figures are unofficial.
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled from publicly available information and is meant solely for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain details may vary or be open to interpretation.
