Ms Sharon Ann Maasdorp born in Gqeberha, attended Soutpan Primary school and Arcadia High school. Schooled in one of the very disadvantaged areas in the Northern suburb of Gqeberha. Head Girl of the school and also part of a team of young learners who started many initiatives like dance, modelling and drama at the school.

She did her tertiary education at University of the Western Cape, the only University for the so-called coloured people then. She became involved in student politics and joined the hostel anti-apartheid committee, detainees support committee, SRC sub-committee (media), door to door campaigning, anti-tricameral party, devoted some time to work in Crossroads when house we bulldozed by the security police.

She was twice arrested for public violence and pamphleteering in restricted area.

After completing her degree and teaching diploma, she returned to Gqeberha and started her teaching career at Paterson High School, as guidance counsellor.

She joined ECTU, the teacher’s union for coloured people and played a pivotal role in the establishment of SADTU (South African Democratic Teachers Union).

As a young teacher she was vocal in raising questions on the inequalities of salaries between males and females and the conference  in Durban and the conference adopted a resolution of equal pay for all.

She is in possession of a master’s degree in Conflict Management and Labour Law, Bachelor of Arts Degree, Higher Diploma in Education and a Diploma in HR Management. Further to the formal qualifications, she has completed numerous on-the job training courses.