SAFTU hails media for exposing lifestyles of politicians

[File Image]: Deputy President Paul Mashatile speaking to the media.

SAFTU has hailed the media for exposing the lifestyles of politicians. The labour federation also says that if it were not for the media, what’s in the open now wouldn’t have been known.

This comes in the amidst of public concern over transparency and wealth among politicians following Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s non-declaration of a diamond gift and properties.

Mashatile has since listed two properties in Constantia in the Western Cape and Midrand in Gauteng with a combined valued of R65 million. He says the Constantia mansion is a family home.

SAFTU’s General-Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi says, “What we can do as South Africans by the way is to thank the media. Without consistent exposure not only of these massively high priced values that are now associated with the deputy president, we would have never known that he stays in such luxury. Secondly, thanks to the media again that they have been very consistent in revealing that his family has been winning tenders. The latest allegation is that his sons are winning the Gauteng health tenders.”

Meanwhile, Parliament’s Ethics Committee has fined Mashatile R10 000 after finding him guilty of failing to declare a diamond gift from businessman Louis Liebenberg, who is currently facing criminal charges.

[LISTEN] Calls to tighten lifestyle audits amid Mashatile diamond and property saga

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— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) August 3, 2025