The Presidency has responded to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) demand to remove Deputy President Paul Mashatile by questioning why the party has not taken its evidence to the police.
The DA had given President Cyril Ramaphosa until Wednesday to respond to their demand, threatening legal action and approaching the public protector if no action is taken. However, the Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has raised concerns about the DA’s approach.
Magwenya emphasized that if anyone has evidence of criminal wrongdoing, the appropriate course of action should be to lay criminal charges with the police. He dismissed the DA’s actions as a political gimmick, stating that using criminal charges as a threat to achieve political concessions is motivated by political motives.
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Magwenya further emphasized that evidence of wrongdoing should be tested and verified by competent authorities, rather than being handed directly to the president. The DA’s demand to remove Mashatile stems from media reports alleging that his lavish lifestyle is funded by individuals accused of corruption.
Paul Mashatile is alleged to frequently use luxury properties belonging to state capture-accused Edwin Sodi and businessman Ndavhe Mareda, who has benefited from coal contracts with Eskom.
Additionally, it has been reported that Mashatile’s son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo, has acquired opulent houses through questionable contracts with the Gauteng government. These deals were allegedly made during Mashatile’s tenure as the Human Settlements MEC in Gauteng.
Nonkwelo currently owes approximately R7 million to the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF). The DA questions why these allegations have not been investigated and criticizes President Ramaphosa for failing to take action against Mashatile.
They argue that his inaction demonstrates a lack of will to address the scandal within his government. Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that Mashatile may be asked to appear before the ANC’s integrity commission.
Magwenya also highlights that Mashatile has signed the Executive Members Code of Ethics, which includes a declaration of assets and income. Guidelines and procedures have been implemented to subject members of the executive branch and senior state officials to lifestyle audits as an additional measure to prevent corruption and capture.
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