Shanghala is the son of Vendelinus Kautondokwa kaShanghala ShIipinge and Helvi yaSakeus yIiHuhwa.
Pastor Sakeus Iihuhua was Shanghala's maternal grandfather.
[1] He studied theology in the Paulinum Theological Seminary, Otjimbingwe during 1970–73, and in Welgrspreit, Johannesburg, South Africa during 1972–73, where he earned a Diploma in Urban and Industrial Mission.
During 1982–85 he studied in the Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, earning a master's degree in theology.
[2] Shanghala was married to Ndamona yaDavid yaSimon yaHaidula in 1974, with whom he has two sons.