All his prayers have been answered. Former ANC treasurer-general, Paul Mashatile is now South Africa's newly appointed deputy president. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him yesterday following David Mabuza's resignation. ?

LOSING A HUSBAND TO CANCER

The deputy president has a lot to celebrate as he has also found love again in the arms of Humile Mjongile, who is the widow of former ANC provincial secretary in the Western Cape, Songezo Mjongile. Affectionately known by his clan name "Madiba', Songezo died in 2020 at home in Morningside, Johannesburg after a battle with colon cancer. "Around 29 August 2020, the ANC learned that comrade Songezo had been diagnosed with colon cancer in April 2020 and among his last wishes was to contribute to the renewal of the ANC and the success of the national democratic revolution,' the former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said in a statement at the time.

??

FINDING LOVE

According to a close friend, Mashatile and Mjongile have been each other's source of comfort after both losing the people they love. "What a match. They are both amazing people and Paul needed someone who is as grounded as he is,' a close friend tells ZiMoja. "This could not have also come at a perfect time in his life, as he needs to focus.' Another friend in says they met through a mutual friend in their political circles. "They have been attending gatherings together. We are all friends, we chill, braai, and hang out together and they are the perfect match. There is nothing wrong because both are family-oriented and home bodies.' The friend adds says they both observed the mourning period respectfully before moving on. "They both mourned for two years. There was nothing shady or scandalous. Both these people are grounded, respectable ,and are all about family.' According to the friend, the new couple attended Tokyo Sexwale's wedding together and spent the holiday season as a family. "There are talks of an engagement but she has not yet confirmed it. But both families approve. Fate brought them together. They are both grounded and love a good family unit.' Both Mshatile and Mjongile could not be reached for comment.

LOSING HIS MOM AND WIFE?

Mashatile lost his mother Marriam Nomvula Mashatile, 82, who was buried on 26 June 2020 and he lost his wife Manzi Ellen Mashatile in July 2020 due to Covid-19. The ANC said in a statement that she died after a long illness. "This is a double tragedy for the Mashatile family, who buried the treasurer-general's mother a week ago," the former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said. ?