Quick Profile

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Loyiso Masuku
Date of Birth	1980s (Not publicly confirmed)
Age	Estimated mid–40s
Nationality	South African
Profession	Politician, Former MMC
Political Party	African National Congress (ANC)
Known For	Role as MMC for Corporate and Shared Services in Johannesburg; PPE tender scandal
Spouse	Bandile Masuku (Former Gauteng Health MEC)
Net Worth	Estimated $300,000 – $600,000
Residence	Johannesburg, South Africa

Introduction

Loyiso Masuku is a South African politician best known for her role in municipal governance and her influence within the African National Congress (ANC). As a former Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Corporate and Shared Services in the City of Johannesburg, she became a well-recognized figure in local government. Her name gained wider public attention during the 2020 PPE tender controversy, which involved both her and her husband, former MEC Bandile Masuku.

Despite the challenges, Loyiso Masuku remains a relevant political voice, particularly on issues of governance, youth empowerment, and service delivery. This biography explores her background, education, career, personal life, scandals, and estimated net worth.

Early Life & Background

Details about Loyiso Masuku’s early years are not widely documented, but she is known to have been born and raised in South Africa during the 1980s. She grew up in a political environment, one that shaped her interest in public administration and community development from a young age.

Her upbringing exposed her to the realities of inequality, unemployment, and governance challenges, which later shaped her political worldview and passion for serving in government structures.

Education

Although not all her academic records are public, Loyiso Masuku is known to have received tertiary-level education related to:

• Public Administration
• Governance & Leadership
• Political Studies

Her academic training prepared her for active involvement in government departments and ANC structures, allowing her to transition into influential provincial and municipal roles.

Political Career

Early Political Involvement

Loyiso Masuku started her political journey in the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), where she gained leadership experience and built a strong grassroots network. She became aligned with prominent figures within the Gauteng ANC and gradually rose through regional structures.

Rise in Johannesburg Local Government

Her career reached a significant milestone when she became the MMC for Corporate and Shared Services in the City of Johannesburg. In this role, she was responsible for:

• Overseeing municipal human resources
• Managing internal operations
• Ensuring administrative efficiency
• Supporting service delivery frameworks

Her portfolio was central to the functioning of the city, making her one of the key decision-makers in Johannesburg’s municipal leadership.

ANC Leadership Roles

Masuku has been active in ANC regional and provincial structures. Her leadership style is often described as assertive, strategic, and reform-driven. She is known to advocate for:

• Professionalizing public service
• Strengthening youth inclusion in politics
• Improving government accountability

PPE Tender Scandal

Background of the Controversy

In 2020, South Africa faced a major corruption crisis involving COVID-19 PPE procurement. Loyiso Masuku and her husband, Bandile Masuku, were implicated due to their alleged links to Royal Bhaca Projects, a company awarded multimillion-rand contracts.

The allegations raised questions about:

• Undue political influence
• Conflict of interest
• Procurement irregularities

Impact on Her Career

The fallout was significant:

• Loyiso Masuku was placed on leave from her MMC role.
• Her husband was removed as Gauteng Health MEC.
• Multiple investigations were launched, including by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Although she denied wrongdoing, the scandal affected her political reputation and slowed her career momentum.

Personal Life

Loyiso Masuku is married to Dr. Bandile Masuku, also a notable political figure. The couple is known for their partnership in public health and community initiatives before the PPE scandal overshadowed their work.

They are private about their family life, although sources indicate they have children and balance their political careers with family responsibilities.

Her public image previously reflected:

• Professionalism
• Youthful leadership
• Advocacy for women in politics

Despite controversy, she continues to attract both criticism and support across political circles.

Net Worth

Loyiso Masuku’s estimated net worth ranges between $300,000 – $600,000.
Her income sources include:

• Government salaries from her MMC and political roles
• ANC remunerations
• Private consultancy and leadership engagements (not confirmed but common for ex-officials)

Her finances have come under public scrutiny due to corruption investigations but no court ruling has confirmed personal enrichment.

Controversies

1. PPE Tender Irregularities

This remains the most defining controversy of her career, leading to:

• Investigations by the SIU
• Political backlash
• Temporary suspension from duties

2. Alleged Misuse of Office

Critics accused her of benefiting politically from her husband’s government position. She has rejected these claims as politically motivated.

3. Internal ANC Faction Allegations

As with many political figures in Gauteng, she has been linked to ANC factional battles, though she seldom comments publicly on internal party disputes.

Current Activities

After leaving her MMC role, Loyiso Masuku has maintained a lower public profile. She remains active within ANC structures and may still be considered for future political roles depending on internal party dynamics.

She continues to:

• Participate in political meetings
• Advocate for youth involvement in governance
• Engage in community development initiatives

Her long-term political future remains uncertain but she still holds influence within certain ANC circles.

Conclusion

Loyiso Masuku is a complex and impactful political figure in South Africa. Her rise within the ANC and local government showcased her potential as a strong leader. However, the PPE tender scandal significantly shaped public perception and affected her political trajectory.

Her story reflects:

• The opportunities and challenges of South African politics
• The scrutiny faced by public officials
• The complicated balance between leadership, ethics, and political pressure

As she continues her journey, Loyiso Masuku remains a notable figure whose career developments are closely watched by political analysts and the public.