Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s spokesperson Vukani Mde argued that Mashatile has never awarded, influenced, or in any way caused any State or public sector contract to be awarded to the individuals and companies mentioned by a ecent expose.

On Monday, an investigation by a local news publication revealed that Mashatile lives a “life of luxury, living in expensive homes owned by businessmen benefitting from State contracts”.

One of Mashatile's largest benefactors, according to the news report, is Edwin Sodi, the politically connected businessman currently on trial on charges of corruption and fraud linked to a R255-million Free State asbestos eradication tender, together with former Free State premier, Ace Magashule, who was recently expelled from the African National Congress.

Mde stated that Mashatile does not have ownership or permanent use of any properties bought by these individuals or mentioned companies.

He said the Deputy President would challenge anyone to prove otherwise. 

Mde highlighted that Mashatile had, throughout his life as an activist and public representative, met many people from different walks of life, including the individuals mentioned in the investigative news report.

“Naturally, some of the people he has interacted with throughout that long time have become close personal associates. There is nothing wrong or unusual about this, and the attempt to scandalise such associations is unfortunate,” he said.

Mashatile assured the nation that he was committed to his oath of office and the principles of the Constitution, reiterating his commitment to fight corruption and build an ethical and competent developmental State.

“In line with these commitments, the Deputy President has always conducted himself in ways that comply with the letter and spirit of the law and executive disclosure requirements throughout his career spanning nearly 30 years of service to the people of South Africa. Any allegation or insinuation that he has ever betrayed this commitment is categorically denied,” said Mde.

The Deputy President’s spokesperson added that “the most unfortunate part” of the news report, is the “gratuitous suggestion” that Mashatile is “working hard behind the scenes to ascend to the Office of President”, supposedly by some underhand means. Mde stated that this is strenuously denied. 

“The primary mandate of The Presidency is to provide support to the President and Deputy President in leading the Executive and to assist them in the coordination and supervision of government. The Presidency translates and implements the commitments of the President as outlined in the State of the Nation Address,” he said.

Mde noted that while the Deputy President denied any and all allegations of wrongdoing, the Presidency noted that the investigating news publication failed to offer any real evidence of misconduct on the part of the Deputy President, and chose to rely on innuendo, suggestion, and guilt by association.

He added that this was a regrettable approach to journalism and it had the potential to hinder rather than help the cause of accountability in public life.