Deputy President Paul Mashatile is facing mounting troubles as allegations continue to emerge regarding his son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo, and his involvement in the purchase of a second house through one of his companies, Bilcosat.
These revelations have put Mashatile under the spotlight, with reports suggesting that he may appear before the African National Congress (ANC) integrity commission to address allegations of financial benefit from companies that received government tenders.
In a recent investigation by News24, it was discovered that Mashatile allegedly resides in a lavish seven-bedroom, R28.9 million home in the affluent suburb of Constantia, Cape Town.
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This property is owned by Nonkwelo and was purchased just three months after Mashatile moved into a R37 million home in Waterfall, Johannesburg, which was also allegedly paid for by Nonkwelo through another company.
According to News24, between March and May 2023, Nonkwelo, through his business entities, funded the purchase of properties worth a staggering R65.9 million, all for Mashatile’s ultimate benefit.
This is despite Nonkwelo reportedly owing approximately R7 million to the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) for a failed social housing project in Johannesburg.
While Mashatile’s spokesperson, Vukani Mde, denies that the deputy president is making use of the Constantia home, it is understood that a Presidential Protection Service detail is stationed outside the house at all times.
The source of Nonkwelo’s wealth remains unclear, although he and Thabiso Mashatile, one of the deputy president’s sons, have claimed to be property developers. It is also believed that Nonkwelo owns two Sasol fuel stations. However, the exact details of his financial activities are shrouded in mystery.
In addition to the property controversies, Mashatile has also been implicated in a questionable R90 million land deal. The deal involved property development company Valumax, which reportedly donated millions to the ANC.
Valumax purchased 26 pieces of land in Pienaarspoort from 18 property owners for R188.7 million and then sold it to the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements for R278.8 million on the same day. The department has confirmed the land deal with Valumax.
Further revelations suggest that Mashatile’s former girlfriend, Gugu Nkosi, who he claimed to seek refuge with in the Waterfall estate, may have played a role in these controversies.
It was discovered that Mashatile frequently stayed in multimillion-rand Cape Town mansions owned by state capture-linked tenderpreneur Edwin Sodi and businessman Ndavhe Mareda, who received substantial Eskom coal supply contracts.
During these stays, wild parties were reportedly hosted, with expensive alcohol consumed and romantic relationships pursued. These allegations and controversies surrounding Deputy President Paul Mashatile raise serious concerns about financial impropriety and potential conflicts of interest.
The accusations of benefiting from government tenders and the questionable property deals warrant a thorough investigation by the ANC Integrity Commission and other relevant authorities. The transparency and integrity of public officials are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring good governance.
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