Black Like You

by Herman Mashaba, Isabella Morris

Herman Mashaba's remarkable story begins in a small village in Gauteng, where we meet the cocky youngster who refused to settle for a future that offered nothing. Forced to drop out of university, the determined young man fought to establish the first black-owned haircare company in South Africa.

Mashaba struggled every day of his life - against apartheid with its demeaning laws, and against his competitors to grab market share for his business. In the process Mashaba learnt lessons that few business schools teach today.

This is a story of survival, and determination in adversity. It is also a love story between Herman and Connie, his wife of 30 years, who embarked on this journey together.

Mashaba shows the importance of having a vision, daring to dream, and then making it happen. The inspiring book will leave you with the question, "If he did it, why can't I?"

Genres: Nonfiction

238 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Lumumba Mthembu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finding it difficult to get a 4-star read this year. Herman Mashaba’s biography wasn’t it. There’s not much more to say than that.

[Em · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring

[Gau Maroo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black Like You is an inspirational story,as expected. Herman Mashaba’s story is remarkable. His will to achieve is something that most entrepreneurs can learn from. I found his stance on issues such as Black consciousness, BEE, education, apartheid , race, capitalism, etc very interesting.

One thing I didn’t like about the book was the writing style. It was way too formal and did not engage with the reader.

My favourite quote from the book : “Through books , I am constantly exposed to ideas that have resonated with me and helped me to consider and solve specific issues in my personal and business life”.

[Thapelo Mahuma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read on how a household product like "Black like me" came about and insights about the man behind the product.

[Diane V-R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herman's story is remarkable and inspiring - I would've loved to give it 5 stars but the writing style is stiff and formal and does not engage the reader. A great pity indeed....

[Unarine Ramaru · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is packed with an inspirational story, as expected. Mashaba's persistence and will to achieve is something to look at for most entrepreneurs. It was also interesting to read his stance on a number of things like Black consciousness, capitalism, race, BEE, social empowerment, education etc. The inquisitive and self reflection approach rounded off the book perfectly. My only let down being that most of the quotes if not all are in English. I strongly believe had they been in sepedi as he indicated as the language he grew up with, I would've had a glimpse of the real time conversations. Did nothing for my imagination. 2.5/5 rounded off to a 3 star rating.