Deputy President Paul Mashatile is fighting back against claims of corruption involving him and his family. Reports have surfaced that his son, Thabiso, and son-in-law Nceba Nokwelo are directors of a company that has registered a R37 million mansion in which Mashatile lives.
The Mansion
According to News24, the multi-million Rand house is registered on a 99-year lease under Legacy Properties, directed by Thabiso and Nonkwelo. It is also thought that Nonkwelo Investments received at least four loans from the Gauteng Partnership Fund totalling at least R30 million between 2013 and 2017, overlapping with Mashatile’s second stint as human settlements MEC.
The Loans
The report states that the loans which Nonkwelo received were earmarked to develop a property in Highlands, Johannesburg for student accommodation, but construction was allegedly never completed.
Mashatile’s Response
In an exclusive sit-down with Sathub at the OR Tambo House in Pretoria, Mashatile said he was aware of a smear campaign aimed at proving that he is not the right person for the job. He stated that there are institutions that deal with such matters and that he has declared where he lives and what he owns through lifestyle audits.
Watch the video below:
No Corruption
Mashatile laughed off suggestions that he was wealthy and that his family had unduly benefited from his previous roles in government. He denied soliciting any bribes or using his influence to broker deals during his time in Gauteng. He highlighted his long career in government and stated that he has never been accused of corruption or called to the State Capture Commission.
Determined to Serve
Mashatile said he is determined to see through the mandate he was given by those who elected him into office.