-
ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the South African Communist Party (SACP) Special Congress
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been found guilty by Parliament’s Ethics Committee for failing to declare a diamond gift from businessman Louis Liebenberg, who is currently facing criminal charges.
The committee imposed a R10 000 fine and recommended that Mashatile be formally reprimanded in the National Assembly.
The complaint was submitted in March 2025 by Democratic Alliance (DA) Chief Whip George Michalakis after reviewing Mashatile’s confidential declarations. Mashatile initially told the committee he was awaiting a valuation of the diamond before declaring it.
He later confirmed that he had handed the gift over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The development has sparked widespread public reaction on social media, with users calling for greater transparency from public officials.
Paul Mashatile fined R10 000 by Parliament’s Ethics Committee
Mashatile is also facing scrutiny over his declaration of two properties valued at a combined R63 million. These include a R28.9 million residence in Constantia and a R34 million property in Waterfall, Midrand.
Speaking at the official opening of the Inkosi Simingaye Shopping Centre in KwaXimba near Cato Ridge, Mashatile denied any wrongdoing regarding the properties.
“People must read. That’s the first thing you must learn in life. There’s nothing in Parliament that I said I own a house. I said I live there. That house is owned by my son-in-law. So, what’s the problem?” he said.
“There is no government money in those houses. So, what are you looking for? I don’t know what are your problems. It’s a private home, it’s owned by the family,” Mashatile added.
Mashatile denies owning a R28.9 million Cape Town mansion:
